Retailers Geared Up For 'Busiest Day'

By Tadhg Enright, Business Correspondent

As the last full shopping day before Christmas Eve, today is expected to be the busiest day of the year on high streets and in shopping centres.

The British Retail Consortium expects between £4bn and £5bn to be spent throughout this weekend.

Researchers at the credit card company, Visa, have forecast sales to peak this afternoon between 2pm and 3pm.

At Brent Cross Shopping Centre in north London, management think today could be their busiest on record and extra security and traffic staff have been deployed to help customers.

Centre manager Tom Nathan told Sky News: "Everything shows us that when Christmas is on a Tuesday and the schools only broke up yesterday that today is going to be enormous because people haven't had the chance to go and do their full Christmas shop.

"So combine that with buying the turkey - and today is the start of the big turkey run - and today is going to be a huge one I think."

But the Local Government Association said confidence on the high street remained low.

Its annual Christmas survey found that 84% of town centre managers said confidence among shoppers had either not improved or worsened compared with this time last year.

It also suggested that the particularly cold and wet start to the winter could also be taking its toll on the number of shoppers visiting town centres.

Sales at Brent Cross Shopping Centre could be the busiest yet

Normally the busiest day of the year is December 23 - the last day before Christmas Eve - but this year that falls on a Sunday when trading hours for bigger shops are restricted by law to just six hours.

Big name retailers including John Lewis, Morrisons and Marks & Spencer failed in a bid to convince the Government to relax the restrictions on Sunday trading tomorrow.

M&S has responded by opening more than 100 of its stores at 12.01am on Christmas Eve morning to help shoppers get their Christmas essentials in time.

An M&S spokesman said: "We know that the days leading up to Christmas are some of the most hectic for our customers.

"Due to Sunday trading rules, we can only open for six hours on one of the busiest days of the year.

"We hope that these early bird hours on Monday will ease the pressure and give busy shoppers a bit more time to pick up Christmas food orders or last minute presents."

Waitrose, part of John Lewis, will also extend Christmas Eve trading hours in two thirds of its supermarkets by opening an hour earlier at 7am and closing an hour later at 6pm.

Sky News visited one of its four regional distribution centres at its head office in Bracknell, Berkshire, and saw staff working to deliver twice the normal volume of food to its stores.

They will be working 24 hours a day between now and 6am on Christmas Eve to ensure Waitrose shelves remain stocked.

But management are disappointed for them and their customers that trading will be curtailed on December 23 which is usually their most important shopping day.

Waitrose supply chain director David Jones told Sky News: "If you can imagine what you'd normally take in trading over 14 hours and shrinking that into six hours, it's quite challenging as you walk around the supermarket.

"You're trying to get people through checkouts and we would have loved to have had the opportunity to trade for a longer time."

Mr Jones will be taking time out from his executive duties to man the tills in his local branch over Christmas.

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Domestic Abuse Charities May Not Cope At Xmas

By Isabel Webster, West of England Correspondent

Cuts to domestic abuse charities are "putting victims at risk" as organisations warn they are expecting more cases than ever during the festive period.

The Association of Chief Police Officers reports a much higher volume of 999 calls from women over the Christmas holiday.

Gwent Police Chief Constable Carmel Napier said: "Normal life is not going on. The children aren't at school. People aren't at work.

"The expectation of a good time adds pressure and alcohol can be an aggravating factor.

"This combination of factors seems to cause a combustion of tensions that are already there."

According to the charity Refuge, one in four women in England and Wales experience domestic abuse in their lifetime and two women a week die.

Carol, a mother-of-four from Bristol, managed to escape her abusive relationship with the help of the grassroots charity, Survive.

Over several years her partner physically and mentally abused her, sometimes in front of her young children.

"The first night anything happened he just took his belt off and started whipping me. I was so shocked as I'd never seen him violent before," Carol said.

"He hit me with his mobile phone, so hard it left an imprint on my chest. He said he was going to kill me and threatened to throw me out the window - picking me up by my throat. He said he was going to rip my head off.

"But the worst part was the mental abuse. I had to walk behind him, I was timed if I went out to pick up the kids and had to ask permission to leave the room to go to the loo.

"I thought if I just did what I was told, if I was better, I could make it right for everyone, but I was never going to win."

Survive chief exec Anna Smith says charity is under increasing pressure

Carol is now safe and rebuilding her life, but the effect on her and her children remains.

Breaking down in tears, she sobbed: "If I'd known what I know now - what a bad effect it would have on my kids I would have got out sooner.

"I tried to protect them physically but you can't protect someone mentally from what they hear, what they see."

Carol maintains that Survive is the one good thing that came out of her ordeal.

But the charity, which supports women in South Gloucestershire and Bristol, is under growing pressure.

It has seen a 76% increase in high risk cases in the last year.

Over the Christmas period it estimates it will have to turn away 15% of the women and their families who need emergency refuge.

Chief Executive Anna Smith said: "We've been cut, yet we're seeing more women and children than ever.

"I am seriously concerned about it. Vulnerable people won't necessarily be able to get access to the help that they need this Christmas."

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Weather: Heavy Rain Sparks Christmas Misery

Families preparing for Christmas have been hit by floods and travel chaos as heavy rain batters Britain.

The south west of England has been particularly badly affected by the downpours and four severe flood warnings for Devon and Cornwall are now in place.

Some residents in Helston, Cornwall, were evacuated overnight after river levels rose and the Environment Agency warned that widespread flooding was "imminent".

There are fears about the River Cober in the town with more rain expected later on Saturday, raising fears some families may not be back home for Christmas.

Cornwall Council spokeswoman Trisha Hewitt said: "There is expected to be 30mm of rainfall during a six hour period from 5pm.

"As this is falling on saturated ground, this could cause further flooding."

The River Fowey is also subject to a severe flood warning, with another two for the River Caen in Braunton, Devon.

Floods in Helston, Cornwall, led to homes being evacuated

Braunton, which is in north Devon, has already been effectively cut off after the river burst its banks.

"The public are not attempted to attempt to drive to the town as it is flooded," Devon and Cornwall Police said.

There are a further 101 flood warnings, where flooding is expected, and another 301 alerts where it is considered possible.

Much of Britain saw deluges of rain early on Saturday as millions started the holidays, with Christmas Day now looking set to be a washout.

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The water has already led to major issues on road and train networks, which will spell trouble for Britons travelling this weekend.

Conditions are so bad in the south west that First Great Western has told passengers not to travel.

Flood-hit streets in York

Flooding between Taunton and Exeter St Davids and a signalling problem are causing major disruption.

There are no trains between Plymouth and Tiverton Parkway or Taunton, and a replacement bus service is running from Exeter St Davids to Tiverton Parkway and Taunton.

Further road replacements are being organised to run between Plymouth and Exeter St Davids, but this is expected to add another 90 minutes to journey times.

First Great Western and CrossCountry services are accepting each other's passengers, National Rail said.

A major signalling problem caused by a fire yesterday that affected electrical cables and railside signalling equipment at Preston Park is also causing major disruption near Brighton.

Diversions are in place, with trains between Brighton and Gatwick airport travelling half-hourly and buses laid on for some passengers.

There are also signalling problems affecting some Cross Country and London Midland routes in and around Birmingham.

Flooding near Rhoose Cardiff International Airport is causing disruption on Arriva Trains Wales.

