thetelegraph--2020-01-08--48 hours in . . . the Lake District, an insider guide to England's muse

The clue to the region ’ s allure is in the name .
A dozen or more lakes – sinuous , pretty , forbidding – vie for attention .
Throw in craggy fells , tumbling waterfalls , timeless villages of whitewashed cottages , and the pull is irresistible .
Even when it ’ s damp – and it frequently is – the scenery merely acquires a layer of misty romanticism .
Its compact size ( around 30 by 40 miles ) , together with its easy access ( 20 minutes from the M6 ) , makes it one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great outdoors whether ticking off the fells ( including England ’ s highest ) , strolling a lakeshore or taking to the water .
It ’ s not all high-energy stuff though .
Writers were drawn and inspired by its beauty , so you can nose around the homes of children ’ s author Beatrix Potter or poet William Wordsworth .
There are quirky museums ( from steamboats to pencils ) , absurdly pretty villages ( including Cartmel and Hawkshead ) with Instagrammable views plus – the ultimate relaxation – lake cruises .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you want variety , or a valley village for the big outdoors .

The clue to the region’s allure is in the name. A dozen or more lakes – sinuous, pretty, forbidding – vie for attention. Throw in craggy fells, tumbling waterfalls, timeless villages of whitewashed cottages, and the pull is irresistible. Even when it’s damp – and it frequently is – the scenery merely acquires a layer of misty romanticism. Its compact size (around 30 by 40 miles), together with its easy access (20 minutes from the M6), makes it one of the best places in Britain to enjoy the great outdoors whether ticking off the fells (including England’s highest), strolling a lakeshore or taking to the water.
It’s not all high-energy stuff though. Writers were drawn and inspired by its beauty, so you can nose around the homes of children’s author Beatrix Potter or poet William Wordsworth. There are quirky museums (from steamboats to pencils), absurdly pretty villages (including Cartmel and Hawkshead) with Instagrammable views plus – the ultimate relaxation – lake cruises. Base yourself in a lakeside town if you want variety, or a valley village for the big outdoors.


thetelegraph--2020-01-08--The best free things to do in Melbourne, from Australian art to botanic gardens

With a lifestyle that seems to revolve around eating out three times a day , and Australia ’ s eye-watering @ @ @ @ @ budget busting .
But if you ’ re happy to self-cater there are great produce @ @ @ @ @ , and there ’ s also plenty of things to do that cost very little @ @ @ @ @ entry to their permanent collections , laneways are brimming with street art and historic neighbourhoods @ @ @ @ @ .
Parks and gardens for picnicing are plentiful , trams are free within the CBD @ @ @ @ @ cycling heaven , with an extensive network of bike paths and an enthusiastic riding community @ @ @ @ @ and the architecture )

With a lifestyle that can revolve around eating out three times a day, and Australia’s eye-watering costs, Melbourne can be budget busting. But if you’re happy to self-cater there are great produce markets to make use of, and there’s also plenty of things to do that cost very little. Most museums offer free entry to their permanent collections, laneways are brimming with street art and historic neighbourhoods seem purpose made for strolling. Parks and gardens for picnicing are plentiful, trams are free within the CBD and the inner neighbourhoods are cycling heaven, with an extensive network of bike paths and an enthusiastic riding community.
For further Melbourne inspiration, see our guide to the city and its best hotels, restaurants, bars, cafés, beaches and attractions.


thetelegraph--2020-01-08--48 hours in . . . Melbourne, an insider guide to Australia's hipster hub

Currency : Australian dollar .
Prices are rounded off to the nearest 5c ( 1c and 2c coins are not used in Australia ) Travel times : Flying time from London to Melbourne is around 21.5 to 23 hours .
Flying time from Sydney to Melbourne is around 1 hour and 15 minutes In the Central Business District ( City Centre ) , many intersections require you to make a right turn from the left lane in order to keep tram tracks clear .
This is called a hook turn , marked with a 'Right Turn From Left Only ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side of the road .
Approach and enter the intersection from the left lane and indicate that you are turning right .
Move forward to the far left of the intersection , keeping clear of pedestrian crossings and remain stationary until the traffic lights on the road you are turning into have gone green , then turn right .
Tipping : As in the UK , tipping in restaurants and cafes is customary not compulsory .
If you receive good service , 10 per cent of the bill would be reasonable .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , AU $ 2 ( £1 ) to AU $ 5 ( £3 ) per bag is a suitable amount .
In taxis , you may choose to round up the payment to the nearest dollar

Along with its position at the very bottom of the continent – only Hobart beats it for southerly latitude and Southern Ocean chill – Melbourne might have been purpose built to challenge accepted notions of Australian city life. It can seem topographically bland, prone to capricious cold and hot snaps, and, if blessed by a sandy fringed bay, far from what you'd call a beach destination.
What Melbourne offers instead of sun and surf is a slowness and intent around everything culinary, plentiful museums and galleries, and a late night culture that’s definitely the country’s most varied and vibrant. It's fashion conscious and trendsetting, defiantly intellectual, and a champion of diversity and multiculturalism. Its city centre is a joy to traverse by foot or tram and just beyond lie some delightfully intact Victorian streetscapes. Outdoorsy action comes in the form of an enviable sporting calendar and miles of gorgeous parkland. It’s a subtle, intriguing and enveloping mix – Melburnians wouldn’t have it any other way.
For further Melbourne inspiration, see our guides to the city's best hotels, restaurants, bars, cafés, beaches, attractions and things to do for free. For further inspiration plan the ultimate road trip from Melbourne down Australia's Great Ocean Road.


thetelegraph--2020-01-08--Skiing in Italy: a guide to the best resorts, hotels and ski slopes

