bbcuk--2020-03-06--Coronavirus: Should you disinfect your phone, and other questions

The UK is continuing to work on its response to the coronavirus outbreak after more than 100 people in the UK were diagnosed with the disease .
Here is a selection of readers ' questions about the virus and the outbreak .
( Let us know your questions by using the form at the bottom of this article ) .
Coronavirus is believed to be transferred between people in droplets from coughs and sneezes .
But experts think that it can survive on surfaces , possibly for days .
So it 's important that your phone - at home , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thoroughly and often .
All the major phone-makers warn against cleaning your phone with alcohol , hand sanitiser or sterilising wipes , because it can damage the protective coating on the screen .
Damaging this layer could make it easier for germs to stick to the device .
Modern phones tend to be water-resistant , so you could clean your phone with regular soap and water and a single-use paper towel - but do check your phone is water-resistant before you try it .
What is the risk to children ?
- Louise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be relatively unaffected by coronavirus , according to data from China .
This may be because they are able to shake off the infection or have no symptoms or only very mild ones similar to a cold .
However , children with underlying lung problems , such as asthma , may have to be more careful , as the virus could trigger an attack .
For most children , though , it will be a respiratory infection like any other and no cause for alarm .
The UK government would have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of the virus , if it wanted .
Schools in Italy and Iran have already been shut .
Can the virus spread on notes and coins ?
- David Webber , Dorset The Chinese government has said that cash received by all banks must be sterilised before being released to customers , in order to reduce the spread of the disease .
Using contactless cards can minimise the risk of handling cash .
However , these cards can also harbour germs and viruses .
Best practice is to wash your hands thoroughly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Would the government close UK borders to stem the virus 's spread ?
- Emma , Dagenham Although some countries , including Australia and the US , have introduced travel restrictions on some areas with coronavirus outbreaks , the UK has no plans to close its borders .
The government says that it wants to keep people safe while minimising the social and economic impact of any outbreak .
If flights to and from other countries were cancelled , people could always find other ways of getting to the UK .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization , too : it is not in favour of trade and travel restrictions to countries with coronavirus outbreaks , because it says it 's just not effective .
Currently , all flights and sea vessels arriving in the UK must provide a declaration stating that their passengers are well .
The Foreign Office is providing advice to British nationals abroad and to those planning to travel .
What are the differences between coronavirus and flu ?
- Brent Starr , Gresham , Oregon , US Coronavirus and flu share many similar symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a test .
The main coronavirus symptoms to look out for are fever and a cough .
Flu often has other symptoms too , such as a sore throat , while people with coronavirus may feel short of breath .
Anyone who suspects they may have caught coronavirus should not visit their GP surgery , pharmacy or hospital .
Instead , they should call 111 to speak to someone .
How are exam boards preparing in case schools have to close ?
- Amanda , Berkshire Exam boards across the UK currently say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that students , schools and colleges should prepare for exams as normal .
England 's exams watchdog Ofqual , SQA in Scotland , Qualifications Wales and CCEA in Northern Ireland say they are monitoring the situation closely .
Exams in Scotland start at the end of April and in the other three countries in early May .
• Should I self-isolate and how do I do it ?
• Coronavirus : What are your travel rights ?
What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• EASY STEPS : What can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak If my husband and I got the virus , could our pets be infected ?
- Pat Jackson No .
According to the World Health Organization there is no evidence that coronavirus can be transmitted between humans and family pets .
Coronaviruses occur in almost all animal species , including humans .
They are usually specific to a single species and transmission between species is very uncommon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the breath or cough of a pet , you could potentially catch coronavirus from the fur of an animal touched , or coughed on , by an infected person .
But you should still make sure that after touching your pets you wash your hands regularly with soap and water .
Pets can carry bacteria like E.coli and salmonella and these bugs can pass between pets and humans .
What questions do you have about the coronavirus ?
In some cases , your question will be published , displaying your name , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , unless you state otherwise .
Your contact details will never be published .
Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy .
Use this form to ask your question :