And there remain problems on all London Midland routes because of driver shortages that have been an issue since October.

A man wading through Braunton, Devon

Replacement bus services are also in place between Bedford and Bletchley because of a lack of crew and in Liskeard and Looe in Cornwall due to flooding.

A landslip has caused rail problems in the Glazebrook area near Warrington, affecting some First TransPennine Express services and links to Manchester.

On the roads, the A38 from Bodmin towards Exeter is currently closed because of flooding. The northbound exit slip road on the A19 in Cleveland at the junction with the A139 is also shut.

There are also delays on the A27 eastbound between B2144 and A285 near Chichester because of flooding.

Mike Williams, from the Environment Agency, said: "This is the last weekend before Christmas, so it will be particularly busy with people travelling through the region.

"We would urge people to take extra care when planning their journeys and we aware of the risk of flooding.

"Our teams have been out around the clock to minimise the risks and prepare for flooding.

"People need to keep up to date with the weather forecast and remain prepared for flooding in their area and stay away from dangerous flood water or attempting to drive through it."

Britons attempting to get to Heathrow have also been hit by changes to the Heathrow Express service, which on Friday forced thousands of passengers onto the Underground.

Rain is affecting much of the UK (Pictures: Met Office)

Trains are running normally on Saturday but are due to start later on Sunday and will then not run at all on Christmas Day and Boxing Day because of engineering work.

British Airways alone is set to handle nearly 31,000 passengers on Christmas Day as an estimated four million Britons travel abroad for the rest of the holidays.

There was some good news after two main line rail strikes that threatened to cause travel chaos over the Christmas period were called off.

But the train drivers' union Aslef is still striking on Boxing Day in a move that will hit the Underground and has already forced the cancellation of the Arsenal-West Ham United football match.

The other main train problem for the festive period is likely to be engineering work on the West Coast Line.

There are no direct services from London Euston to Milton Keynes, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool or Glasgow on December 23 and 24.

Direct services resume on December 27 but with two of the four lines closed up to and including New Year's Eve.

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A Middleton Christmas For Kate And William

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are to spend Christmas Day privately with the Middleton family, St James' Palace has announced.

Kate and William will break with tradition by not celebrating with the Queen and the rest of the royal family in Sandringham.

The decision will help the couple avoid the public eye and allow Kate to rest as she continues to battle acute morning sickness.

But it will come as a disappointment to royal fans who traditionally turn out to see the family attend church on Christmas morning.

Kate at BBC Sports Personality Of The Year

Last year, Kate and William were a huge draw as they made the walk from Sandringham up to St Mary Magdalene Church for the first time as man and wife.

Staying in Berkshire also means that the Duchess of Cambridge will be within closer reach of King Edward VII hospital in London where she was treated for hyperemesis gravidarum.

The move was made with the approval of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh and the couple will visit Sandringham at some point over the holiday.

Prince Harry will also not be at Sandringham this year because he is still serving in Afghanistan.

Kate, 30, is now believed to be close to the end of her first trimester after being forced to go public with her pregnancy early due to her illness.

She spent several days in hospital at the start of December after becoming sick during another weekend with her parents.

Since then, she has been resting at Kensington Palace in central London and cancelled all her scheduled appearances.

The Duchess did manage to recover enough to present the BBC Sports Personality Of The Year Award to Bradley Wiggins last Sunday.

And she was also seen going to the wider royal Christmas celebrations at Buckingham Palace earlier this week.

Experts have warned that she could continue to suffer with severe sickness throughout the pregnancy.

Kate was a big hit in Sandringham on Christmas Day last year

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Weather: Flooding Ahead Of Xmas Getaway

Britain has been warned it faces further flooding in some areas as more rain is set to sweep in over the next few days.

So far, southern and south western England have been the worst affected, with deluges in Devon, Cornwall and Hampshire leading to more than an inch of rain in some places.

Sky News weather presenter Nazaneen Ghaffar said: "There'll be a brief respite from the rain on Friday with drier and brighter conditions across southern parts of England, many central areas and Ireland.

"But, as we head into tonight, there are further heavy and persistent downpours across southwestern parts of England into Wales, continuing to sweep north and eastwards in Scotland.

"About 25-35mm of water is expected, which is more than an inch, and falling on already saturated ground. So localised flooding is likely.

Friday is expected to be the busiest of the festive period for travelling

"Saturday will continue to be another unsettled day with rather heavy and persistent downpours spreading northeastward across all parts of the UK and Ireland."

On Thursday, residents in Wallington, Hampshire, were advised to leave their homes because of fears that the River Wallington could burst its banks.

The weather is forecast to remain unsettled for up to seven days.

The Environment Agency has more than 200 flood alerts in place across the UK, where people should be prepared for flooding, and more than 70 flood warnings, which means flooding is expected and immediate action is required.

It comes as the great Christmas getaway is set to begin, with airports, ports and the transport network braced to cope with high demand.

Some 123,000 passengers are expected to leave through Heathrow Airport today, with thousands more heading across the English Channel by ferry or through the Channel Tunnel.

On the roads, the Highways Agency said more than 250 miles of roadworks will have been completed before Christmas.

A further 57 miles of works will be suspended between today and January 2.

But busy sections of the M4, M25 and M5 will still have works taking place.

Engineering work is also affecting a number of train lines, although strike action over the Christmas period has been called off.

VisitEngland said that as many as 12 million Britons intend to take at least one trip over the festive period, generating around £2.1bn for the economy.

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Stunt Rider Eddie Kidd: Wife's Assault Charge

The estranged wife of paralysed motorbike stunt rider Eddie Kidd has been charged with assaulting him.

Samantha Kidd is due to appear in court next month accused of assaulting the 53-year-old six times in four months.

The 44-year-old, of High Street, Seaford, allegedly beat her husband between July and October this year.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said they received a report of domestic abuse on December 11.

He said Mrs Kidd was charged after a "prompt and thorough investigation" and bailed to appear before magistrates in Brighton on January 9.

Eddie Kidd received his OBE earlier this year

She must not contact Mr Kidd or visit the area where he lives during that time.

Mr Kidd, who made more than 10,000 daredevil jumps during his career, was paralysed and suffered brain damage in a motorbike accident near Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, 16 years ago.

In 1984, aged 18, he broke a world record by jumping 190ft over 14 double-decker buses in London.

He jumped the Great Wall of China in 1993 and was challenged to a duel by Robert 'Evel' Knievel in the same year.

His stunts have also featured in a number of films, including Hanover Street, Riding High and the James Bond movie Goldeneye, in which he appeared as Pierce Brosnan's double.

Mr Kidd carried the Olympic torch through Lewes in July and was made an OBE at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace in October.

In 2011, he completed the London Marathon in 50 days, raising nearly £100,000 for the charity Children With Cancer UK.

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'Miracle Baby' Jessica Home For Christmas

By Gerard Tubb, Sky News Correspondent

A baby born with a rare combination of potentially fatal heart problems has defied the odds to be allowed home for Christmas.

Jessica Muse had open heart surgery within minutes of being born at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital in July and has spent almost all of her life on a high dependency ward.

Her parents, Claire, 31, and Dom, 29, said Jessica had had eight separate operations since then - and that each time they were told she might not survive.

"Up to six weeks, she was sedated most of the time," said Mrs Muse.