The holiday emphasis in Italy tends to be on fun and relaxation rather than sporting excellence , and as a result , the enjoyment factor is all the higher .
And not only is Italy much more laid back than its rivals in France , Switzerland and Austria , it is also cheaper .
Precious euros will stretch a lot further here compared with other mainstream Alpine destinations , so Italy is a sensible choice for anyone on a tight budget .
What ’ s more families with young children are welcomed even in the most chic hotels and restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of giant ski areas .
For beautiful scenery and variety of terrain , the central core of the Dolomites is unbeatable .
This area is also home to the famous Sella Ronda – a circular network of lifts and pistes around the Gruppo del Sella , a majestic limestone massif , taking in a host of resorts .
With its big piste network and off-piste routes , the vast Monterosa ski area is already heaven for both intermediates and experts .
And plans are afoot to link it to Cervinia , also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zermatt in Switzerland , as part of the long planned AlpLinks project to create one of the world ’ s biggest ski areas .
Snow cover over the past 40 years has not always been as reliable in Italy as elsewhere in the Alps .
The Sella Ronda resorts and other destinations in the Dolomites don ’ t always catch the regular winter storms that strike the peaks of the Austrian Tirol , less than 100km to the north .
However , highly-efficient snowmaking means that even when there is almost no natural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintain many miles of piste in pristine condition .
Unless stated otherwise , prices are per person , based on two sharing a double or twin room , half-board , for seven nights , including flights and transfers .
This compact , value-for-money village lies at 1,880m , with lifts going up to 3,088m .
It ’ s one of the few Italian resorts to be snow sure from late October to mid-June , thanks to the Presena glacier at 3,000m , which is why Italian national ski teams train there .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and intermediates , and Passo Tonale is also linked by lift to the slopes of Ponte di Legno and Temù , which offer challenges for the more advanced and 100km of runs in total .
All are covered by a single lift pass and the ski area as a whole goes by the moniker Pontedilegno-Tonale .
The high slopes of the Presena glacier are accessed by a gondola that goes from Passo Paradiso at 2,585m to Passo Presena ( 3,000m ) .
The only piste down is red , but non-skiers and nervous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enjoy panoramic views of the Italian Alps .
However , the overriding reason for a visit to Passo Tonale is to enjoy the gentle open slopes that form a near-perfect nursery area for learning first turns and gaining confidence , without the threat of more accomplished slope users whizzing scarily by .
There are two ski and snowboard schools , Tonale Presena and Ponte Tonale , and both offer a decent standard of instruction .
When booking a lesson with either , its advisable to ask for an English-speaking instructor .
Another option @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which has local independent instructors on its books .
The resort village was developed mainly to service the slopes , with a road running through the middle , and features predominantly chalet-style buildings .
It ’ s generally quiet during the week , but comes to life during the Italian holidays and at weekends .
One après option is a meal at Hotel La Mirandola , situated way above the main resort .
It dates back to the 12th century , and the restaurant has a vaulted stone ceiling , oodles of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evening by snowmobile .
For a warm welcome and friendly service , the three-star , family-run Hotel Adamello is hard to beat .
Good food , including a Trentino-themed gala buffet , is served and there ’ s also a children ’ s games room .
From £585 with Crystal Ski .
Bardonecchia , Pila and Madesimo are all uncommercialised resorts much loved by Italians .
Each has easy , uncrowded slopes that are ideal for learning .
The lively and family-friendly village of Corvara , along with neighbouring San Cassiano which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crossroads of two huge intermediate playgrounds .
The local 130km Alta Badia ski area gives easy access to the Sella Ronda circuit , and both are rich in cruisy , confidence-boosting red runs that are usually well groomed .
In total there are 500km of linked pistes to explore , and they ’ re also home to some delightful mountain restaurants .
At sunset , the cliffs and crags of the Dolomites turn an extraordinarily vibrant shade of pink .
The panorama is so enchanting that eyes are perpetually drawn to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard to concentrate on the snow underfoot .
There is a clutch of highly regarded luxury hotels here .
The four-star La Perla in Corvara offers superb food and service in a relaxed atmosphere and has a spectacular , extensive wine cellar , while the four-star Posta Zirm is famed for its fine cuisine and feng shui-inspired spa .
In San Cassiano , the five-star Rosa Alpina has individually designed rooms and boasts two top-class restaurants , including the three Michelin-star St Hubertus .
For dining at altitude with superb mountain views , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the upper station of the Boè cable car that departs from the centre of Corvara , is recommended .
With a strong reputation for good food and a homely atmosphere , Corvara ’ s three-star Hotel La Plaza is a sound choice , and great value for money .
This family-run hotel has attractive rooms , as well as a small spa .
From £929 with Inghams .
Kronplatz in the Südtirol numbers an extraordinary 22 gondolas among its 33 lifts .
These give access to 119km of mainly intermediate slopes , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ runs .
La Thuile in the Aosta Valley offers a wealth of gentle reds and blues , and is linked to La Rosière in France , where more challenging reds await .
This picturesque little village – complete with stone church and attractive old wooden farmhouses – in the giant Monterosa ski area has a cult following among powderhounds .
Away from the limited local pistes , glorious snowfields provide endless entertainment and tough challenges for experts .
In fact , some claim the backcountry terrain here rivals that of Chamonix , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place for beginners though , or anyone interested in any form of nightlife – lights out comes almost directly after dinner .
But to make the most of the off piste , plenty of sleep is required .
Alagna itself has only 15km of pistes , but it ’ s linked to the more intermediate-minded resorts of Gressoney and Champoluc – all covered on the Monterosa Ski lift pass and offering 200km of pistes of varying difficulties .
However , it ’ s best to stay in Alagna for the off piste .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ where lifts ascend to a heady 3,275m , starting point for some dramatic freeriding .
There ’ s also a wickedly long black run back down towards the resort from Passo Salati at 2,971m .
Expert help is essential to explore this truly dramatic terrain , which means hiring the services of a mountain guide .
The four-star Alagna Experience Resort consists of three buildings connected by porticoes , which look like the traditional local Walser huts made of stone and wood .
The accommodation varies between luxury hotel suites and single to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a restaurant , bar , beer stube and a spa with indoor heated pool .
From €988.55 per room , not including travel , booked direct with Mira Hotels & Resorts .
Arabba is on the mainly intermediate Sella Ronda circuit , but is also a convenient base from which to explore the most challenging slopes .
The pistes here are some of the steepest in the Dolomites and include spectacular off-piste routes .
Cortina d ’ Ampezzo also has some challenging black runs , tough couloirs and serious off-piste runs .
Madesimo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A high-altitude resort with fabulous long runs , in Cervinia top-to-bottom snow conditions are virtually guaranteed from December to the end of April even in the driest Italian winter .
The glacier is also open for summer skiing and snowboarding from June to September .
Plus , there ’ s good grooming and snowmaking on key runs .
Cervinia itself has 160km of pistes covered on the local lift pass and is also linked by lift to the slopes of Zermatt in Switzerland .
The more expensive International pass covering both resorts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an extensive 360km .
This isn ’ t the prettiest resort village in the Alps , with some rather ugly architecture , but its slopes offer a wonderful playground , dictated by the easy gradient of its seemingly never-ending runs .
These allow beginners and wobbly intermediates to gain enormous confidence in an extensive high-mountain area .
The 8km Ventina red run , with breathtaking views of 4,000m peaks , descends a mighty 1,833m from the top of Plateau Rosa ( 3,480m ) all the way down to the resort , and if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn even the strongest legs to spaghetti .
All of this means Cervinia is somewhere Italy should be proud of .
Il Duce , Benito Mussolini , felt exactly the same and decreed in the 1930s that the then embryonic resort should change its name from the Swiss-German-sounding Breuil to Cervinia , to reflect the Italianate glory of the mountain above it .
However , most of us think of this mountain as the Matterhorn rather than Il Cervino – and there ’ s a less spectacular but still impressive view of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the peak .
For a holiday with everything except ski hire included , the Club Med village is a great choice .
It ’ s a short shuttle-bus ride from the main lift station and a seven-minute walk to the centre .
From £967 full board , including lift pass , lessons or guiding , kids ’ club and open bar with Club Med .
Livigno and Passo Tonale are both high enough to ensure that adequate snow cover is virtually guaranteed .
Best for charm and romance Italy ’ s chicest destination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dolomites surrounded by soaring cathedrals of sandstone .
The centre of Cortina is dominated by a green and white bell tower and a glittering confection of grand 19th-century mansions .
Despite being variously occupied over the centuries by foreign invaders , including Austria and even the Americans in 1945 , Cortina has stubbornly maintained a spiritual independence of its own .
While the residents of surrounding towns and villages primarily speak Italian or German , native Cortinese cling to their ancient Ladin language to converse among themselves .
Cortina ’ s 120km of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the local lift pass ) are divided into three main areas , and best suit intermediates and experts .
There is a handful of tricky black runs , plus countless off-piste opportunities in good snow conditions .
Buses connect the three areas – Tofana-Socrepes , Faloria-Cristallo and Cinque Torri-Lagazuoi .
From the furthest reaches of Lagazuoi it ’ s possible to link into the vast Sella Ronda ski area with over 400km more pistes , covered by the more extensive Dolomiti Superski pass .
The quickest way to get there is via @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of town to Passo Falzarego at the connection between the Cinque Torri and Lagazuoi areas , followed by a cable-car up to the 2,788m summit of Lagazuoi .
From here there ’ s a red run down the Hidden Valley to the hamlet of Armentarola and on to the rest of the Sella Ronda .
Cortina has an impeccable sporting heritage – it hosted the Winter Olympics in 1956 , and is to hold them again in 2026 , with Milan .
However , in resort the business of skiing and snowboarding plays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeing and being seen outside and inside the elegant boutiques and antique shops lining the Corso Italia , the pedestrianised main street .
Encroaching twilight is the signal for Cortina to come out and play .
A colony of voluminous fur coats and designer ski wear gathers noisily in the Piazza Venezia at the start of the evening passeggiata .
Much later , the party atmosphere is transferred to intimate wine bars , expensive restaurants , and a smattering of softly-lit nightclubs .
The four-star Hotel Ancora , with its traditional wooden balconies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same family for four generations , and has a superb location in the heart of the pedestrian area .
It serves some of the finest cuisine in town , while the rooms are tastefully decorated and filled with fine antiques .
From £1,295 B & B with Ski Solutions .
The market town of Ortisei in the Val Gardena is packed with charming buildings and churches and surrounded by majestic peaks .
Its local slopes offer lots of relaxed cruising .
It ’ s linked to the extensive Sella Ronda circuit and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the gentle runs of charming Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm , the highest Alpine meadow in Europe .
The small , quiet village of San Cassiano in Alta Badia is set in an attractive , tree-lined valley and has a traditional atmosphere .
In the 1970s and 1980s , Sauze d ’ Oulx had a reputation as a sort of Magaluf with moguls , where pub was more important than piste , and many of its strong British youth following never made it on to the snow before midday .
These days Sauze @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charming Italian village that it once was is back on form , and fortunately the party atmosphere never went away .
The village has an attractive , cobbled centre , but most of the resort is made up of modern , block-like buildings .
Away from the centre , there are quieter , more secluded areas .
Part of the vast 400km Milky Way ( Via Lattea ) ski area served by 69 lifts , Sauze has some of Italy ’ s best pistes , with undulating terrain linking to the resorts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ French border , to Montgenèvre .
The local slopes are spread out across a wooded mountainside .
At the heart of these runs is Sportinia – a mid-mountain collection of restaurants , hotels and a nursery area .
The prices here are roughly a third of those in premier French resorts like Courchevel and Val d ’ Isère , so eating out and entertainment needn ’ t cost a fortune .
Après begins with live music at Capanna Mollino in the Sportinia area , and moves on to the Village café-bar on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a quieter drink , the Caffe della Seggiovia or Enoteca Il Lampione wine bars are popular with both locals and visitors .
Other lively places to try include Ghost bar , and later on the action moves to Moncrons cocktail bar , Vagabondi ’ s and Bar Mira .
Hotel Relais des Alps has four stars and is located in the resort ’ s main piazza , five minutes ’ walk from the lifts .
It has a sauna , hot tub and the Queen ’ s Lounge pub with pool table and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lift pass offer with Snowfinders .
Madonna di Campiglio and Cortina d ’ Ampezzo in the Dolomites offer more sophisticated – and expensive – nightlife .
The 200km Monterosa ski area is one of the most underrated in the Alps and Champoluc is a charming village , with a typically Italian laid-back atmosphere and some decent bars .
The scenery is beautiful , there ’ s a general lack of crowds in the area and traffic is slight .
From the village , a gondola goes up to Crest , where the beginner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hamlet of Frachey , served by a free ski bus , a funicular gives more direct access towards Gressoney , Alagna and the rest of the Monterosa area .
Child-care is extremely limited in Italy because Italian families tend to bring along granny and grandpa to look after the little ones .
Therefore , if travelling with small children it makes sense to choose a destination where a British tour operator provides all the necessary child-care .
A big plus point in Champoluc is the ski school by tour operator Ski2 for its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British and English-speaking locals and teach children from four years old .
The company also runs its own nursery with British nannies , and has its own equipment rental shop with a wide choice of skis and boards .
CampZero near Frachey is a fabulous five-star hotel with indoor pool , spa and impressive indoor climbing wall .
Food in the two restaurants is delicious , too .
From £969 B & B for four nights , including lift pass and transfers , excluding flights , with Ski2 .
Free equipment rental for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excellent nursery slopes right in the village centre , and Selva is also popular with families .
Livigno is one of the most inaccessible resorts in Europe .
It takes the best part of three hours to get there from Innsbruck , and even longer from Italian hub airports .
It ’ s worth the long journey , though , not only for the quality of its terrain parks but for its low prices and reliable snow cover .
The remote village is strung out along 10km of mountain road that comes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , close to the Swiss border .
Not for nothing is it nicknamed Little Tibet .
It ’ s a great beginner and low-intermediate area , with terrain on both the Mottolino and Costaccia/Carosello sides of the valley .
The main park is on Mottolino , and has more than 60 features , and four kicker lines to suit abilities from beginner to pro .
There ’ s also an airbag for honing tricks .
The second main park is at Carosello , and is geared more towards intermediates .
It also has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , plus a boardercross course .
Two more parks – Amerikan , near the Carosello gondola , and Del Sole , near the centre of town – are aimed at beginners and children .
Cable Park , a fifth park near lift 20 on the Costaccia side , features a variety of rails , boxes and jumps of varying difficulty .
A dedicated cable tow pulls riders through the park , making tricks easier .
Helmets are compulsory in all parks .
Just a short walk from the Carosello gondola , and with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three-star Hotel Cristallo is a convenient and comfortable place to stay .
From £860 , room only with Sno .
The huge Snowpark in Bardonecchia was the venue for the snowboarding events at the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics .
It has a vertical drop of 1,100m and is divided into five zones based on difficulty of the jumps and features .
There ’ s also the Olympic halfpipe .
Cervinia ’ s Indian park is regarded as one of the best in Italy , and features three courses of kickers , rails and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ value This is an attractive old village situated above Lake Como , a 2.5-hour drive from Milan and Bergamo .
It ’ s much loved by Italian families in search of high-quality slopes at realistic prices .
The 60km of runs are mainly intermediate , but there are plenty of challenges for experts , including one of the top 10 classic off-piste runs in Europe – the ungroomed Canalone itinerary route , which descends 1,000 vertical metres .
Madesimo ’ s ski area isn ’ t extensive , but there ’ s plenty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resort tends to get very busy on high-season weekends , due to its proximity to Milan and Bergamo , but during the week it ’ s blissfully uncrowded outside Italian holiday times .
The village has an impressive range of restaurants , pizzerias and bars .
Prices for food and drink are a fraction of what you ’ d expect to pay in an equivalent French resort .
The Dogana Vegia restaurant on the edge of town ( about a 25-minute walk ) is particularly well regarded .
This ancient coaching inn has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a bizarre collection of antiques .
It serves tasty fare , and the house wine is very good value .
Hotel Capriolo is a family-run three-star hotel with lots of atmosphere and great half-board food .
It ’ s also centrally located for easy access to the lifts .
From £675 , B & B , including flights and car hire , with Momentum Ski .
Livigno and the low-cost resorts of Folgarida and Marilleva .
The latter are purpose-built resorts that link directly into the Madonna di Campiglio ski area in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slopes , but not the high prices , and attract a more budget-conscious clientele .
The essential component for a weekend on the slopes is easy transfers from a choice of airports with lots of flights .
Courmayeur lies less than two hours from both Turin and Geneva .
This charming , traditional mountaineering village is situated in the lee of Mont Blanc at the Italian end of the Mont Blanc tunnel .
Chamonix in France is at the other end .
Well-heeled Italians from Milan and Turin arrive in numbers on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Via Roma , with its smart designer boutiques and comfortable cocktail bars .
However , this doesn ’ t mean that the pistes will be crowded in the morning – fortunately , only a small proportion hit the slopes .
They come for the party rather than the pistes .
Restaurants both in town and up on the mountain are of a particularly high standard , and Courmayeur is one of the spiritual homes of the long lunch .
At 41km , the ski area , which best suits confident intermediates , isn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ covered in a weekend .
The off-piste terrain , however , offers a considerable challenge .
There are classic off-piste runs from Cresta d'Arp ( 2,755m ) at the top of the lift network , while the SkyWay Monte Bianco cable car from Entrèves , a five-minute drive from Courmayeur , provides access to some serious descents , including the famous Vallée Blanche .
The cable car has rotating cabins giving 360-degree views during the ascent to Punta Helbronner ( 3,462m ) .
The friendly three-star Bouton d ’ Or has spacious rooms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close to the village centre , with its wide range of enticing restaurants .
From £613 for four nights B & B with Ski Weekends .
Pila , at the other end of the Aosta Valley from Courmayeur above the city of Aosta , has intermediate slopes and easy access from Milan and Turin airports