How is the government going to protect vulnerable children who remain unvaccinated? My son has cystic fibrosis and will now be forced to mix - he has not had any access to vaccination.
Because your son is in a clinical risk group - and as long as he is over five - he should soon be offered two doses of the Pfizer vaccine. You should be contacted by your GP or specialist team to arrange this.
With regard to the dangers of mixing, the UK has also recommended that Covid vaccines are offered to all children aged 5 to 11, not just those at high clinical risk. This is likely to start in England in April. Children are generally at much lower risk of becoming seriously ill from a Covid infection, although some do still get sick and need hospital care. Over-12s can already be vaccinated, and it's hoped that extending the rollout to younger age groups will help protect even more children from the risk of catching and spreading Covid.
Schools are expected to work with and support families who have concerns about a pupil returning to the classroom. It is compulsory for school-age children to attend, even if they were previously shielding - the only exception is a small number of children whose clinician or GP has advised them not to attend. If you have concerns about this, you should talk to your doctor.


bbcuk--2020-03-06--Budget 2020: What we already know about our changing finances

Two Budgets this year will have a big impact on the money in our pocket - but in fact , we already know our finances are changing .
Some policies have already been announced , some calculations completed , and some promises made that tell us how we will be affected .
These are some of the ways in which your wages , taxes , pensions and benefits will shift in April .
One of the big factors of this and upcoming Budgets is something that actually is not going to happen .
The Conservative manifesto promised that during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be no rise in the rates of income tax , VAT or national insurance .
So that means no increase in the proportion of our pay packet that goes to such taxes , or the tax when we buy goods and services .
Clearly , if we earn more , we will pay more .
There are other ways in which the chancellor can raise money from us , so some people could still end up worse off .
In recent Budgets , chancellors have increased the amount we can earn before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal allowance .
This April , it will be frozen at £12,500 before we start paying 20 % income tax .
Also frozen is the £50,000 threshold at which people start to pay the higher 40 % rate of income tax .
• Chancellor must raise taxes in first Budget , says IFS Practically , that means anyone who gets a pay rise in the coming year may be at risk of paying more in tax , as the extra wages mean they cross these thresholds .
This is known among economists as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Scotland , you have different income tax rates from the rest of the UK .
Changes were announced in the recent Scottish budget .
One nailed-on promise from the government was a tax break regarding national insurance .
The current threshold sees employees and the self-employed paying contributions once they earn £166 a week , equivalent to an annual salary of £8,632 a year .
From April , we will start paying when we earn £9,500 .
That will mean 500,000 people will no longer have to pay this tax , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fiscal Studies ( IFS ) .
Those still paying will save up to £85 a year .
The IFS says 8 % of the gains go to the poorest 20 % of working households , so it is those on a decent income who may benefit the most .
Over the last four years , many working-age benefits have been frozen .
including Jobseeker 's Allowance , Employment and Support Allowance , some types of Housing Benefit , and Child Benefit .
This policy has been one of the biggest factors squeezing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years of austerity .
The IFS says it has cut an average of £560 per year from the income of the country 's poorest seven million families since 2016 .
From April , these benefits will rise in line with the rising cost of living , going up by 1.7 % .
So , for example , child benefit for the eldest child will go up from £20.70 to £21.05 per week .
There are still some cuts being introduced gradually - for example , the two-child limit on means-tested benefits and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sees extra financial support for the first child .
There has been another delay in the full introduction of Universal Credit , the benefit that merges a number of others into one .
Those on the lowest wages will be getting a pay rise in April .
This has already been agreed .
Those aged 25 and over will get the National Living Wage of £8.72 an hour , with younger workers also getting more .
From April , the new rates are : • The National Living Wage for ages 25 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • The National Minimum Wage for 21 to 24-year-olds - up 6.5 % to £8.20 • For 18 to 20-year-olds - up 4.9 % to £6.45 • For under-18s - up 4.6 % to £4.55 • For apprentices - up 6.4 % to £4.15 Clearly the burden of paying these higher wages is carried by employers , not the government , which should actually receive more in tax as a result .
Those at the other end of the age spectrum will also get a 3.9 % state pension rise .
The full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from £168.60 a week to about £175.20 in April .
However , most pensioners get the older basic state pension , which is likely to go up from £129.20 to £134.25 per week .
They may also get a Pension Credit top-up .
The rise is the result of the triple-lock system , which means that the state pension rises in line with inflation , earnings or 2.5 % - whichever is the highest .
The Conservatives have pledged to keep this in place for this term of parliament .
And some help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The highly complicated way in which high earners are taxed is set to change .
Basically , tax relief on pensions becomes less generous if annual income exceeds £150,000 a year .
Some doctors have been refusing to work extra hours ( and earning more ) because they were being landed with bigger tax bills .
They , and other high earners , are being assessed to see if they were liable once their annual salary goes over £110,000 .
The government has promised to look at the situation and there is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean this assessment will only kick in once a standard salary exceeds £150,000 .
Some contractors will pay more tax Many self-employed people face a higher tax bill from April , when the so-called IR35 rule is extended to the private sector .
Larger private-sector employers will need to assess whether their contractors are , in fact , employees .
That could mean thousands of contractors and freelancers will pay income tax , as well as national insurance at a higher rate than they do now .
The gradual process allowing people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from some inheritance tax will enter its final stage of introduction .
It will reach its target by 2021 .