"From then on she's had a couple of little hiccups, but it's mainly been ups and she got stronger and stronger until she eventually came off the ventilator at 20 weeks old."

Jessica was diagnosed in the womb at 20 weeks with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a collection of problems with one half of the heart that are fatal unless operated on.

But later doctors discovered she also had a much rarer problem at the top of her heart, which meant major surgery was required as soon as she was born.

Jessica was delivered in one operating theatre as a cardiac team waited in the theatre next door to operate on her heart, which was the size of a walnut.

Consultant paediatric cardiologist Dr Milind Chaudhari said the Freeman is one of only three hospitals in the country capable of providing the multidisciplinary care needed by a baby with such complicated heart problems.

Dr Chaudhari described Jessica's treatment as "a massive effort" involving obstetricians, cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, intensivists, respiratory physicians and gastro-enterologists.

"Jessica was born with a very serious form of hypoplastic left heart syndrome, with intact atrial septum," he said.

"She's a bright, alert infant now and she's gaining weight. She still needs a second and third stage operation, but she's on course for that, which is great."

Jessica will return to hospital for her next operation in January, and although her parents know her heart will never work properly, they are delighted to have her home for a family Christmas.

It is no surprise the couple describe Jessica as their "Christmas miracle".

Gazing down at his daughter, Mr Muse said: "It's amazing to have her home, the time we've been through over the past five or six months, it's been unbelievable.

"We've been living at the Freeman Hospital for five months now, so that's basically become our home. It's just nice to get back to some normality and spend Christmas with my family."

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Derek Keilloh Struck Off Over Iraqi's Death

Former Army doctor Derek Keilloh is struck off the medical register for misconduct over the death of Iraqi detainee Baha Mousa.

More follows...

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Flood Fears Rise Ahead Of A Soggy Christmas

Flooding is set to hit Britain as successive bands of heavy rain move across the country ahead of a damp Christmas.

Most of England, Wales and Scotland is expected to be wet today with heavy rain in some places.

Snow is also likely over the Scottish mountains, especially on southeast-facing slopes of the Grampians where blizzard conditions are possible.

The Environment Agency (EA) said large swathes of southern and southwestern England, southeast Wales and the Midlands are potentially under threat today, with flood warnings likely in parts of the South West, the South East and East Anglia.

Some 25mm to 35mm fell overnight in parts of the South West.

Wind caused heavy waves to crash near the lighthouse at Seaham

Sky News weather presenter Isabel Lang said: "Although it will ease during the day in the South West, there will be persistent rain elsewhere.

"Amounts of rain will vary but a further 25 to 50mm is forecast today which will continue to raise flooding concerns.

"Driving conditions will also be difficult in places with standing water and localised flooding already reported."

Although Friday will largely be dry in the South West, the next band of rain is set to move in by the evening and brings renewed flood risks.

Lang said: "The next band coming through is very moist and warm air. There is the potential for major disruption.

"After a white Christmas in 2010 and an unseasonably warm 2011, we may have a wet 2012 Christmas."

Areas of England and Wales were last month engulfed by flood water that surged through streets and down roads.

Rivers burst their banks and fields were flooded as several days' rain fell in just a few hours.

EA flood risk manager Craig Woolhouse said: "Our teams are out around the clock to minimise the risks and prepare for flooding, clearing drainage channels and ensuring that flood defences are working properly.

Flooding last month in Old Malton, North Yorkshire

People have been advised to check their route for disruption before travelling, and not to drive or walk through floodwater.

The EA now offers a free flood warning service on its website.

Mr Woolhouse said: "We urge people to keep up to date with the weather forecast and local news overnight and remain prepared for flooding in their area by signing up to receive free flood warnings and staying away from dangerous flood water."

:: Information is available on the Environment Agency website or by calling the EA Flood Line on 0845 988 1188.

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Ryanair: Airline Bottom Of Which? Survey

Ryanair is the least popular short-haul airline, according to a survey that gave the carrier its lowest approval rating ever.

The Irish firm received an overall satisfaction score of just 34% in a table put together by consumer magazine Which? from its members' votes.

It was 16th and last in the table, which was compiled from views of passengers on a home-bound flight in the 12 months to October.

On Ryanair, Which? said: "We were inundated with comments about Ryanair - many about its extra charges.

"This partly accounts for the paltry one-star ratings for baggage allowance, boarding arrangements, seat allocation, and food and drinks."

Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary is known for his controversial comments

Which? said it was the first time Ryanair had been at the bottom of its survey, adding its customer score was the airline's worst to date.

The most popular short-haul airline was Swiss, with an overall score of 82% and a maximum five-star score on a number of the rating categories.

These included check-in process, baggage allowance, seating allocation and airline staff.

Second in the table was Turkish Airlines with a score of 78%, with German carrier Lufthansa third, Aer Lingus fourth and KLM fifth.

Only airlines which received at least 30 responses were considered.

Swiss' results were based on 59 responses, Turkish Airlines on 38, Lufthansa 74 and Aer Lingus 65.

Ryanair's results were based on 563 responses. In 15th place was Thomas Cook Airlines with a score of 36%, with Thomson Airways 14th on 45% and Monarch 13th with 47%.

Swiss' customers spoke of the staff's "politeness and great service", while Turkish Airlines was the only carrier to get more than three stars in the food and drink category.

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Cancer Boy's Mum Continues Radiotherapy Fight

A mother who has refused to let her seven-year-old son have radiotherapy treatment following surgery for a brain tumour has returned to the High Court.

Sally Roberts, 37, says she fears that radiotherapy will cause her son, Neon, long-term harm.

Doctors have said Neon could die within months if he does not receive the treatment.

The boy's father Ben, who is separated from Ms Roberts, agreed to the radiotherapy but was said to be "apprehensive".

On Tuesday, a High Court judge ruled the child could have further surgery to remove a "residual tumour" against Ms Roberts' wishes.

Ms Roberts, who comes from New Zealand but lives in Brighton, wanted the operation delayed until more doctors had been consulted.

But specialists treating Neon said follow-up surgery needed to be carried out urgently and Mr Justice Bodey said the operation should go ahead.

Neon had the seven-hour procedure on Wednesday and the court was told it had gone "well".

The judge is today expected to hear more argument about the pros and cons of radiotherapy at a hearing in London.

Ms Roberts is seeking an adjournment until the new year.

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Plebgate: Second Arrest Over Mitchell Row

Scotland Yard have arrested a second man in connection with their inquiry into the Andrew Mitchell "plebgate" row.

The 23-year-old was held on suspicion of intentionally encouraging or assisting the commission of an indictable offence on or around December 14.

He is not a police officer nor a member of police staff but the arrest relates to claims by an officer to have witnessed the clash in Downing Street, Scotland Yard said.

He was arrested on Wednesday night and questioned at a London police station before being released on bail to return in January.

The move comes after a serving police officer was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office in connection with the affair.

December 14 was the day after police received fresh information about the argument, on September 19, and one day before the officer was arrested.

The Met Police now have 30 officers working on an investigation into the row after widening their probe when new revelations emerged.

Scotland Yard now have 30 officers working on the case

Mr Mitchell was forced to quit as Tory chief whip over the clash but insists he was the victim of a "stitch-up" and is pushing for a full inquiry.

Allegations that an officer posed as a member of the public and falsely claimed to have witnessed the argument are now being looked at by police.