In winter, the holiday emphasis in Italy tends to be based around fun and relaxation rather than sporting excellence on the slopes, and as a result, the enjoyment factor is all the higher. Not only is Italy much more laid back than its rivals in France, Switzerland and Austria, it is also cheaper.
Precious Euros will stretch a lot further compared with other mainstream Alpine destinations, making Italy a sensible choice for anyone on a tight budget this season. What’s more, families with young children are welcomed even in the chicest hotels and restaurants in the nation’s ski resorts.
Italy is blessed with a number of giant ski areas. For beautiful scenery and variety of terrain, the central core of the Dolomites is unbeatable. This area is also home to the famous Sella Ronda – a circular network of lifts and pistes around the Gruppo del Sella, a majestic limestone massif, taking in a host of resorts. With its big piste network and off-piste routes, the vast Monterosa ski area is already heaven on earth for both intermediates and experts. And plans are afoot to build a cable car to Cervinia, also in the Aosta valley and linked to Zermatt in Switzerland, as part of the long-planned AlpLinks project to create one of the world’s biggest ski areas.
Snow cover over the past 40 years has not always been as reliable in Italy as elsewhere in the Alps. The Sella Ronda resorts and other destinations in the Dolomites don’t always catch the regular winter storms that strike the peaks of the Austrian Tirol, less than 100km to the north. However, highly efficient snowmaking means that even when there is almost no natural cover, Italian resorts are able to maintain many kilometres of piste in pristine condition.
Below you'll find where's best to go for a ski holiday in Italy, whatever your ability or budget.
Best for beginners
Passo Tonale
This compact, value-for-money village lies at 1,880m, with lifts going up to 3,088m. It’s one of the few Italian resorts to be snowsure from late October to mid-June, thanks to the Presena glacier at 3,000m, which is why Italian national ski teams train there. The marked runs are mainly suited to beginners and intermediates, and Passo Tonale is also linked by lift to the slopes of Ponte di Legno and Temù, which offer challenges for the more advanced and 100km of runs in total. All are covered by a single lift pass and the ski area as a whole goes by the moniker Ponte di Legno-Tonale.
The high slopes of the Presena glacier are accessed by a gondola that goes from Passo Paradiso at 2,585m to Passo Presena at 3,000m. The only piste down is red, but non-skiers and nervous beginners can also use the lift to enjoy panoramic views of the Italian Alps.


thetelegraph--2020-01-08--The world’s greatest ski runs – and how to conquer them

Every skier and snowboarder is different – for some the thought of digging their edges deep into the side of a steep , challenging run is delightful , while others prefer the tranquil effects of cruising down long , winding blues and reds .
Whichever camp you find yourself in , or whether you like to mix-and-match your days on the mountain , The Telegraph Ski & Snowboard has searched high and low to find the most rewarding , relaxing and downright leg-burning ski runs on the planet .
And who better than ex-Winter Olympic downhill skier Graham Bell to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video tour of some of these famous runs ?
From the comfort of your sofa/desk/train seat , you can follow the Ski Sunday presenter in our exclusive video series as he guides you down each piste without an ounce of special effects , editing or photoshop to smooth out the bumps – this is the warts-and-all way to experience the runs you need to add to your ski bucket list this season .
Graham ’ s search for his favourite runs begins in France , visiting world-famous pistes such as La Face de @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course in Val d'Isère , and the ungroomed Grand Couloir and long and cruisy Combe de la Saulire runs in Courchevel .
Heading across the border into Austria he takes a turn down the country 's steepest pitch , the Harakari in Mayrhofen , before heading off piste on the Valluga in St Anton and sharing his favourite run in Kitzbühel ( it 's not what you think ) .
For those looking to revel in the beauty of the mountains , Graham ’ s trip to the Italian Dolomites in Cortina and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schilthorn in Mürren are both a must-see .
The best of the rest If Graham ’ s escapades in the Alps inspire you to work on your own ski bucket list and you ’ re looking for a place to start the planning , our directory of the world ’ s 50 best runs includes the top choices from France , Austria , Switzerland , Italy and North America .
Whether you prefer the guarantee of a great lunch stop or the adrenaline of one of the world ’ s fastest runs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s experts have skied them all to develop this handy tool .
Choose the category for you from our directory and start planning your next adventure on the slopes .

Every skier and snowboarder is different – for some the thought of digging their edges deep into the side of a steep, challenging run is delightful, while others prefer the tranquil effects of cruising down long, winding blues and reds.
Whichever camp you find yourself in, or whether you like to mix-and-match your days on the mountain, The Telegraph Ski & Snowboard has searched high and low to find the most rewarding, relaxing and downright leg-burning ski runs on the planet.
And who better than ex-Winter Olympic downhill skier Graham Bell to take us all on a hand-held guided video tour of some of these famous runs?
From the comfort of your sofa/desk/train seat, you can follow the Ski Sunday presenter in our exclusive video series as he guides you down each piste without an ounce of special effects, editing or photoshop to smooth out the bumps – this is the warts-and-all way to experience the runs you need to add to your ski bucket list this season.
Graham’s search for his favourite runs begins in France, visiting world-famous pistes such as La Face de Bellevarde black run, the ex-Olympic downhill course in Val d'Isère, and the ungroomed Grand Couloir and long and cruisy Combe de la Saulire runs in Courchevel.
Heading across the border into Austria he takes a turn down the country's steepest pitch, the Harakari in Mayrhofen, before heading off piste on the Valluga in St Anton and sharing his favourite run in Kitzbühel (it's not what you think). For those looking to revel in the beauty of the mountains, Graham’s trip to the Italian Dolomites in Cortina and his run from the top of the Schilthorn in Mürren are both a must-see.
The best of the rest
If Graham’s escapades in the Alps inspire you to work on your own ski bucket list and you’re looking for a place to start the planning, our directory of the world’s 50 best runs includes the top choices from France, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and North America.
Whether you prefer the guarantee of a great lunch stop or the adrenaline of one of the world’s fastest runs, between them The Telegraph Ski & Snowboard’s experts have skied them all to develop this handy tool. Choose the category for you from our directory and start planning your next adventure on the slopes.


thetelegraph--2020-01-08--A-Z: Essential guides to the world's top ski resorts

Finding the perfect ski resort can be a difficult task no matter what your ability , budget or priorities .
@ @ @ @ @ guides , this comprehensive list of The Telegraph Ski & Snowboard guides can help you @ @ @ @ @ destination , including all you need to know from piste , to pub to pillow @