Budget 2020: What we already know about our changing finances Published 6 March 2020
Image source, Getty Images
Two Budgets this year will have a big impact on the money in our pocket - but in fact, we already know our finances are changing.
Some policies have already been announced, some calculations completed, and some promises made that tell us how we will be affected.
These are some of the ways in which your wages, taxes, pensions and benefits will shift in April.
'No rise for big taxes'
One of the big factors of this and upcoming Budgets is something that actually is not going to happen.
The Conservative manifesto promised that during the course of this five-year parliament, there will be no rise in the rates of income tax, VAT or national insurance.
Image source, Getty Images
So that means no increase in the proportion of our pay packet that goes to such taxes, or the tax when we buy goods and services. Clearly, if we earn more, we will pay more.
There are other ways in which the chancellor can raise money from us, so some people could still end up worse off.
But allowances are frozen
In recent Budgets, chancellors have increased the amount we can earn before we pay tax, known as the personal allowance.
This April, it will be frozen at £12,500 before we start paying 20% income tax. Also frozen is the £50,000 threshold at which people start to pay the higher 40% rate of income tax.
Practically, that means anyone who gets a pay rise in the coming year may be at risk of paying more in tax, as the extra wages mean they cross these thresholds.
This is known among economists as fiscal drag.
If you are living in Scotland, you have different income tax rates from the rest of the UK. Changes were announced in the recent Scottish budget.
Tax help for workers
One nailed-on promise from the government was a tax break regarding national insurance.
The current threshold sees employees and the self-employed paying contributions once they earn £166 a week, equivalent to an annual salary of £8,632 a year. From April, we will start paying when we earn £9,500.
That will mean 500,000 people will no longer have to pay this tax, according to independent economists at the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS). Those still paying will save up to £85 a year.
The IFS says 8% of the gains go to the poorest 20% of working households, so it is those on a decent income who may benefit the most.
Benefits freeze thaws
Over the last four years, many working-age benefits have been frozen. including Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, some types of Housing Benefit, and Child Benefit.
This policy has been one of the biggest factors squeezing the finances of millions of people during the years of austerity. The IFS says it has cut an average of £560 per year from the income of the country's poorest seven million families since 2016.
From April, these benefits will rise in line with the rising cost of living, going up by 1.7%. So, for example, child benefit for the eldest child will go up from £20.70 to £21.05 per week.
There are still some cuts being introduced gradually - for example, the two-child limit on means-tested benefits and the abolition of the family premium, which sees extra financial support for the first child.
There has been another delay in the full introduction of Universal Credit, the benefit that merges a number of others into one.
Minimum wages will rise
Those on the lowest wages will be getting a pay rise in April. This has already been agreed.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Many young workers will get a pay rise
Those aged 25 and over will get the National Living Wage of £8.72 an hour, with younger workers also getting more.
From April, the new rates are:
The National Living Wage for ages 25 and above - up 6.2% to £8.72
The National Minimum Wage for 21 to 24-year-olds - up 6.5% to £8.20
For 18 to 20-year-olds - up 4.9% to £6.45
For under-18s - up 4.6% to £4.55
For apprentices - up 6.4% to £4.15
Clearly the burden of paying these higher wages is carried by employers, not the government, which should actually receive more in tax as a result.
State pension lift
Those at the other end of the age spectrum will also get a 3.9% state pension rise.
The full, new state pension will go up from £168.60 a week to about £175.20 in April. However, most pensioners get the older basic state pension, which is likely to go up from £129.20 to £134.25 per week. They may also get a Pension Credit top-up.
The rise is the result of the triple-lock system, which means that the state pension rises in line with inflation, earnings or 2.5% - whichever is the highest. The Conservatives have pledged to keep this in place for this term of parliament.
And some help for doctors and other high earners?
The highly complicated way in which high earners are taxed is set to change. Basically, tax relief on pensions becomes less generous if annual income exceeds £150,000 a year.
Image source, PA
Some doctors have been refusing to work extra hours (and earning more) because they were being landed with bigger tax bills.
They, and other high earners, are being assessed to see if they were liable once their annual salary goes over £110,000. The government has promised to look at the situation and there is an expectation that changes in the Budget will mean this assessment will only kick in once a standard salary exceeds £150,000.
Some contractors will pay more tax
Many self-employed people face a higher tax bill from April, when the so-called IR35 rule is extended to the private sector.
Larger private-sector employers will need to assess whether their contractors are, in fact, employees.
That could mean thousands of contractors and freelancers will pay income tax, as well as national insurance at a higher rate than they do now.
Inheritance tax changes