They are also examining the possibility of a "conspiracy" to smear Mr Mitchell as part of a "large scale and complex investigation".

And CCTV footage which appeared to conflict with the official police log of the altercation, which was leaked to the press, is being scrutinised.

Prime Minister David Cameron has described allegations that an officer tried to "blacken the name of a Cabinet minister" as a "very serious issue".

The officer allegedly wrote an email to his local MP, Conservative John Randall, posing as a member of the public and accusing Mr Mitchell of calling police "plebs".

The account in the email, which was written the day before the story first appeared in the press, was very similar to the police log which was also later leaked.

Littered with grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, capital letters and malapropisms, it was passed to Downing Street on September 25.

According to Channel 4 News, the writer claimed he had been walking past with his nephew and recognised Mr Mitchell.

"Imagine our horror when we heard MR MITCHELL shout very loudly at the police officers guarding YOU [expletive blacked out] PLEBES!! and "YOU THINK YOU RUN THE [expletive blacked out] COUNTRY" and just continued to shout obscenities at the poor police officers," he wrote.

Mr Mitchell has admitted swearing at police but insists he never said the word "plebs" - a word that was seized on by Labour and the Police Federation.

The email allegedly helped fuel the row and keep up the momentum that eventually forced the MP to stand down several weeks later.

At the time, Cabinet Secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood compared the email's claims to the CCTV footage. He decided they were not "reliable" but did not look at the police log.

There is speculation Mr Mitchell could be restored to the frontbench, depending on the results of the police investigation.

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Newsnight Savile Report: Inquiry Findings Due

The findings of an inquiry into Newsnight's shelving of a report into sexual abuse by Jimmy Savile are due to be published.

Top BBC executives and journalists on the flagship current affairs show have given evidence, some under questioning from a QC, into why a planned news report on the DJ did not go ahead.

It has been claimed the show was axed because it clashed with planned tributes to Savile - who died in 2011 - an allegation the BBC has repeatedly denied.

Witnesses including director of news Helen Boaden, Newsnight editor Peter Rippon and former director-general Mark Thompson are reported to have been questioned for the review, which is overseen by ex-Sky News head Nick Pollard.

Mr Rippon stepped aside from his role after the BBC said his explanation of why the show dropped its investigation into the late DJ and TV presenter was "inaccurate or incomplete in some respects" and corrected his statement.

George Entwistle stepped down as director general in November

The publication of the review - accompanied by a separate report by Ken MacQuarrie into how Newsnight reported an incorrect story implicating Lord McAlpine in child abuse allegations - caps an end to a bad year for the BBC.

The corporation managed to shake off criticism over how it covered the Diamond Jubilee and was widely praised for its coverage of the Olympics and Paralympics.

But it has paid out £185,000 in damages to Lord McAlpine this week and lost two director generals in the space of less than two months.

George Entwistle, who was head of BBC television at the time the investigation was dropped, took the top job in September, only to resign after little more than 50 days in charge as the Savile scandal developed.

Another review led by Dame Janet Smith, looking at the culture and practices of the BBC during the years in which Savile worked there, is expected next year.

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Sandy Hook: British Boy's Parents Speak Of Grief

The British parents of a six-year-old boy killed in the Sandy Hook shootings have said they will never regret moving to Connecticut.

Dylan Hockley was one of 20 children and six adults shot dead by gunman Adam Lanza in America's worst school shooting.

He was born in Hampshire to a British father and American mother, Ian and Nicole Hockley, and the family moved to Newtown two years ago.

In a statement released through the British Foreign Office, Dylan's family gave their thanks to the emergency services and first responders who helped on Friday.

"It was an impossible day for us, but even in our grief we cannot comprehend what other people may have experienced," they said.

The couple, who have an older son called Jake, said they had specifically chosen the Sandy Hook area to move to because of its close community and Sandy Hook Elementary School, where the massacre took place.

"Sandy Hook and Newtown have warmly welcomed us since we moved here two years ago from England. We do not and shall never regret this choice. Our boys have flourished here and our family's happiness has been limitless."

They praised the staff at the school including head teacher Dawn Hochsprung, who was killed as she confronted Lanza as he entered the school, and teacher Vicki Soto, who was hailed a hero as she tried to protect her pupils by hiding them in cupboards.

"Though our hearts break for Dylan, they are also filled with love for these and the other beautiful women who all selflessly died trying to save our children."

The statement reads: "Everyone who met Dylan fell in love with him.  His beaming smile would light up any room and his laugh was the sweetest music. He loved to cuddle, play tag every morning at the bus stop with our neighbours, bounce on the trampoline, play computer games, watch movies, the colour purple, seeing the moon and eating his favourite foods, especially chocolate.

"He was learning to read and was so proud when he read us a new book every day. He adored his big brother Jake, his best friend and role model. 

"There are no words that can express our feeling of loss. We will always be a family of four, as though Dylan is no longer physically with us, he is forever in our hearts and minds. We love you Mister D, our special gorgeous angel."

President Barack Obama is expected to appoint Vice President Joe Biden to head a government panel to formulate a response to gun violence in the wake of the Newtown school massacre.

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Traveller Family Jailed Over Forced Labour

Five members of a traveller family have been jailed for a total of 18 years after being found guilty of forcing vulnerable men to work for them.

The Connors family enjoyed top-of-the-range cars and expensive holidays. But to live the high life, they picked up men - often homeless drifters or addicts - to work for them as labourers.

The victims lived in squalid caravans on traveller sites as they moved around the country working on the Connors' paving and patio businesses.

Some were also ordered to perform humiliating tasks, such as emptying the buckets used as toilets by their bosses.

James and Miles Connors

William Connors, 52, was jailed for six and a half years and his wife Mary, 48, received a sentence of two years and three months.

The couple's son, John, 29, was jailed for four years. Their other son James, 20, got three years detention in a young offender institution. Son-in-law Miles Connors, 24, received a three year prison sentence.

They were all convicted last week at Bristol Crown Court of conspiracy to require a person to perform forced or compulsory labour between April 2010 and March 2011 following a three-month trial.

Some of the men - called "dossers" by the Connors - had worked for the family for nearly two decades.

Many were beaten, hit with broom handles, belts, a rake and shovel, and punched and kicked by the Connors.

John Connors

The men were paid as little as £5 for a day's hard labour on jobs which would earn the family several thousands pounds.

They were given so little food that they resorted to scavenging from rubbish bins at supermarkets.

In contrast, the Connors lived in large and well-appointed caravans fitted with luxury kitchens and flat-screen televisions.

William and Mary, known as Billy and Brida, enjoyed exotic holidays, including Dubai and a 10-day cruise around the Caribbean on the Cunard flagship liner Queen Mary 2.

The family also spent the spoils of their enterprise on breaks to Tenerife and Cancun in Mexico.

As well as holidays, they drove around in top-of-the-range cars, including a silver A-Class Mercedes saloon, a Rolls-Royce, a red Mini convertible, a Toyota Hilux pick-up, a Ford Ranger and a Mercedes van, and had built up a mounting property portfolio potentially now worth millions of pounds.

Passing sentence, Judge Longman said: "What each of the workers had in common was that, when they first met the Connors, they were unemployed and addicted to alcohol.

"Most were homeless, relying on hostels or night shelters at best for their accommodation. Some suffered from mental health difficulties.