Finding the perfect ski resort can be a difficult task no matter what your ability, budget or priorities.
This comprehensive list of The Telegraph's ski resort guides can help you discover your next winter-sports holiday destination, including all you need to know from piste, to pub to pillow.
France
A
Alpe d'Huez
Avoriaz
C
Chamonix
Courchevel
F
Flaine
L
La Plagne
La Rosière
Les Arcs
Les Deux Alpes
Les Gets
Les Menuires
M
Megève
Méribel
Morzine
S
Serre Chevalier
T
Tignes
V
Val d'Isère
Val Thorens
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our expert pick of the 10 best ski resorts in France. From Méribel to Morzine our guides cover the best resorts in the French Alps Credit : Pierre Jacques Austria
I
Innsbruck
Ischgl
K
Kitzbühel
L
Lech
M
Mayrhofen
O
Obergurgl
Obertauern
S
Saalbach-Hinterglemm
Sölden
St Anton
Z
Zell am Zee
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our expert pick of the 10 best ski resorts in Austria. From Sölden to St Anton, our guides cover the best resorts in the Austrian Alps Credit : rudi wyhlidal Switzerland
C
Crans-Montana
D
Davos
S
Saas Fee
St Moritz
V
Verbier
W
Wengen
Z
Zermatt
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our expert pick of the 10 best ski resorts in Switzerland. From St Moritz to Saas-Fee, our guides cover the best resorts in the Swiss Alps Credit : christof sonderegger Italy
C
Cervinia
Cortina d'Ampezzo
Courmayeur
L
Livigno
M
Madonna di Campiglio
P
Passo Tonale
S
Sauze d'Oulx
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our expert pick of the 10 best ski resorts in Italy. From Courmayeur to Cervinia, our guides cover the best resorts in the Italian Alps and the Dolomites Credit : lorenzo belfrond America
A
Aspen
J
Jackson Hole
V
Vail
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our expert pick of the 10 best ski resorts in the USA. Plan your trip across the Pond with our guides Canada
B
Banff
W
Whistler
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our expert pick of the 10 best ski resorts in Canada. Discover the best of skiing in Canada with our guides Credit : david mccolm Slovakia
J
Jásna


thetelegraph--2020-01-08--This season's best ski and snowboard kit: everything you need to know

Having the right kit can make or break a ski holiday , but with so much choice on the high street , it ’ s hard to know where to begin .
With the ski season in full swing now ’ s the perfect time to make sure you have everything sorted before your next trip to the mountains .
What clothing will I need for a ski holiday ?
Heads , shoulders , knees and toes… or so the song goes .
It ’ s a good way to make sure you ’ ve got everything you ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a pair of socks with extra cushioning or gloves that have the perfect balance of warmth , waterproofing and dexterity , layers to keep you warm or a new jacket to last you the distance , our in-depth reviews of all this season ’ s best kit will help narrow down your search .
What other equipment is essential ?
Since they 're now lighter , slimline and more comfortable to wear than ever , there 's really no excuse for not wearing a helmet on the slopes – and for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s now compulsory .
Be prepared with the best new models to suit all budgets .
Goggles are another essential , and new technologies are introduced every season , such as minimal frames and light-responsive lenses , so there ’ s a lot to choose from .
Our reviews can recommend the right pair for you .
Some skiers and snowboarders choose to ride with a backpack .
Whether you ’ re carrying off-piste safety equipment or just a spare base layer and a packed lunch , it ’ s worth asking if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I want to buy my own skis or a new snowboard – where should I begin ?
The Telegraph Ski & Snowboard ski test , which takes place every winter , puts the newest models through their paces in order to find the best skis for men and women as well as the off-piste , piste and all-mountain models .
Consult our guide to find out everything you need to know before buying new skis , including guides to each type of ski and advice on what level of skier you might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For those of you who prefer one plank instead of two , the results from our annual snowboard review will help – whether you spend your time roaming the mountain or head straight to the terrain park , our expert has checked out all the latest models so you don ’ t have to .
As for boots , where do I start ?
Investing in a pair of boots that fit right and suit your ability is essential to a hassle-free ski or snowboard holiday .
There are many factors to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how experienced you are , whether you prefer park , powder or piste , your weight and your goals – an expert fitter can help you assess all this and measure your foot shape and size .
Our round-ups of the best ski boots for men and women showcase the top new models for this winter , and our useful buying guide will answer all the questions you might have before you invest .
For snowboarders , the same applies – check out our buying FAQs , then our expert reviews of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hard-charging expert or an up-and-coming freestyler , these make a great starting point before you start shopping .
What other technology might help me out on the slopes ?
Every season a whole host of new gadgets and gizmos are launched to help tech-savvy skiers and snowboarders stay one turn ahead on the slopes .
Whether it ’ s the latest action cameras , wearables or apps for your smartphone , check out all the high-tech kit you ’ ll want to own this season here .
How do I make sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Learning the lingo before you embark on your winter sports shopping bonanza can help you make sure you find the perfect fit and also speed up the process .
To help you understand all the techy terms used in reviews when you 're looking for new kit , our buying guides for jackets , helmets , goggles , gloves , ski boots , snowboard boots , skis and snowboards are here to act as your handy shopping companions .

Having the right kit can make or break a ski holiday, but with so much choice on the high street, it’s hard to know where to begin.
With the ski season in full swing now’s the perfect time to make sure you have everything sorted before your next trip to the mountains.
What clothing will I need for a ski holiday?
Heads, shoulders, knees and toes… or so the song goes. It’s a good way to make sure you’ve got everything you’ll need on the slopes.
Whether it’s a pair of socks with extra cushioning or gloves that have the perfect balance of warmth, waterproofing and dexterity, layers to keep you warm or a new jacket to last you the distance, our in-depth reviews of all this season’s best kit will help narrow down your search.
What other equipment is essential?
Since they're now lighter, slimline and more comfortable to wear than ever, there's really no excuse for not wearing a helmet on the slopes – and for many winter sport insurance policies it’s now compulsory. Be prepared with the best new models to suit all budgets.
Goggles are another essential, and new technologies are introduced every season, such as minimal frames and light-responsive lenses, so there’s a lot to choose from. Our reviews can recommend the right pair for you.
Some skiers and snowboarders choose to ride with a backpack. Whether you’re carrying off-piste safety equipment or just a spare base layer and a packed lunch, it’s worth asking if you might need one on the slopes.
I want to buy my own skis or a new snowboard – where should I begin?
The Telegraph Ski & Snowboard ski test, which takes place every winter, puts the newest models through their paces in order to find the best skis for men and women as well as the off-piste, piste and all-mountain models.
Consult our guide to find out everything you need to know before buying new skis, including guides to each type of ski and advice on what level of skier you might be, plus a handy jargon buster.
For those of you who prefer one plank instead of two, the results from our annual snowboard review will help – whether you spend your time roaming the mountain or head straight to the terrain park, our expert has checked out all the latest models so you don’t have to.
As for boots, where do I start?
Investing in a pair of boots that fit right and suit your ability is essential to a hassle-free ski or snowboard holiday. There are many factors to consider when shopping around, such as how experienced you are, whether you prefer park, powder or piste, your weight and your goals – an expert fitter can help you assess all this and measure your foot shape and size.
Our round-ups of the best ski boots for men and women showcase the top new models for this winter, and our useful buying guide will answer all the questions you might have before you invest.
For snowboarders, the same applies – check out our buying FAQs, then our expert reviews of the latest boots, whether you’re a hard-charging expert or an up-and-coming freestyler, these make a great starting point before you start shopping.
What other technology might help me out on the slopes?
Every season a whole host of new gadgets and gizmos are launched to help tech-savvy skiers and snowboarders stay one turn ahead on the slopes. Whether it’s the latest action cameras, wearables or apps for your smartphone, check out all the high-tech kit you’ll want to own this season here.
How do I make sure I’m buying the right product?
Learning the lingo before you embark on your winter sports shopping bonanza can help you make sure you find the perfect fit and also speed up the process.
To help you understand all the techy terms used in reviews when you're looking for new kit, our buying guides for jackets, helmets, goggles, gloves, ski boots, snowboard boots, skis and snowboards are here to act as your handy shopping companions.


thetelegraph--2020-01-08--'Relentless' use of stop and search helps reduce murders for first time in five years, police chief

'Relentless' use of stop and search helps reduce murders for first time in five years, police chief says

Relentless use of stop and search powers by police has helped reduce murders in Britain for the first time in @ @ @ @ @ one of Britain ’ s most senior officers .
The number of people killed fell @ @ @ @ @ Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland last year , down from the 774 homicides in @ @ @ @ @ figures obtained under Freedom of Information laws by the BBC .
It follows a steady @ @ @ @ @ , although there are sharp variations between different forces which makes it difficult to pinpoint @ @ @ @ @ drop .
In London , the Metropolitan Police launched 149 homicide investigations last year , @ @ @ @ @ and the highest level since 2008 , when there were 154 killings..
The British Transport @ @ @ @ @ on the London Underground network and Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones were both stabbed to @ @ @ @ @ London on November 29 .

Relentless use of stop and search powers by police has helped reduce murders in Britain for the first time in five years, according to one of Britain’s most senior officers.
The number of people killed fell to 650 in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland last year, down from the 774 homicides in 2018, according to police figures obtained under Freedom of Information laws by the BBC.
It follows a steady increase from 601 in 2014, although there are sharp variations between different forces which makes it difficult to pinpoint a nationwide explanation for the drop.
In London, the Metropolitan Police launched 149 homicide investigations last year, the third successive annual rise and the highest level since 2008, when there were 154 killings..
The British Transport Police led three murder investigations on the London Underground network and Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones were both stabbed to death in the City of London on November 29.


thetelegraph--2020-01-07--20 cruises that will make you healthier and happier

With our minds still focussed on New Year ’ s resolutions and working on fitter , healthier , more mindful @ @ @ @ @ want a holiday that helps us to achieve those goals .
Cruising often gets a @ @ @ @ @ assumption that we ’ ll pile on the pounds at the buffet and limit our @ @ @ @ @ the bar .
There are , however , many ways in which cruises can help @ @ @ @ @ lifestyles , from spa programmes to on-board menus and fitness facilities to wellness tailored shore @ @ @ @ @ our round-up of 20 ways to feel fine at sea or afloat on a river @ @ @ @ @ and beyond .