bbcuk--2020-03-07--Tiara and scandals: The 'Dancing Marquess' of Anglesey

A diamond tiara that once belonged to one of Britain 's most extravagant aristocrats is up for sale on Saturday at a prestigious European art fair .
The Anglesey Tiara was at one time owned by Henry Cyril Paget - fifth Marquess of Anglesey .
It is expected to fetch a six-figure sum at the event in the Netherlands .
But behind the jewel-encrusted treasure lies a story of squandered wealth , Edwardian scandal , and an accusation of `` erasing Welsh queer history '' .
The tiara dates from about 1890 , and was left to Paget in 1898 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At the same time , he acquired the family title , and family estates in Staffordshire , Dorset , Anglesey and Derbyshire .
The fourth marquess left the 20-something Paget an estate worth £535,000 - equivalent to about £60m today .
In addition , the family homes and estates generated an annual income of £120,000 - worth some £13m in 2020 .
But in the space of just over five years , the marquess had blown the lot , been declared bankrupt , and died from complications of tuberculosis in Monte Carlo .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ news of Lord Anglesey 's death was received at Bangor with much regret , as Lord Anglesey , despite his peculiarities , was much liked there . ''
Some would certainly view the Eton-educated Lord Anglesey as embodying the word eccentric .
He had married his cousin Lillian Chetwynd in the January of 1898 before inheriting his new title .
But even then , he displayed a magpie-like obsession with all that glittered , reputedly buying the entire contents of a Paris jewellery shop to adorn his new bride .
His continued extravagance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1900 - with the marriage annulled , reportedly due to non-consummation .
Then in another twist , the annulment was withdrawn at the request of Lady Anglesey - though they remained estranged .
Effectively freed from marriage , Paget continued to throw himself into the loves of his life - spending and theatre .
He renamed the family estate near Llanfairpwll on Anglesey from Plas Newydd to Anglesey Castle .
The family chapel was gutted and replaced by a 150-seat theatre .
He then hired a professional theatre company , and set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all to see - for free .
Playing centre stage in every performance was Paget , who became known as `` The Dancing Marquess '' by the newspaper gossip sheets .
He used every show to put on a `` butterfly dance '' display , adorned by costumes which would literally cost millions of pounds today .
`` He did n't understand the concept of costume jewellery - he thought it all had to be real , '' explained actor and writer Seiriol Davies , who wrote and performed an acclaimed musical show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some estimate a diamond-encrusted costume for the pantomime Aladdin was worth at least £10,000 at the time - or an eye-popping £1m at current prices .
`` That costume was worth more than the house - and it was just left in a dressing room and somebody nicked it - and he had another one made , '' added Davies .
An occupational hazard for the marquess , it would appear .
His French valet was jailed in 1901 for stealing what would be worth the equivalent today of £2m in jewels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detective disguised as Paget arrested a gang in a Parisian cafe trying to sell some of the booty - including a pear-shaped pearl worth £1.2m alone , if valued today .
The list of Paget 's extravagance went on and on .
`` He bought a car that converted the exhaust fumes into rose-scented perfume , he had a fleet of poodles .
He made a ping-pong jacket and wanted it to be green - so he made it out of real emeralds , '' added actor Davies .