"All were vulnerable in some way and it was this vulnerability which was exploited by the defendants for their own commercial gain."

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Savile Abuse Inquiry: Man In His 70s Arrested

Detectives investigating the Jimmy Savile sex abuse scandal have arrested a man from London in his 70s.

The suspect was arrested at around 6.30am on suspicion of sexual offences and has been taken into custody at a south London police station.

He was arrested as part of Operation Yewtree, the investigation into allegations of sexual abuse surrounding Savile and others.

The probe has three strands - claims against Savile, those against Savile and others, and those against others.

Scotland Yard said the latest arrest falls under the strand of the investigation termed "Savile and others".

The man is the eighth person to be arrested by Operation Yewtree detectives.

Other high-profile names arrested in connection with the investigation - set up in the wake of the Savile abuse scandal - include former pop star Gary Glitter, comedian Freddie Starr and publicist Max Clifford.

On Monday, Starr and Clifford were re-bailed to dates in February and March pending further enquiries.

Glitter, whose real name is Paul Gadd, and a man in his 70s, reported to be former television producer Wilfred De'Ath, were previously re-bailed to dates in February.

Last week police said a total of 31 allegations of rape have been made against Savile so far.

Some 589 people have come forward with information relating to the scandal, with a total of 450 complaints against the BBC presenter and DJ himself, mainly alleging sexual abuse, Scotland Yard said.

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East Coast Mainline Hit By Severe Delays

Trains have resumed some service on the East Coast Main Line after overhead wire problems caused chaos for travellers.

East Coast said a half-hourly service was now operating from London King's Cross and other services would "progressively resume throughout the day".

The company had initially hoped that a problem with overhead wiring between Stevenage and Hitchin would be sorted by 7am today.

But another incident on the line early this morning closed all four lines through Hitchin, causing mass cancellations and delays.

Services into and out of Kings Cross were stopped after the damage on the line that links London with Edinburgh.

It meant that East Coast, Grand Central and First Hull Trains were forced to start and terminate at Peterborough.

First Capital Connect have been running shuttle train services between Letchworth Garden City and Cambridge, Biggleswade and Peterborough, and Welwyn Garden City and London Kings Cross.

Replacement buses between Stevenage and Luton and Hertford North, and between Letchworth and Biggleswade and Welwyn Garden City.

"We apologise to passengers for the continued disruption to East Coast services this morning," East Coast said.

"Trains are now starting to move again through the affected area near Hitchin. A half-hourly East Coast service is now operating from London King's Cross and we expect services to progressively resume throughout the day.

"Earlier this morning, another train operator's service joining the main line at Hitchin was involved in an incident which led to reports of new overhead power line damage, following damage yesterday afternoon.

"Network Rail - which is responsible for track, signals and overhead lines - tell us that further damage to the overhead power lines was found at just before 07.00 this morning.

"In the meantime we have made arrangements for passengers to travel via alternative routes. Road replacement services are operating between Peterborough and Bedford; and we have been operating a shuttle service between Peterborough and Cambridge using a diesel train.

"All ticket restrictions have been lifted and East Coast tickets are being accepted by other operators on alternative routes."

East Coast advised passengers to turn to Twitter for more information about the disruption, as well as answers to any queries you may have by using hashtag #Hitchin.

Passengers stuck on their way into London used the service to air their frustrations.

‏@phildoug wrote: "#hitchen all lines 4 lines into London closed on EC train stuck at St Neots, they may turn it round!"

While ‏@noelmc66 said: "Travelling on #eastcoast today? Forget it. Peterborough Stn resembling a (well dressed) refugee camp #chaos."

Another, @JRE111S, wrote: "Dear Santa - this year could I have some new overhead cables for the #Hitchin line? some boys on your naughty list seem to have stolen them!"

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Hospital Surgery At Weekends Under NHS Plans

By Becky Johnson, Sky Correspondent

Routine operations, scans and consultations could be set to take place on weekends under new proposed changes to the NHS.

The plans are part of a series of measures being discussed by the new NHS Commissioning Board which will take over day-to-day control of the health service from April 2013.

A spokeswoman said: "We are looking at options to provide a greater seven-days-a-week service."

The plans are designed with convenience for patients in mind.

Quality of care and patient safety are also factors behind the proposals after research carried out by University College London earlier this year found patients admitted on a Sunday are 16% more likely to die than those admitted midweek.

The Alexandra Avenue Clinic in London is already open seven days a week.

Dr David Lloyd told Sky News: "It means patients don't have to go two days without seeing a doctor and it means acutely ill patients can be seen in a setting that isn't a hospital and hopefully we can prevent a log-jam in A&E.

"It's one of the adages of the world in hospitals that you admit for seven days a week, and yet everything grinds to a halt at the weekends.

"In fact if you work a seven-day week it means that you can get all the tests done much more quickly, it means that patients have to spend less time in hospital, so in fact you might be able to save some resources."

Patients at the clinic told Sky News it would be more convenient if they could also book hospital appointments on Saturdays and Sundays too.

One said: "I don't want the doctors to work too long hours because that would mean our care is in jeopardy.

"Maybe they could hire more people, in that way it could be good."

Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians, said: "For some years we have known, particularly with evidence from North America, that the care of patients at weekends seems to lead to a greater death rate.

"They need all the services, there's some quite good evidence that for instance X-rays and other procedures are not done as frequently at the weekends as in weekdays.

"It may well be the lack or delay to those screening procedures at the weekend is the thing that causes the slight increase in the mortality of patients admitted at the weekend."

NHS bosses are in discussion with doctors about how the changes would affect the way they work.

It is thought no doctor would be forced to work at weekends so incentives may need to be agreed to make weekend working attractive.

The NHS Commissioning Board will oversee expenditure of England's £95.6bn NHS budget from April next year.

It has also allocated £64.7bn for 211 local clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), which are led by GPs and will take responsibility for local secondary, community and mental healthcare services.

The NHS Commissioning Board will monitor standards. It has said any referral to treatment wait of more than 52 weeks should attract financial penalties and indicated there should be zero tolerance of MRSA.

Sir David Nicholson, the NHS Commissioning Board's chief executive, said: "The NHS can be justly proud of its achievements. 

"People wait less, they are diagnosed and referred quicker and our hospitals have fewer infections. But everyone in the NHS knows we must continue to improve. 

"We want to make the NHS the best customer service in the world by doing more to put patients in the driving seat."

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Olympic Sports Await Rio Funding Decisions

Britain's Olympic and Paralympic sports are waiting to hear how much money they will get to help them prepare for the Rio de Janeiro Games in 2016.

UK Sport will reveal the critical four-year programme this afternoon with those sports which disappointed at London 2012 facing a cut in their budgets.

Swimming failed to meet its target and there are fears its funding could be slashed under UK Sport's policy of rewarding success.

By contrast cycling, rowing, athletics, judo and canoeing are expecting a financial boost after surpassing their medal and performance targets.

The Government has already announced overall funding for elite sport will be maintained at pre-London levels. Today's announcement is about how the money is to be divided up.

Rebecca Adlington won two of swimming's three medals at London 2012

Swimming only won three medals at the London Olympics after UK Sport set a target of five to seven.

The sport has already had three years of funding withheld until it can prove its new blueprint to get more people in the pool is working.