With our minds still focussed on New Year’s resolutions and working on fitter, healthier, more mindful versions of ourselves, we want a holiday that helps us to achieve those goals. Cruising often gets a bad rap, with an assumption that we’ll pile on the pounds at the buffet and limit our exercise to ordering drinks at the bar. There are, however, many ways in which cruises can help to promote active, healthier lifestyles, from spa programmes to on-board menus and fitness facilities to wellness tailored shore excursions. Read on for our round-up of 20 ways to feel fine at sea or afloat on a river over the year ahead – and beyond.
1. The Nordic way
Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking’s LivNordic Spa and Wellness Centre channels age-old Nordic wellness rituals. In the Thermal Suite, muscles detox and relax as you move from the steamy sauna to the icy snow room, followed by a brisk dry skin brushing session with some birch twigs. Having a cupping session after a sauna enhances the benefits of both, not forgetting a true Swedish deep-tissue massage to unknot muscles and stimulate the circulation. The spa is clad in Nordic ash in homage to Norse mythology and the holy tree Yggdrasil, which unites heaven and earth.


thetelegraph--2020-01-08--Maria Sharapova handed wildcard for Australian Open

Former world No 1 Maria Sharapova will be awarded a wildcard to play at this month 's Australian Open .
@ @ @ @ @ ranked 147th in the world after a season in which a long-standing shoulder injury restricted @ @ @ @ @ Sharapova played her first match since losing in the first round of last year 's @ @ @ @ @ International on Tuesday but was defeated 3-6 , 6-1 , 7-6 ( 3 ) by @ @ @ @ @ Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley confirmed this morning that the 2008 champion will receive @ @ @ @ @ main singles draw for the tournament , which starts in Melbourne on Jan 20 .
@ @ @ @ @ has been troubled by shoulder problems throughout her career and underwent surgery early last year @ @ @ @ @ her throughout the 2019 season .

Former world No 1 Maria Sharapova will be awarded a wildcard to play at this month's Australian Open.
The 32-year-old Russian is currently ranked 147th in the world after a season in which a long-standing shoulder injury restricted her to eight tournaments.
Sharapova played her first match since losing in the first round of last year's US Open at the Brisbane International on Tuesday but was defeated 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(3) by American qualifier Jennifer Brady.
Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley confirmed this morning that the 2008 champion will receive a wildcard entry into the main singles draw for the tournament, which starts in Melbourne on Jan 20.
The five-times Grand Slam champion has been troubled by shoulder problems throughout her career and underwent surgery early last year, with lingering problems hampering her throughout the 2019 season.


thetelegraph--2020-01-08--US bans airlines from flying over Iraq and Iran after Tehran launched missile strikes on bases

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said it is banning U.S. carriers from operating in the airspace over Iraq , Iran , the Gulf of Oman and the waters between Iran and Saudi Arabia after Iran launched a missile attack on U.S.-led forces in Iraq .
Several foreign airlines said they would now avoid flying over the affected areas .
Tehran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles from Iranian territory against at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S.-led coalition personnel , the U.S. military said on Tuesday night .
A Ukrainian passenger plane crashed after take-off from Tehran airport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unclear where the crash was linked to US-Iran tensions .
The FAA said it issued the airspace ban `` due to heightened military activities and increased political tensions in the Middle East , which present an inadvertent risk to U.S. civil aviation operations . ''
Several non-U.S. airlines had flights over parts of Iraq and Iran at the time , according to FlightRadar24 data .
They are not directly affected by the FAA ban , but foreign carriers and their national regulators typically consider U.S. advice carefully when deciding where to fly .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had already prohibited U.S. carriers from flying below 26,000 feet over Iraq and from flying over an area of Iranian airspace above the Gulf and Gulf of Oman since Iran shot down a high-altitude U.S. drone last June .

Major international airlines are cancelling and rerouting flights around the Middle East amid dangerous US-Iranian tensions after Iran’s firing of over two dozen ballistic missiles at military bases housing US troops in Iraq was followed by a mysterious airplane crash in Iran’s capital that killed over 170 people.
While there is little immediate evidence to suggest the two incidents are connected, Ukraine's Prime Minister, Oleksiy Honcharuk, cautioned against speculation but refused to rule it out.
Three British people were passengers on the Boeing 737-800 that crashed in Tehran just minutes after taking off on Wednesday morning. All 176 people on the plane were killed.
Soon after the Iranian attack, America’s Federal Aviation Agency restricted commercial flights “from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.”
Airline companies across the globe have said that they will avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace until further notice. Such restrictions are often precautionary to prevent civilian aircraft from being confused for ones engaged in armed conflict.


thetelegraph--2020-01-07--'The first half was the worst we've played': Ole Gunnar Solskjaer questions Manchester United player

'The first half was the worst we've played': Ole Gunnar Solskjaer questions Manchester United players after Carabao Cup capitulation

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted Manchester United had given themselves a “ steep mountain to climb ” after branding their first-half battering at Old Trafford on Tuesday night as the worst performance of his managerial reign .
Manchester City will take a 3-1 lead into the second leg at the Etihad Stadium in three weeks ’ time , with United fortunate that the Premier League champions did not have more goals to show for their supremacy in the opening 45 minutes when they collapsed under the pressure .
“ From their goal until half time is [ the ] worst we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t matter now , we ’ ve got to focus on Saturday on Norwich after that second half , ” the United manager said .
“ From the first goal until half-time , we just couldn ’ t cope with that setback , we were running in between , the pressure didn ’ t work , we let them play , heads dropped and just made decisions we shouldn ’ t do and that needed sorting at half term .
“ The second response was a good response .
Even though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ climb , we can still climb it .
We ’ ve got to get the second half mentality quicker – it can ’ t be me coming in at half-time .
”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted Manchester United had given themselves a “steep mountain to climb” after branding their first-half battering at Old Trafford on Tuesday night as the worst performance of his managerial reign.
Manchester City will take a 3-1 lead into the second leg at the Etihad Stadium in three weeks’ time, with United fortunate that the Premier League champions did not have more goals to show for their supremacy in the opening 45 minutes when they collapsed under the pressure.
“From their goal until half time is [the] worst we’ve played but [it] doesn’t matter now, we’ve got to focus on Saturday on Norwich after that second half,” the United manager said.
“From the first goal until half-time, we just couldn’t cope with that setback, we were running in between, the pressure didn’t work, we let them play, heads dropped and just made decisions we shouldn’t do and that needed sorting at half term.
“The second response was a good response. Even though it’s a steep mountain to climb, we can still climb it. We’ve got to get the second half mentality quicker – it can’t be me coming in at half-time.”


thetelegraph--2020-01-08--Wednesday morning news briefing:  Iran attacks US airbases in revenge

If you want to receive twice-daily briefings like this by email , sign up to the Front Page newsletter here .
For two-minute audio updates , try The Briefing - on podcasts , smart speakers and WhatsApp .
Iran launches 'revenge ' strikes on US troops in Iraq More than a dozen rockets have been launched against US targets by Iran .
Washington confirmed surface-to-surface missiles hit two Iraqi airbases where American and coalition forces are based .
Here is everything we know about the revenge attacks that follow the Donald Trump-ordered killing of Iranian general Qassim Soleimani in Baghdad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condemned Iran 's `` reckless and dangerous attacks '' - Iran 's most direct assault on America since the 1979 seizing of the US Embassy in Tehran .
It came after Iran branded the UK `` a partner in crime '' with Mr Trump .
But the US claimed the attack Soleimani was allegedly plotting was just days from being launched when he was assassinated .
Watch the moment some of the missiles struck and follow the latest confirmed updates in our liveblog .
Meanwhile , a Ukrainian plane carrying 176 people crashed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capital of Tehran overnight .
There are no survivors on the Boeing 737 .
Video purports to show the plane in flames as it fell through the air before crashing to the ground and exploding .
There is no confirmation the crash is linked to the Iran missile attacks .
Follow the latest updates and view pictures from the crash site .

If you want to receive twice-daily briefings like this by email, sign up to the Front Page newsletter here. For two-minute audio updates, try The Briefing - on podcasts, smart speakers and WhatsApp.
Iran launches 'revenge' strikes on US troops in Iraq
More than a dozen rockets have been launched against US targets by Iran. Washington confirmed surface-to-surface missiles hit two Iraqi airbases where American and coalition forces are based. Here is everything we know about the revenge attacks that follow the Donald Trump-ordered killing of Iranian general Qassim Soleimani in Baghdad last week. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab condemned Iran's "reckless and dangerous attacks" - Iran's most direct assault on America since the 1979 seizing of the US Embassy in Tehran. It came after Iran branded the UK "a partner in crime" with Mr Trump. But the US claimed the attack Soleimani was allegedly plotting was just days from being launched when he was assassinated. Watch the moment some of the missiles struck and follow the latest confirmed updates in our liveblog.
Meanwhile, a Ukrainian plane carrying 176 people crashed shortly after taking off from the Iranian capital of Tehran overnight. There are no survivors on the Boeing 737. Video purports to show the plane in flames as it fell through the air before crashing to the ground and exploding. There is no confirmation the crash is linked to the Iran missile attacks. Follow the latest updates and view pictures from the crash site.


thetelegraph--2020-01-08--Hong Kong politician vows to return to the streets after being pepper-sprayed in the eyes

A Hong Kong legislator who was temporarily blinded after a riot officer lifted his protective goggles to fire pepper spray directly into his eyes on New Year ’ s Day has vowed to return to the frontlines of the months-long pro-democracy movement to record allegations of police brutality .
“ It was very painful and I lost my sight for half an hour .
Not totally – it was like I can ’ t open my eyes , I can ’ t cry .
I didn ’ t lose my sight completely as I could see blurred images , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , ” Ted Hui said of the moment he was pepper-sprayed in a downtown shopping district .
Mr Hui , a Democratic Party politician , is one of several members of the city ’ s parliament , the Legislative Council , who have risked injury and arrest while trying to deescalate conflict between the riot police and anti-government demonstrators who have rallied in the streets since June .
He said it saw it as his duty as a “ public officer ” to hold the police accountable during the protests , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill , and to get firsthand information to follow up on mounting accusations of the excessive use of force by officers .