Records for one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Pullman train carriage , with revolving armchairs , tables , cabinets and solid silver fittings - at the bargain price of £2,500 - or just £265,000 if you could afford it today .
The spending continued unabated - until the inevitable happened .
Paget ran out of money .
In the summer and autumn of 1904 , bankruptcy proceedings were started against him .
He had debts of about £560,000 - or almost £60m in 2020 .
Trustees were appointed to run his estates - and then began 40 days of auctions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collected over the previous five years .
One day alone was set aside to sell his collection of dogs - from poodles to collies .
Another day saw 900 lots of silk-lined suits and fur coats put under the hammer .
He departed for a new life in France on what he would have viewed as a meagre allowance of £2,000 a year .
Today , that translates to roughly £210,000 a year .
He told a French journalist : `` In six years , I have run through that fortune , just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Perhaps his £3,000-a-year bill for underwear revealed the extent of his spending problems .
`` I had braces woven of threads of gold instead of the usual elastic webbing that other men rely upon to support their trousers , '' he said .
`` The buckles were of gold too ...
It is not hard to see where a good deal of my money went . ''
His travels took him to Monte Carlo , where one newspaper pronounced he had invented a new gambling system to take on the casinos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But on 14 March , 1905 , it was there he succumbed to TB-induced pneumonia and died .
He was just 29 .
Newspapers bleakly stated there were no family members to greet his coffin when it returned to the UK - or even at the station on Anglesey ahead of a strictly private funeral .
As an only child , his title was inherited by his cousin Charles Henry Alexander Paget .
By August of the same year , his beloved theatre at Anglesey Castle had been removed and was once again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every trace that Paget had been the fifth marquess disappeared .
The family estate was once again named Plas Newydd .
His letters , diaries and papers were set alight and destroyed by the family .
His musical stage biographer Seiriol Davies said the Victorian and Edwardian values of high British society acted against the fifth marquess .
There was also the elephant-in-the-room - perceptions about his sexuality .
While there is no concrete evidence to pinpoint he ever had same-sex relationships , Davies said the hints of a queer identity were there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of an Oscar Wilde play , that would have been quite daring in that period , '' said Davies .
It was only a few years since Wilde himself was jailed for gross indecency , before he died in Paris in 1900 .
`` It 's not just a story about a whacky man who splashed money up the wall - it 's also about a man who was erased from history , '' said Davies .
In 2017 , the National Trust - who are guardians of Plas Newydd - featured John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ examine its own LGBTQ+ history , and that of the properties and those who lived there .
Now the tiara - one of the few items not sold off to pay debts - is being put up for sale by the family exactly 115 years after his death .
`` If jewels could talk , this tiara would have a fascinating story to tell .
It was undoubtedly worn by the Marquess in his productions , '' said Guy Burton , from Hancocks London , who are exhibiting the tiara at the Maastricht @ @ @ @ @ @ @ piece in every way . ''

"If jewels could talk, this tiara would have a fascinating story to tell. It was undoubtedly worn by the Marquess in his productions," said Guy Burton, from Hancocks London, who are exhibiting the tiara at the Maastricht exhibition.