Tennis has also had funding frozen until it improves its plan to boost participation.

Sport England chief executive Jennie Price said: "Tennis has not performed well in terms of participation and is broadly flat, although it got a bit of bounce in the latest figures.

"Their plan simply wasn't strong enough to justify the four-year investment."

Despite Andy Murray's success this year UK Sport is unhappy with tennis

Other sports such as cycling, netball and triathlon have enjoyed general funding rises of more than 30%. All of the Paralympic sports have also seen their grants increase.

Pete Eriksson, head coach of UK Athletics' Olympic programme, told Sky News he was confident of getting the amount they need to maintain and build on their past success.

"It's a numbers game," he said. "The more people that come in to the sport the more chances we have of finding the talented athletes that can perform in the future, and with the coaches we have I am convinced that we will.

"I think it's depending on how UK Sport have seen what we've done this year and their belief in the new structure and the new centre that we have. So I think it's all depending on the future rather than the past.

Mo Farah's two golds in London helped UK Athletics keep its head high

"I think that we will get the funding decision and I'm not too worried that there's going to be less funding to the national team levels compared to what there has been before. I think we'll be fine."

Kenny Barton, world class performance manager at British Volleyball, says UK Sport should not only base its decisions on whether targets have been met but also take a long-term view.

He told Sky News: "It takes a long time to build a team sport. The progress that our teams have made leading up to the Olympic Games this summer has been nothing short of staggering.

"I think we deserve to keep on that path. I understand the rationale behind the system is about medals. We can't guarantee a medal in Rio, but I would hope we could get a medal four years later."

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Jamie And Nigella Roasted In Nutrition Study

Recipes by TV chefs including Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson are often "less healthy" than ready meals and their programmes should be subjected to a 9pm watershed, a study says.

It found that meals randomly selected from their books contained "significantly more" fat and saturated fat and less fibre per portion than supermarket ready meals.

Neither the ready meals nor the recipes complied with all of the nutritional recommendations from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The research was carried out by a team from NHS Tees and Newcastle University, which based it on the top five TV chef recipe books on amazon.com in December 2010.

These were 30 Minute Meals and Ministry Of Food by Jamie Oliver, Baking Made Easy by Lorraine Pascale, Nigella Lawson's Kitchen and River Cottage Everyday by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

They compared the nutritional content of 100 recipes randomly selected from the books to 100 own-brand ready meals from Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's.

Nigella Lawson has a huge following

The study, published in the Christmas edition of the British Medical Journal on bmj.com, found that no recipe or ready meal met all of the WHO nutrient intake goals for preventing diet-related diseases.

The TV chef's recipes were also more likely to achieve red traffic light labels than the ready meals.

"Meals based on television chef recipes were less healthy than ready meals," the authors wrote.

"Significantly fewer were within the recommended ranges for fibre density and percentage of energy derived from carbohydrate and fat, and per portion they contained significantly more energy, protein, fat and saturated fat, and significantly less fibre.

"The recipes were also more likely to achieve red traffic light labels according to the criteria of the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA).

"Despite reported efforts from industry to reduce the salt content of meals, only 4% of the ready meals met the WHO recommendation."

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall is highly respected

The authors suggest that TV chefs who create unhealthy meals should be subjected to a 9pm watershed.

They also state that recipe books should contain more nutritional guidance, such as those portrayed on the front of many food products.

A spokesman for Jamie Oliver said: "We welcome any research which raises debate on these issues and in fact Jamie's most recent book, 15 Minute Meals, does contain calorie content and nutritional information per serving for every dish.

"We will soon also be re-launching the Jamie Oliver website with nutritional information on the recipes. However, we would regard the key issue to be food education so that people are aware of which foods are for every day and which are treats to be enjoyed occasionally."

A spokesman for Tesco said: "We have been cutting levels of salt, sugar and saturated fat across our ranges since 2005 and none of our own-brand products contain artificial trans fats or artificial colours or flavours."

A Sainsbury's spokeswoman added: "We continue to reduce salt, saturated fat, fat and sugar in our own-brand products and take the lead on providing clear nutritional information, enabling our customers to make informed choices."

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Jacintha Saldanha: Nurse's Funeral In India

Family and friends of the nurse who was found dead after taking a hoax call to the hospital treating the Duchess of Cambridge have gathered for her funeral in a small town in India.

Mother-of-two Jacintha Saldanha, 46, was found hanged in her living quarters at London's King Edward VII's Hospital on December 7.

Indian-born Ms Saldanha is due to be buried at a cemetery in Shirva, near Mangalore, after the funeral in the Catholic parish church.

The funeral will take place at Our Lady of Health Church

Ms Saldanha's husband Benedict Barboza and their two children Junal and Lisha arrived in India on Sunday with her body, having flown from London after a memorial mass in Westminster Cathedral on Saturday.

After prayers at her mother-in-law's house, the coffin was taken to Our Lady of Health Church for people to pay their respects.

Shirva is her husband's home town. Several of Ms Saldanha's relatives, including her frail mother, live in Mangalore. Ms Saldanha moved to Britain about 12 years ago with her husband.

Ms Saldanha's coffin arrives in Mangalore

Following Saturday's service, her family paid an emotional tribute to a "kind-hearted, generous and well-respected woman".

Mr Barboza said: "My wife, you were the light in my darkness, who always showed me the way forward.

"From the day we met, you always stood by me in times of hardship and happiness. I feel a part of me has been ripped out."

Ms Saldanha's 14-year-old daughter said: "We will miss your laughter, the loving memories and the good times we had together. The house is an empty dwelling without your presence.

Ms Saldanha's family paid an emotional tribute to her

"We are shattered and there's an unfillable void in our lives."

Her son, 16, said: "Our mother, kind hearted, generous and a well-respected woman in both of our lives. You were the core of the family who kept us together."

Standing outside Westminster Cathedral alongside their local MP Charlotte Leslie and her fellow MP Keith Vaz, who has been campaigning on behalf of the family, Mr Barboza said they "could not have foreseen the unprecedented tragedy that has unfolded in our lives".

A candle-lit vigil for Mrs Saldhana in Mangalore at the weekend

Memorial services have already been held at the hospital where Ms Saldanha worked and in Bristol where her husband and children live.

Three days before Ms Saldanha died she had transferred a phone call from two Australian DJs, believing they were the Queen and Prince of Wales, to a nursing colleague who described in detail the condition of the Duchess during her hospital stay for severe morning sickness.

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Clegg: 'Rich Pensioners May Lose Benefits'

Nick Clegg has called for wealthy pensioners to lose free bus passes and the winter fuel allowance as he tries to revive his party's fortunes.

The Deputy Prime Minister, in a major speech on the welfare state, insisted the Government has an "absolute duty" to ensure the system is fair to all.

He said this means not paying out to "people who do not need it" and "looking again at universal benefits paid to the wealthiest pensioners".

Such a move would lead to means-testing for the winter fuel allowance, free bus travel, prescriptions and television licences.

David Cameron has committed to keeping universal benefits in place until 2015 but many Tories are keen for reform.

Mr Clegg admitted the benefits shake-up had been "painful and controversial" at times but he claimed the Lib Dems had ensured it was firmly anchored in the political centre ground.

"When two thirds of people think the benefits system is too generous and discourages work then it has to be changed, or we risk a total collapse in public support for welfare existing at all," he told the Centre Forum think tank.