A Hong Kong legislator who was temporarily blinded after a riot officer lifted his protective goggles to fire pepper spray directly into his eyes on New Year’s Day has vowed to return to the frontlines of the months-long pro-democracy movement to record allegations of police brutality.
“It was very painful and I lost my sight for half an hour. Not totally – it was like I can’t open my eyes, I can’t cry. I didn’t lose my sight completely as I could see blurred images, but it was horrible to have someone guide me,” Ted Hui said of the moment he was pepper-sprayed in a downtown shopping district.
Mr Hui, a Democratic Party politician, is one of several members of the city’s parliament, the Legislative Council, who have risked injury and arrest while trying to deescalate conflict between the riot police and anti-government demonstrators who have rallied in the streets since June.
He said it saw it as his duty as a “public officer” to hold the police accountable during the protests, which began in opposition to a controversial extradition bill, and to get firsthand information to follow up on mounting accusations of the excessive use of force by officers.


thetelegraph--2020-01-08--Apple scans iCloud photos to check for child abuse

Apple has started scanning photos uploaded from iPhones to check for child sexual abuse images , as tech companies come under pressure to do more to tackle the crime .
Jane Horvath , Apple ’ s chief privacy officer , revealed at a tech conference that the company automatically screens images backed up to the company ’ s online storage service , iCloud , to check whether they contain the illegal photos .
Apple has often clashed with security forces and authorities , refusing to break into criminals ’ phones and applying encryption to its messaging app in the name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speaking at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas , Ms Horvath said removing encryption was “ not the way we ’ re solving these issues ” but added : “ We are utilising some technologies to help screen for child sexual abuse material.
” An Apple spokesman pointed to a disclaimer on the company ’ s website , saying : “ Apple is dedicated to protecting children throughout our ecosystem wherever our products are used , and we continue to support innovation in this space .
“ As part of this commitment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help find and report child exploitation .
Much like spam filters in email , our systems use electronic signatures to find suspected child exploitation .
“ Accounts with child exploitation content violate our terms and conditions of service , and any accounts we find with this material will be disabled .
”

Apple scans photos to check for child sexual abuse images, an executive has said, as tech companies come under pressure to do more to tackle the crime.
Jane Horvath, Apple’s chief privacy officer, said at a tech conference that the company uses screening technology to look for the illegal images. The company says it disables accounts if Apple finds evidence of child exploitation material, although it does not specify how it discovers it.
Apple has often clashed with security forces and authorities, refusing to break into criminals’ phones and applying encryption to its messaging app in the name of protecting its users’ privacy.
Speaking at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Ms Horvath said removing encryption was “not the way we’re solving these issues” but added: “We have started, we are, utilising some technologies to help screen for child sexual abuse material.”
An Apple spokesman pointed to a disclaimer on the company’s website, saying: “Apple is dedicated to protecting children throughout our ecosystem wherever our products are used, and we continue to support innovation in this space.
“As part of this commitment, Apple uses image matching technology to help find and report child exploitation. Much like spam filters in email, our systems use electronic signatures to find suspected child exploitation.


thetelegraph--2020-01-08--Audi AI:ME at CES: it's innovative, but is it really as 'empathetic' as its creators suggest?

Toyota was all over this idea back in 2001 when it showed The Pod as joint production with Sony at the Tokyo motor show .
The Pod could drive itself and used eye tracking , heart-rate monitoring , perspiration detecting and blood-pressure sensing to gauge a driver 's stress levels .
Look at something and The Pod would take a picture of it , which when you think about it was n't such a great idea .
Nineteen years later the AI : ME show car did much the same thing to tap into the motor industry 's next big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your requirements , needs and moods becomes more loveable than a mere conglomeration of wood , metal , rubber and string parked in the street outside .
Billed as `` an empathetic mobility partner '' and a `` third living space '' , the autonomous driving battery-electric AI : ME contained a pair of virtual reality goggles which would synchronise with the vehicle 's movement so that passengers could imagine themselves soaring across a gorgeous landscape instead of queuing in the rain on the Balls Pond Road .
Eye tracking allowed drivers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be delivered to their destination .
So well did the system work that one journalist was greeted at the end of the car park drive with a full steak dinner on a tray .

Toyota was all over this idea back in 2001 when it showed The Pod as joint production with Sony at the Tokyo motor show. The Pod could drive itself and used eye tracking, heart-rate monitoring, perspiration detecting and blood-pressure sensing to gauge a driver's stress levels. Look at something and The Pod would take a picture of it, which when you think about it wasn't such a great idea.
Nineteen years later the AI:ME show car did much the same thing to tap into the motor industry's next big idea; a car which by judging your requirements, needs and moods becomes more loveable than a mere conglomeration of wood, metal, rubber and string parked in the street outside.
Billed as "an empathetic mobility partner" and a "third living space", the autonomous driving battery-electric AI:ME contained a pair of virtual reality goggles which would synchronise with the vehicle's movement so that passengers could imagine themselves soaring across a gorgeous landscape instead of queuing in the rain on the Balls Pond Road.
Eye tracking allowed drivers to use a pull-down menu to order food to be delivered to their destination. So well did the system work that one journalist was greeted at the end of the car park drive with a full steak dinner on a tray.


thetelegraph--2020-01-08--Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 carrying 180 people crashes near Tehran

Ukraine has refused to rule out that the plane that crashed in Iran and killed all 176 on board was @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine 's foreign ministry confirmed that everyone aboard the Boeing 737-800 flown by Ukraine International @ @ @ @ @ came down shortly after it departed from Imam Khomeini International Airport in the Iranian capital @ @ @ @ @ three British people on board , as well as citizens from six other countries , @ @ @ @ @ Minister for Foreign Affairs Vadym Prystaiko .
Asked at a briefing in Kyiv if the @ @ @ @ @ by a missile , Ukraine 's Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk refused to rule it out @ @ @ @ @ until the investigation concluded .
Initially , Ukraine 's embassy in Iran said on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ the plane to crash and denied that it was terror-related or that a rocket had @ @ @ @ @ it later withdrew this statement , saying that anything was possible , and Mr Zelensky @ @ @ @ @ open criminal proceedings over the crash .

Iran is facing mounting pressure to explain the destruction of a civilian airliner near Tehran hours after Iranian forces launched missile strikes against US forces.
Three Britons were among 176 people killed when an Ukrainian International Airlines Boeing 737 plunged into a nosedive and exploded shortly after take-off from Tehran’s Imam Ayatollah Khomeini International Airport on Wednesday morning.
Iran dismissed speculation that the aircraft had been downed by a missile but said it would not hand over the black boxes from the aircraft to Boeing, in an unusual move likely prompted by high tensions with the United States.
Earlier Ukraine withdrew an initial statement attributing the crash to engine failure and ruling out a terror attack, sparking an international scramble to investigate the crash.
The crash came three and a half hours after Iran fired a barrage of ballistic missiles at US bases in Iraq in what it said was revenge for the assassination of general Qassim Soleimani.
Iran’s military said it had fired 22 missiles at Iraqi bases housing US troops in Erbil and Ain al-Asad. No US or Iraqi troops were killed in the half-hour bombardment.
Leaders in both Tehran and Washington played down the prospect of further armed conflict between the adversaries. In a televised address Donald Trump claimed that Iran "appeared to be standing down" and said he would impose further economic sanctions, but did not mention further military action.
Although Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, termed the strikes a “slap in the face” for America and vowed to continue a campaign to oust US forces from the region, the Iranian foreign minister, said the strikes "concluded" Iran's military response to the assassination of Soleimani.
The Ukrainian International Airlines Boeing 737-800 bound for Kyiv took off shortly after 6 AM Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport early on Wednesday morning.


thetelegraph--2020-01-08--Puerto Rico earthquakes: State of emergency declared as millions are left without power

Puerto Rico 's governor declared a state of emergency on Tuesday after a series of earthquakes killed at least one @ @ @ @ @ knocked out power to nearly the entire island of more than 3 million people .
@ @ @ @ @ in the US territory registered at magnitude 6.4 , the most powerful to hit the @ @ @ @ @ .
With two large power plants shut down , drinking water was cut off to @ @ @ @ @ Wanda Vazquez , the governor , told a news conference .
She said power should @ @ @ @ @ the island within 24 to 48 hours .
Puerto Rico schools will remain closed and @ @ @ @ @ health workers and police , will stay home on Wednesday while checks are made on @ @ @ @ @ , Ms Vazquez said .
`` There are people who have lost their lives , @ @ @ @ @ lost all their property , '' She told reporters , without giving further details on @ @ @ @ @ injuries .