bbcuk--2020-03-07--Shinty - the sport that's a way of life for one family

The new men 's shinty season begins this weekend and for one historic club the sport is a family affair going back several generations .
They 've always taken their shinty seriously on the shores of Loch Fyne .
As far back as 1793 the provost of Inveraray was said to have captained a local side .
No big deal .
Except the provost was 100 years old at the time .
His team won too .
A century later amidst great growth in shinty and the establishment of formal rules , a story goes that a man was asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game .
The matter could be resolved very simply , he claimed , with a contest between Inveraray and Glasgow Inveraray .
Bias ?
Maybe .
But perhaps he was n't too far wrong with the Celtic Monthly noting in 1897 `` there is no team in Britain can defeat Inveraray '' .
Yet , ultimately , Inveraray had to wait until 1925 to get their hands on the much coveted Camanachd Cup , or `` The Scottish '' if you play shinty .
They won it again in 1926 and 1930 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ every Inveraray assault on the Camanachd Cup since .
MacPhersons were at the club in the late 1940s and early 50s when Inveraray , struggling like so many rural districts from the devastation of two world wars , merged briefly with rivals Furnace under the banner of Lochfyne-side .
They reached two Camanachd finals , but fell just short .
The MacPhersons were to the fore the 60s with 'Aray back as club in its own right .
Donald MacPherson had moved from the park to the touchline as manager .
His son @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team .
Two more finals , and two more defeats .
The 1970s brought new challenges .
With the economy at a low ebb and youngsters leaving the area , Inveraray were forced into abeyance .
It was a cruel blow for the town but the community would n't let their club die .
Work began immediately to develop a new generation of talent .
In the meantime and in search of a game , two of the MacPhersons , Ernie and Davy , crossed Loch Fyne to turn out for rivals Strachur @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shirt on under his Strachur jersey .
Inveraray shirt or not , nobody questioned the commitment of the MacPhersons .
They were part of a fantastic Strachur side which shocked the shinty world by reaching the final of the first open Camanachd Cup in 1983 , turning over the mighty Newtonmore on the way .
They nearly repeated the trick in the final with only two late goals winning the cup for Kyles Athletic .
Back over in Inveraray , the MacPhersons and other club stalwarts were performing alchemy with a new generation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - or Macca as he is better known in shinty - was among them .
`` There was n't really a choice .
It was just 'here 's a shinty stick and away you go ' .
The majority of the boys were shinty daft , '' recalls Macca .
Inveraray went on to win senior trophies in the 1990s .
In 2002 the club returned to the Camanachd Cup Final for the first time since 1967 .
They put in a performance to match the occasion too , only undone by shinty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his considerable powers .
The cup went back to Kingussie once more .
'Aray were back in the final in 2004 against Fort William .
This time a Euan McMurdo goal was enough to win the cup for Inveraray , ending a 74-year wait .
Davy MacPherson was managing on the sideline .
Graham MacPherson keeping a clean sheet between the posts .
Macca in the centre line and Garry making the forward line tick .
And plenty of others behind the scenes .
Macca recalls : `` 2004 - that 's the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that . ''
`` For yourself , for the team , for your family and for the town .
It just brought everybody together .
Inveraray had waited a long time to see the Camanachd Cup and the arrival of the trophy made for a special spectacle .
`` I remember being on my big cousin 's shoulders going up the main street .
The place was lined with folk : pipers , people hanging out their windows .
It took us a wee while to dry out after that one . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cup Finals .
Most notably 2012 when 'Aray led their great rivals Kyles for long spells only to fall 6-5 .
While paying tribute to the incredible spirit of Kyles Athletic , Macca admits he still has n't been able to watch that second half back .
Sport can be cruel , but Macca had already come through a far greater battle .
`` I was at training one night and I went to stop the ball and it just caught me right in the sore bits .
A couple of days later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought it was to do with the shinty but it was cancer , '' he says .
`` I do n't know if I would have gone to the hospital if I did n't get a hit to the testicles with the shinty ball .
I would have just left it .
Typical guy thing - it will be fine , it 'll go away .
`` But because it was shinty I thought I better get it checked out and luckily I did because the longer you leave it , the worse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went early , although not as early as I should have done . ''
Macca has used his experience to try and help others .
`` I did n't have a clue about it before it happened to me .
I was totally naive to the situation .
Maybe if I had heard somebody talking about it , then I might have gone to the doctor a little earlier .
So if my story can help one person go to the doctor , then that will do for me .
Shinty helped keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It was one my driving forces to get back fit and healthy .
I got back to a Macaulay Cup Final after three or four months , bald as a coot but still wanting to play , '' he says .
Macca has taken a step back these days , once more with the second team but now in the role of the wise old head helping out the next generation .
A role reversal but one that he 's happy to fulfill .
`` Shinty was my life .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who I socialised with , what I did at the weekends , it was what I thought about and trained for during the week .
A huge part of my life . ''
The 'Aray 2nds might have to do without Macca at the start of the new season though , with his wife Rona having just given birth to a son .
A new generation of Inveraray MacPhersons - apparently his grandad has already bought the new arrival a caman and ball .
But perhaps the most remarkable thing about the MacPhersons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shinty , they are n't so remarkable at all , even in their own club .
The game is notable for families with generations and decades of service .
MacDonalds in Tighnabruaich .
MacKenzies in Lochcarron .
Murchisons and Cowies in Skye .
MacArthurs and Ritchies in Newtonmore , the Dallas family of Kingussie .
And a whole host of others in many different communities across the Highlands and Islands and beyond .
That is n't to say that shinty is stuck in its ways .
Most notably in the case of women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for so long but in recent times belatedly making their presence very much felt on the field of play .
Women 's shinty continues to grow , but already in Lorna MacRae of Skye and Kirsty Deans of Badenoch , the women 's game has two star players who shine as brightly as anything the men can offer .
Shinty is evolving with the communities in which it is so deeply rooted .
Family and community , life and death , triumph and failure , love .
And shinty .
Always shinty .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday .
The women are a step ahead with a couple of games already played .
All the information about the weekend fixtures can be found here .