"We need welfare protection for people who fall on hard times. Of course. But you cannot ask low income working people to pay through their taxes for people who aren't in work to live more comfortably than they do."

Mr Clegg sought to put distance between the Lib Dems and the Tories by pointing out that he blocked bids to cut housing benefit for the under 25s and to only pay child benefit for the first two children in a family.

The speech, to the Centre Forum think tank, comes on the eve of his fifth anniversary as Lib Dem leader and as the party battles a major slump in support.

Mr Clegg's speech comes after polls put the Lib Dems in fourth place

He is under intense pressure as further polls show his party has been pushed into fourth place behind the UK Independence Party (Ukip). One poll had Ukip on 14%, ahead of the Lib Dems on just 8%.

Deputy leader Simon Hughes has admitted that "there is a little bit of chatter" about the leadership because of the dismal poll ratings.

Meanwhile, Mr Clegg's former director of strategy Richard Reeves has revealed the leader is attempting to win back votes by setting out the Lib Dem position well before coalition announcements are made.

In an attempt to turn the tide before local elections next May, Mr Clegg apparently wants to show the "inner workings of government" but this will inevitably strain the partnership.

Mr Reeves, writing in The Guardian, suggests the coalition could collapse before 2015 if the tactic fails.

"2013 is the year the Liberal Democrat strategy - deliver, then differentiate - will be tested," he said.

"A more assertive stance in act two of coalition should mean greater support and more votes. If not, the curtain will probably fall on the coalition before 2015."

Mr Clegg conceded that governing in difficult times had meant the party acquiring a "harder edge" but said the alternative was "a retreat to the comfort and relative irrelevance of opposition".

In his address, he suggested many Conservatives believe everyone out of work is "a scrounger" - a jibe at Chancellor George Osborne who said Government should support "strivers" not "shirkers".

"The siren voices of the Tory right who peddle this myth could have pulled a majority Conservative government in the direction of draconian welfare cuts," he said.

He declared that the Tories wanted to implement an extra £10bn in welfare cuts but were kept down to £3.8bn by the Lib Dems, branding some of the earlier plans "extreme".

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Hampshire Kidnap: Two Arrests Over Abduction

Two men have been arrested in connection with a "terrifying" robbery in which a woman was kidnapped at gunpoint and driven around in her own car.

A pensioner couple were approached by a man last Friday morning outside their home in Rookes Lane, Lymington, Hampshire, before being threatened with a gun.

The man, aged in his 70s, suffered a minor head injury as he confronted the robber.

But the woman, who is in her 60s, was then forced to go with the robber as he stole the couple's car and drove her around the Lymington area, making more demands for money.

He returned to the house around 15 minutes later with the woman, who was released unharmed, before he drove off again in the car which he then abandoned.

A total of £100 in cash was stolen.

A 48-year-old man from Lymington was arrested on suspicion of robbery and aggravated burglary and then released on bail until January 11.

A 44-year-old man from New Milton was arrested on suspicion of robbery last night and remains in police custody.

New Forest district commander Chief Inspector Tony Rowlinson said: "I would like to thank members of the public for their response to our appeals.

"Information received over the weekend gave detectives new leads which had to be followed sensitively as well as swiftly."

He had previously said: "This was a shocking crime committed against a couple who were subjected to an unprovoked, terrifying attack in their own home and car."

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Queen To Attend Cabinet Meeting At Number 10

The Queen is to become the first monarch since Queen Victoria to attend a Cabinet meeting in Downing Street.

Number 10 has revealed that Queen Elizabeth II will observe the ministers' meeting on Tuesday morning.

Queen Victoria was the last monarch at Cabinet

It is expected that she will sit next to Prime Minister David Cameron for the summit, which is the last before the Christmas break.

But it may be that she does not stay for the whole session - likely to last around 90 minutes.

It is also understood that Prince Philip will not accompany her.

Mr Cameron announced the unusual move on Twitter, writing: "The Queen will visit Downing Street tomorrow.

"She will be presented with a gift to mark her Diamond Jubilee and attend Cabinet as an observer."

Downing Street refused to give any details about the gift the Queen will receive during what it described as a "long-planned" visit.

But a spokesman said: "I think she will sit round the table and I think she will sit alongside the Prime Minister."

Energy Secretary Ed Davey told Sky News: "It is a great honour that she is attending Cabinet in her Diamond Jubilee year.

"It has been a very exciting year. Ministers will be excited but minding their Ps and Q's even more than normal."

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Royal Prank Call Nurse's Family 'Shattered'

The children of the nurse found dead days after taking a prank call say they are "shattered" by their loss.

Jacintha Saldanha was discovered in a nurses' accommodation block close to King Edward VII's Hospital, London, where the Duchess of Cambridge was treated for severe morning sickness.

The 46-year-old answered a phone call from Australian radio presenters Michael Christian and Mel Greig, who pretended to be Prince Charles and the Queen and asked for an update on the duchess's health.

Jacintha Saldanha worked at the hospital where Kate was treated

A service for Ms Saldanha, a mother-of-two, was held at Westminster Cathedral on Saturday.

Outside, her daughter Lisha said: "We will miss your laughter, the loving memories and the good times we had together.

"We are shattered and there is an unfillable void in our lives.

"We love you mum. Sleep in peace and please watch over us until we meet again in heaven."

Benedict Barboza read a tribute to his wife, Jacintha Saldanha

Ms Saldanha's husband Benedict Barboza said his wife was "the light of my darkness who always showed me the way forward".

"From the day we met, you always stood by me, in times of hardship and happiness," he said.

"Nineteen years of togetherness, with a strong bond of affection and understanding, will be cherished forever in my life."

Mr Barboza's son Junal added: "In times of difficulty, you showed us the way forward to happiness and success."

On Friday, John Lofthouse, chief executive of King Edward VII's Hospital, said staff had stood by Ms Saldanha and insisted the nurse was the "victim of a cruel trick".

Writing in reply to a letter sent by Keith Vaz MP, Mr Lofthouse said: "Jacintha believed that the call was genuine, and she felt it appropriate to put the call through. We stand by her judgement.

Australian DJs Michael Christian and Mel Greig made the prank phone call

"Jacintha was reassured on a number of occasions by senior management that no blame was attached to her actions and that there were no disciplinary issues involved, because she had been the victim of a cruel trick."

Ms Saldanha's funeral will be held at a church in India on Monday.

An inquest into her death, which opened on Thursday, heard Ms Saldanha had hanged herself. She left two notes in her room and another among her personal possessions.

A provisional date of March 26 has been set for the next inquest hearing.

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Paralympian Aims To Turn Convention On Its Head

By James Matthews, Scotland Correspondent

A British Paralympic judo player aims to be the first in his sport to switch to able-bodied competition.

Sam Ingram will claim a world first in judo if he can follow the trail, blazed by Oscar Pistorius and others, in making the transition from disabled to non-disabled sporting competition.

The partially-sighted judoka won a silver medal at this year's London Paralympics and a bronze in Beijing 2008.  He now intends to fight for Scotland at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games against non-disabled athletes.

The 27-year-old is originally from Coventry but has settled in Edinburgh, where he trains with Scotland's elite judo players.

Sam told Sky News: "If I was selected for Glasgow, I'd prove to myself that all the hard work's paying off. I think I'd prove to other people that just because you have a disability, it doesn't mean that you've got to be pigeon-holed or limited; you can break through.