Puerto Rico's governor declared a state of emergency on Tuesday after a series of earthquakes killed at least one person, toppled buildings and knocked out power to nearly the entire island of more than 3 million people.
The largest of the quakes in the US territory registered at magnitude 6.4, the most powerful to hit the Caribbean island in 102 years.
With two large power plants shut down, drinking water was cut off to at least 300,000 customers, Wanda Vazquez, the governor, told a news conference.
She said power should be restored to most of the island within 24 to 48 hours. Puerto Rico schools will remain closed and public employees, other than health workers and police, will stay home on Wednesday while checks are made on the structural safety of buildings, Ms Vazquez said.
"There are people who have lost their lives, there are people who have lost all their property," She told reporters, without giving further details on the extent of damage and injuries.


thetelegraph--2020-01-07--Brilliant Manchester City demolish Manchester United to take step towards Carabao Cup final

In the stands the faces of the past looked down in bewilderment , Ryan Giggs , Wayne Rooney , Sir Alex Ferguson – all of them trying to make out the pieces of the club they once knew as Manchester United who are , for now , just glad still to be in this cup tie .
Their place in the new order has been hard for United to accept at the best of times , but the nagging feeling that this home defeat in a League Cup semi-final first leg could have been much worse for the one-time kings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their decline .
They are just about still in it , clinging on with a Marcus Rashford second-half goal after a first half in which they were taken apart by their local rivals in front of their own fans and booed off at half-time. Pep Guardiola will wonder how his team do not have a place at Wembley already booked with the second leg in three weeks ’ time , but somehow his side left the door ajar .
If the evidence of the first half is anything to go by then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the holders although one supposes that United can not be as bad again as they were in the first 45 minutes. Against a City team that had no recognisable centre-forward , and remained like that for all but the last ten minutes , United were schooled in the art of possession football and artful counter-attacking .
Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez scored the first two goals , and then Andreas Pereira turned one into his own net as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ’ s selection mistakes , tactical missteps and generally poorly performing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guardiola said later that this tie was still alive and that he would accept no complacency from his players but what was most telling is that this now feels like the new normal .
City ’ s manager road-tested a formation that he would never try against one of the elite of Europe , which all suggested a bit of managerial showboating .
Guardiola argued that his players were tired yet he did not make a substitution until the 80th minute. As for Solskjaer , he was forced to embark on emergency surgery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jesse Lingard was replaced with Nemanja Matic with the midfield overrun .
There were two teenagers in the starting line-up – Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams – and a third , Angel Gomes , introduced in the second half .
Solskjaer ’ s faith in young players is admirable but this was the wrong game against the wrong opposition.

In the stands the faces of the past looked down in bewilderment, Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, Sir Alex Ferguson – all of them trying to make out the pieces of the club they once knew as Manchester United who are, for now, just glad still to be in this cup tie.
Their place in the new order has been hard for United to accept at the best of times, but the nagging feeling that this home defeat in a League Cup semi-final first leg could have been much worse for the one-time kings of English football tells you the scale of their decline. They are just about still in it, clinging on with a Marcus Rashford second-half goal after a first half in which they were taken apart by their local rivals in front of their own fans and booed off at half-time.
Pep Guardiola will wonder how his team do not have a place at Wembley already booked with the second leg in three weeks’ time, but somehow his side left the door ajar. If the evidence of the first half is anything to go by then the second leg will be a formality for the holders although one supposes that United cannot be as bad again as they were in the first 45 minutes.
Against a City team that had no recognisable centre-forward, and remained like that for all but the last ten minutes, United were schooled in the art of possession football and artful counter-attacking. Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez scored the first two goals, and then Andreas Pereira turned one into his own net as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s selection mistakes, tactical missteps and generally poorly performing players threatened to cave in altogether. Guardiola said later that this tie was still alive and that he would accept no complacency from his players but what was most telling is that this now feels like the new normal. City’s manager road-tested a formation that he would never try against one of the elite of Europe, which all suggested a bit of managerial showboating. Guardiola argued that his players were tired yet he did not make a substitution until the 80th minute.
As for Solskjaer, he was forced to embark on emergency surgery to his wounded team at half-time. Jesse Lingard was replaced with Nemanja Matic with the midfield overrun. There were two teenagers in the starting line-up – Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams – and a third, Angel Gomes, introduced in the second half. Solskjaer’s faith in young players is admirable but this was the wrong game against the wrong opposition.


thetelegraph--2020-01-07--Officials 'monitoring situation' in Sydney as Tim Henman and Lleyton Hewitt prepare to resume rivalr

Officials 'monitoring situation' in Sydney as Tim Henman and Lleyton Hewitt prepare to resume rivalry in ATP Cup quarter-final

Wednesday morning brought a reminder of the precarious nature of life in Australia this summer .
A westerly wind change blew a fresh dose of smoke across Sydney , dropping the air-quality index to hazardous levels and threatening the progress of the ATP Cup .
The last day of group matches in Sydney progressed on time anyway , at 10am .
A spokesman for the ATP said that `` We are monitoring the situation and it is safe to start at 10 for players fans and staff . ''
Still , there will be concerns about player health if the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that another wind change on Wednesday evening would bring fresher air .
Until then , the players will be wishing that the Ken Rosewall Arena had a full roof and air-conditioning system rather than a canopy that is open at the sides .
The forecast change of weather – which was expected to arrive at around 8pm – should be welcome for the British team , who managed to squeak out of Group C as winners on Tuesday .
Their reward will be a quarter-final against hosts Australia , who have been the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Most tennis fans will remember the Tim Henman-Lleyton Hewitt rivalry of the early 21st century , which peaked in the Wimbledon semi-final of 2002 .
The match was a heart-breaking affair for home hopes , as well as a tipping point in the gradual eclipse of serve-volleyers by baseline scrappers .

Wednesday morning brought a reminder of the precarious nature of life in Australia this summer. A westerly wind change blew a fresh dose of smoke across Sydney, dropping the air-quality index to hazardous levels and threatening the progress of the ATP Cup.
The last day of group matches in Sydney progressed on time anyway, at 10am. A spokesman for the ATP said that "We are monitoring the situation and it is safe to start at 10 for players fans and staff."
Still, there will be concerns about player health if the smoke haze continues. A forecast suggested that another wind change on Wednesday evening would bring fresher air. Until then, the players will be wishing that the Ken Rosewall Arena had a full roof and air-conditioning system rather than a canopy that is open at the sides.
The forecast change of weather – which was expected to arrive at around 8pm – should be welcome for the British team, who managed to squeak out of Group C as winners on Tuesday. Their reward will be a quarter-final against hosts Australia, who have been the form team of the competition to date.
Most tennis fans will remember the Tim Henman-Lleyton Hewitt rivalry of the early 21st century, which peaked in the Wimbledon semi-final of 2002. The match was a heart-breaking affair for home hopes, as well as a tipping point in the gradual eclipse of serve-volleyers by baseline scrappers.


thetelegraph--2020-01-07--Rolls Royce no longer just for chauffeured CEOs as custom-made SUVs attract celebrities and influenc

Rolls Royce no longer just for chauffeured CEOs as custom-made SUVs attract celebrities and influencers who get rich younger

Most Rolls-Royce owners used to be captains of industry , in their mid-fifties , and driven around by a chauffeur @ @ @ @ @ has dropped to 43 in a decade , as the carmaker ’ s first SUV @ @ @ @ @ stars , celebrities and influencers who are getting rich quick .
Sales of the luxury @ @ @ @ @ all-time record as Rolls-Royce reaps the reward of its strategy to shed its fusty image @ @ @ @ @ “ About 20 per cent of Rolls-Royce buyers are celebrities , people from the sport @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös , the chief executive .
“ Digital industries also mean @ @ @ @ @ net worth individuals is changing .
People are becoming wealthy at such speeds now.
” @ @ @ @ @ average age of buyers is down 13 years on a decade ago , when Mr @ @ @ @ @ BMW-owned business .

Most Rolls-Royce owners used to be captains of industry, in their mid-fifties, and driven around by a chauffeur.
But the average age has dropped to 43 in a decade, as the carmaker’s first SUV and custom-made ranges attract sports stars, celebrities and influencers who are getting rich quick.
Sales of the luxury British car have hit an all-time record as Rolls-Royce reaps the reward of its strategy to shed its fusty image and target younger buyers.
“About 20 per cent of Rolls-Royce buyers are celebrities, people from the sport, music and film worlds,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, the chief executive.
“Digital industries also mean the world of ultra high net worth individuals is changing. People are becoming wealthy at such speeds now.” As a result, the average age of buyers is down 13 years on a decade ago, when Mr Müller-Ötvös became head of the BMW-owned business.


thetelegraph--2020-01-09--Disclosure problems still exist in more than half of all prosecutions, review finds

Crucial evidence is still not being properly disclosed in more than half of all prosecutions cases , a damning report by inspectors has found .
Stretched police resources and inexperienced officers not fully understanding the criminal justice system , has been blamed for continued problems within the system .
Inspectors also claimed the Crown Prosecution Service ( CPS ) did not have enough lawyers to cope with the caseload they currently faced .
The highly critical report concluded that the disclosure of evidence was still not at an acceptable standard and there remained much work to do .
In all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to know what evidence the prosecution has against them .
But they are also allowed access to so-called 'unused material ' , which is evidence that either undermines the prosecution case of helps the defence .
There is a statutory duty on the police and prosecutors to disclose this material both at the charging decision stage and once the trial process has begun .
But a review of the way evidence is being handled was launched two years ago , after a series of rape trials collapsed when it emerged crucial digital material @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' legal teams .