"People who have been told they'll never walk again have confounded the predictions - it is possible.

The Paralympian intends to take part in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games

"For people with visual impairment, if you can cope with the guys who can see perfectly well, there's no reason why you shouldn't compete against them. I might have a slight disadvantage but, hopefully, I've got other advantages. If I make it to Glasgow, and it goes well, you never what's going to happen - maybe the Olympics in Rio after that."

The main difference between Paralympic and non-disabled judo comes at the start of a fight. When visually-impaired judo players begin a contest they are already gripped onto each other's jacket. In a non-disabled fight, they begin apart and the early exchanges are usually taken up with trying to secure a grip on the opponent.

"In Olympic-style judo," says Sam, when you begin grip-fighting, you have got to see where your opponent is and that's why it's a little bit difficult for people with visual impairment," Sam said.

Although Sam would be the first in judo to take the step from disabled to non-disabled competition, he wouldn't be the first British athlete to do so. Swimmer and cyclist Sarah Storey and archer Danielle Brown have previously competed for Great Britain in Paralympics and in Commonwealth Games for England.

In the wake of the Paralympics in London, there is evidence that disabled people around the UK feel more enthusiastic about sport, even if at least one survey suggests that may not translate into participation.

A post-Paralympics survey by the English Federation of Disability Sport showed that watching the Paralympics encouraged eight out of 10 disabled people to consider taking part in more sport, a large increase.

Shirley-Anne Duff says disabled athletes train as hard as able-bodied ones

However, results from a Sports and Recreation Alliance survey conducted with sports clubs in October 2012 indicated that nine out of 10 (89%) clubs have noticed no change in the number of disabled people joining their club.

There is little doubt, however, that disabled participants who do cross the sporting threshold are still basking in the glow of London 2012.

Sky News attended a training session of the Lothian Phoenix wheeelchair basketball team in West Lothian.

Coach Shirley-Anne Duff told us: "I think there's a lot more awareness of paralympic sport and understanding of the athleticism that's involved, that these athletes train just the same as regular athletes - they train hard and they play hard.  Wheelchair basketball is such a fast paced and exciting sport that people are really able to relate to it because it's so similar to the running ball game."

Gavin Macleod, chief executive of Scottish Disability Sport, said: "I think (the Paralympics) gave people with a disability the perception that sport is for them, that there is something out there that they can do.  There are pathways there and there are opportunities so I think a whole awareness was raised around the Games, which is fantastic."

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Hampshire Robbery And Kidnap: Police Appeal

Police have appealed for a suspected armed robber to give himself up after a woman was kidnapped and driven around in her own car.

The man approached a house in Rookes Lane, Lymington, Hampshire, on Saturday morning, and pointed a gun to threaten the people who live there - the woman, who is in her 60s, and a man in his 70s.

The man received a minor head injury during a confrontation with the suspect inside the house, where money was demanded. No shots were fired, and about £100 in cash was stolen.

The robber then stole the couple's car, a silver/grey Peugeot 207 convertible, which was driven erratically at speed around the local area.

The woman was forced to travel in the front passenger seat of the car, but was not injured and was returned home around 15 minutes later.

The suspect drove away into Newenham Road, where he abandoned the car at the end of the cul-de-sac.

Chief Inspector Tony Rowlinson said: "I am appealing directly to the suspect to consider the consequences of his actions.

"From our initial inquiries, we understand you might be facing personal and painful circumstances in which you feel trapped and desperate for money.

"However, think long and hard about the distress and fear you are causing. I am imploring you to explore your conscience and do the right thing by contacting police to tell us where you are before you make any more reckless choices, which could hurt innocent people. Please phone us on 101.

"My appeal extends to any family or friends who think they may know this person or their current whereabouts. Please contact the police with what you know about this man."

He added: "This was a shocking crime committed against a couple who were subjected to an unprovoked, terrifying attack in their own home and car. I would like to praise their immense courage in dealing with the robber, who was violent towards them."

Police said they were linking the incident to a robbery on December 5 at Brockenhurst railway station.

Chief Inspector Rowlinson said: "I am calling on the community to be alert in spotting and reporting any suspicious behaviour or any information about the suspect's identity or location.

"We cannot confirm at this time whether the gun seen by the couple was real or an imitation firearm, but my advice to members of the public is to phone police on 999 immediately if you see someone matching the suspect's description. Do not approach him; his behaviour is unpredictable, and he could become distressed and agitated if approached."

He also appealed for help from the driver of a 4x4 car, saying: "We remain particularly keen to trace and speak with the driver of a sandy-coloured 4x4 car.

"This motorist is an important witness as it is reported the 4x4 car stopped in West Lane in Lymington to allow the Peugeot 207 to drive past while the robber was at the wheel.

"The woman has told police she waved at the 4x4 driver, who waved back, but did not appear to realise the reality of the situation inside the Peugeot."

The suspect was described as white, 35-55 years old, 5ft 10in, of average build, with dark hair.

The suspect, witnesses or anyone with information have been asked to contact CID at Southampton Central police station by phoning 101 and quoting Operation Prenton. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously by phoning Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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UKIP 'Now The UK's Third Largest Party'

The UK Independence Party has surged to a record poll rating, knocking the Liberal Democrats into fourth place.

The ComRes poll for The Independent on Sunday and the Sunday Mirror put UKIP on 14% - a six-point gain on last month and the party's highest rating in a ComRes poll.

Two other polls in Sunday newspapers - the Observer's Opinium and the Mail On Sunday Survation - also put UKIP at 14%.

The findings will alarm Tory MPs who fear the party is haemorrhaging support over issues such as Europe, the economy and its support for gay marriage.

The ComRes poll, which interviewed 2,002 people online between December 12 and 14, put the Conservatives on 28%, down three points from a month ago and 11 points behind Labour, who are down four on 39%.

Support for the Lib Dems is down to single figures at 9%, a one-point fall on the month, which puts five points between them and Nigel Farage's party.

ComRes/Independent On Sunday/Sunday Mirror

Mr Farage told Sky News: "All the way through UKIP's history people have doubted what UKIP can achieve.

"We've shown in the last two European elections what we're capable of - and I would remind people in 2009 that we came second across the entire United Kingdom.

"And what's happened in 2012 is that all the big issues that we've campaigned long and hard for for many, many years - and taken much abuse for - those issues have become absolutely at the centre ground of what people out there are talking about.

"Unless we see some really substantial change from the Government and from the Labour party in particular - with a U-turn on Europe, open-door immigration, gay marriage and other things - there's no reason to think that this level of support for UKIP can't be maintained."

Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles told Sky's Murnaghan programme that he takes UKIP, which he describes as "a party of dissent", very seriously.

"They represent a voice, and I am very firmly of the view the only way to deal with them is to get dug in, and to fight them on the ground on community issues," he said.

But Mr Pickles said this does not mean the Tories should not form a pact with UKIP.

"I think it is absolutely wrong (that it can be) always assumed that some kind of deal could be done and people would flood back to us. Governments sometimes have to make some very difficult decisions," he said.

He also said: "I think it's important that if we do have a referendum on our future with Europe it's got to be on the basis of not trying to outsmart UKIP or trying to ensure that we can bring the whole conservative party in one - it should be in the national interest."

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