Crucial evidence is still not being properly disclosed in more than half of all prosecutions cases, a damning report by inspectors has found.
Stretched police resources and inexperienced officers not fully understanding the criminal justice system, has been blamed for continued problems within the system.
Inspectors also claimed the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) did not have enough lawyers to cope with the caseload they currently faced.
The highly critical report concluded that the disclosure of evidence was still not at an acceptable standard and there remained much work to do.
In all criminal trials, defendants have the right to know what evidence the prosecution has against them.
But they are also allowed access to so-called 'unused material', which is evidence that either undermines the prosecution case of helps the defence.
There is a statutory duty on the police and prosecutors to disclose this material both at the charging decision stage and once the trial process has begun.
But a review of the way evidence is being handled was launched two years ago, after a series of rape trials collapsed when it emerged crucial digital material had not been shared with the defendants' legal teams.


thetelegraph--2020-01-09--Universities which fail to deal with harassment and sexual misconduct could be fined up to £500,000

Universities which fail to deal with harassment and sexual misconduct could be fined up to £500,000 , as the regulator advises them to provide consent classes and training for witnesses .
Institutions which are `` letting down '' students with `` ineffective and inadequate '' mechanisms for dealing with incidents face crippling financial penalties and even their public funding being cut off , the Office for Students ( OfS ) has warned .
The watchdog has put forward a set of proposals which lay out how reports should be handled .
It also recommends that institutions provide consent workshops to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and bystander training to equip people with the skills to intervene if they witness such behaviour .
Universities and colleges which fail to comply with the proposed standards , which are currently being debated , could be fined up to £500,000 or two per cent of their income - whichever figure is higher .
In particularly serious cases of lack of compliance with the proposals , their registration with the OfS could be revoked , meaning they would no longer be able to access public funds , such as tuition fee loans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief executive , Nicola Dandridge , said : `` We continue to hear accounts of students experiencing harassment , sexual assault and other forms of sexual misconduct .
`` Too often students say they are not getting the support they need if they suffer this unacceptable behaviour , and that reporting systems are not clear or effective .
`` Many institutions are taking concrete steps to address the issue and we have funded 119 projects across the country to develop initiatives and share them across the sector .
But we need to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being let down by ineffective procedures and inadequate support .
`` Our proposed statement of expectations sets out the basis of fair , clear and robust processes that we expect all higher education providers to have in place to respond effectively to harassment and sexual misconduct .
Where we see evidence of serious failings , we have the regulatory powers to intervene . ''
The OfS says there are `` widespread reports of harassment and sexual misconduct which are not being adequately addressed by providers '' .
It adds that `` there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effective systems , policies and procedures in place to respond to reports of such incidents . ''
In its proposals , harassment is defined as unwanted behaviour or conduct which makes a person feel `` offended , intimidated or humiliated '' because of their age , disability , gender reassignment , race , religion or belief , sex or sexual orientation .
The watchdog will determine how universities and colleges are responding to the proposals by monitoring information from students , universities and colleges , and other bodies .
The consultation comes after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on campuses .
Reported incidents of rape , sexual assault and harassment at UK universities have trebled in three years , from 476 allegations in 2016 to 1,436 in 2019 , a BBC investigation previously revealed .
Meanwhile , a report in October by the Equality and Human Rights Commission ( EHRC ) found that racial harassment is taking place at an `` alarmingly high rate '' across British universities , with around 24 per cent of ethnic minority students saying they have experienced it .
Universities UK added : `` Universities are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a safe university experience , free from harassment and hate crime , which allows them to thrive in their learning and work .
`` Universities welcome the opportunity to demonstrate the progress they are making on this important issue . ''

Universities which fail to deal with harassment and sexual misconduct could be fined up to £500,000, as the regulator advises them to provide consent classes and training for witnesses.
Institutions which are "letting down" students with "ineffective and inadequate" mechanisms for dealing with incidents face crippling financial penalties and even their public funding being cut off, the Office for Students (OfS) has warned.
The watchdog has put forward a set of proposals which lay out how reports should be handled.
It also recommends that institutions provide consent workshops to give guidance on what behaviour is unacceptable, and bystander training to equip people with the skills to intervene if they witness such behaviour.
Universities and colleges which fail to comply with the proposed standards, which are currently being debated, could be fined up to £500,000 or two per cent of their income - whichever figure is higher.
In particularly serious cases of lack of compliance with the proposals, their registration with the OfS could be revoked, meaning they would no longer be able to access public funds, such as tuition fee loans for their students.
The OfS's chief executive, Nicola Dandridge, said: "We continue to hear accounts of students experiencing harassment, sexual assault and other forms of sexual misconduct.


thetelegraph--2020-01-09--Patients are going blind because of long NHS delays, investigators warn

Last month a national report found that one in three NHS trusts with ophthalmology departments had delays affecting at least 500 patients over the year – amounting to more than 20,000 patients forced to wait .
The HSIB report said the woman had first visited a high street optician in June 2016 after noticing that her vision was getting worse .
She was diagnosed with glaucoma and referred to the local hospital eye service for an urgent assessment .
But she suffered delays over 13 months , during which she saw seven different doctors , including trainees and locums who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – leading to further sight loss .
The HSIB report said : `` Following a review of the patient 's care , it was agreed that there had been missed opportunities to preserve her already limited sight , and that this had left her significantly disabled and unable to lead a normal life .
`` The patient 's current consultant confirmed that , in her opinion , the patient 's disease progression would have been prevented had she been seen and treated in a timely way . ''
The woman was eventually registered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since been awarded £3.2 million in compensation from the trust .
The HSIB said around 22 patients per month suffer severe or permanent sight loss as a result of delays .
The investigation found inadequate national hospital eye service capacity to meet demand for glaucoma services , and recommended better ways of working .
It said its findings related to glaucoma patients but are `` likely to be applicable to follow-up of patients with other eye conditions '' .
Mike Burdon , president of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists , said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on how the delays to follow-up appointments results in the loss of vision for patients .
`` With demand for ophthalmic services predicted to rise by more than 40 per cent over the next 20 years , urgent action is needed , ” he said .
Keith Conradi , HSIB 's chief investigator , said : `` Glaucoma is the world 's leading cause of irreversible blindness .
`` We know that the delay to appointments once patients are diagnosed exacerbates the risk of sight loss in patients across England .
`` Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patient has suffered immeasurably , living with the effects each day , including not being able to see the faces of her young children or read books to them .
`` Despite some national recommendations being made 10 years ago , this continues to happen and will only worsen as the population ages – a 44 per cent increase in the number of people with glaucoma is predicted by the year 2035 . ''
Helen Lee , policy and campaigns manager at the Royal National Institute of Blind People said : `` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious and dangerous lack of specialist staff and space in NHS ophthalmology services across the country .
`` We know that thousands of patients in England are experiencing delays in time-critical eye care appointments , which is leading to irreversible sight loss for some , but suggestions on how to tackle the problem have been continually ignored .
`` Without immediate action , the situation will only continue to deteriorate as the demand for appointments increases . ''

Patients are going blind because of long waits to see eye doctors, NHS investigators have warned, after a 34-year-old woman was left unable to ever see her baby.
Watchdogs warned that 22 people a month are suffering severe or permanent sight loss, amid as the health service struggles to cope with rising demand.
The Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) said delays across the NHS were having a “devastating” impact.
Its report highlights the case of a mother of three, who was unable to properly care for her young children – and never saw her baby.
The un-named patient went blind after successive appointment delays over 13 months at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.
A review found that 4,500 glaucoma patients suffered delays at the trust – including 16 who went blind.
Charities warned that a growing national crisis was leaving patients in danger.


thetelegraph--2020-01-09--Warnings over “postcode lottery” in ovarian cancer diagnosis and survival

Survival rates for women with ovarian cancer are twice as high in some parts of the country than others , @ @ @ @ @ “ postcode lottery ” in diagnosis and treatment of the disease .
A new report @ @ @ @ @ of the country just one in ten cases are diagnosed at their earliest stage , @ @ @ @ @ areas achieve almost half of the time .
Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common @ @ @ @ @ , with around 7,000 diagnoses in England each year , and 4,000 deaths .
It @ @ @ @ @ can be vague and hard to detect , meaning around half of cases are detected @ @ @ @ @ The report by Public Health England and cancer charities found highest survival rates in South @ @ @ @ @ of women were alive five years after diagnosis .
In Hampshire , Dorset and the @ @ @ @ @ figure was just 28.7 per cent .

Survival rates for women with ovarian cancer are twice as high in some parts of the country than others, amid warnings of an NHS “postcode lottery” in diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
A new report warns that in some parts of the country just one in ten cases are diagnosed at their earliest stage, which health services in other areas achieve almost half of the time.
Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common form of cancer in women, with around 7,000 diagnoses in England each year, and 4,000 deaths.
It is notoriously deadly because symptoms can be vague and hard to detect, meaning around half of cases are detected at a late stage.
The report by Public Health England and cancer charities found highest survival rates in South East London, where half of women were alive five years after diagnosis.
In Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight, the figure was just 28.7 per cent.


thetelegraph--2020-01-09--Men should be given counselling over fertility struggles in Instagram world of 'perfect families'

More men should be given counselling before IVF treatment , with couples struggling to cope with their feelings in an era of Instagram “ perfect families ” fertility experts have said .
The British Fertility Society clinic called on all clinics to provide better mental health support to those seeking help .
Speaking at the Fertility 2020 conference in Edinburgh , its experts said such help was normally focussed on women undergoing treatment , with more support needed for men .
Dr Jane Stewart , Chairman of the society said : “ The mental health needs of our patients are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specialised support to help our patients through what can be a distressing and dark time for some .
And the evidence suggests that support including counselling should be tailored to the gender and circumstances of the patient.
” Research on fertility clinics found that counselling services were often inadequate , and sometimes limited to just one hour in total .
She said : “ In this ‘ Instagram era ’ , many people experience huge pressure and expectation around creating the ‘ perfect ’ family .
That kind of stress is difficult for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experiencing infertility it can be devastating.
” Jacky Boivin , Professor of Psychology and British Fertility Society Committee Member said clinics should do more to examine the mental health and history of patients , to see if they were likely to need extra help .
She said support was often needed to help patients cope with the uncertainty of fertility treatment , as well as the strain it could place on relationships .

More men should be given counselling before IVF treatment, with couples struggling to cope with their feelings in an era of Instagram “perfect families” fertility experts have said.
The British Fertility Society clinic called on all clinics to provide better mental health support to those seeking help.
Speaking at the Fertility 2020 conference in Edinburgh, its experts said such help was normally focussed on women undergoing treatment, with more support needed for men.
Dr Jane Stewart, Chairman of the society said: “The mental health needs of our patients are woefully underserved.
“We need more specialised support to help our patients through what can be a distressing and dark time for some. And the evidence suggests that support including counselling should be tailored to the gender and circumstances of the patient.”
Research on fertility clinics found that counselling services were often inadequate, and sometimes limited to just one hour in total.
She said: “In this ‘Instagram era’, many people experience huge pressure and expectation around creating the ‘perfect’ family. That kind of stress is difficult for anyone to deal with but for someone experiencing infertility it can be devastating.”
Jacky Boivin, Professor of Psychology and British Fertility Society Committee Member said clinics should do more to examine the mental health and history of patients, to see if they were likely to need extra help.