"I didn't have a clue about it before it happened to me. I was totally naive to the situation. Maybe if I had heard somebody talking about it, then I might have gone to the doctor a little earlier. So if my story can help one person go to the doctor, then that will do for me.


bbcuk--2020-03-06--Ellie Goulding: 'I was unprepared for fame'

Ellie Goulding says she was `` not warned '' about the pressures of fame when she started her career in 2009 .
The pop star said her first few years in the spotlight were `` tough '' as she struggled with shyness while `` being thrust in front of cameras '' .
`` I thought that was just what my life was going to be , and what I 'd signed up to , '' she said .
`` It 's only in the last four years I 've realised that 's not how it had to be .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help . ''
The star admitted there had been `` times when I felt really , really low , '' but added : `` I 'm feeling good now . ''
• Ellie Goulding : ' I used alcohol to be more interesting' Addressing a panel on mental health at Annie Mac 's AMP London conference , Goulding she had often faced situations where she felt compelled to perform against her better judgement .
`` I remember being really poorly once , '' she said .
`` My voice was gone and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , having toured solidly for about five years . ''
Knowing she was `` unable to deliver '' a live performance to her usual standard , she tried to withdraw from a live radio broadcast , only to be told : `` 'We 'll never work with you again ... You either do this or you 're blacklisted . '
`` So then you 're like , ' I 'll have to do it , but it 's at the risk of completely shutting down , ' '' she said .
She was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presenter Maya Jama , who said she 'd experienced a similarly aggressive work schedule at the start of her career .
`` There 's a mentality of no days off , '' she said .
`` I did n't take a holiday for the first two-and-a-half or three years [ of my career ] because I was scared I was going to miss out on a job ; and that could be my big break .
`` Now I feel fortunate that I can take time off but there are probably people just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state of mind . ''
However , both stars said the entertainment industry had become more attuned to people 's mental health in the last four years .
Goulding was joined on stage by Ben Mortimer , co-president of her record label Polydor , who recalled the industry 's attitude to young artists a decade ago .
`` I remember going through an artist 's schedule and we were like , 'There 's a free day there , what shall we put in ? '
'' he confessed .
`` It sounds terrible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We just thought we were doing our job .
• Ellie Goulding gets the final number one of 2019 • Dua Lipa : We should all be nicer to each other online '' But you come to it now and you 're like , 'There 's a week free there .
Great , Ellie 's got a holiday ' . ''
Since becoming president of Polydor in 2016 , Mortimer has introduced several mental health initiatives , and now works directly with artists to support them when issues like anxiety , depression @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also covered the impact of social media on celebrities ' mental health , with Jama calling services like Twitter and Instagram `` a blessing and a curse '' .
`` I would n't have half my jobs if it was n't for social media , '' she said , `` but then everything you do is under a massive microscope .
It 's not natural to hear so many other people 's opinions about yourself . ''
The Radio 1 DJ , who faced criticism two years ago when an old tweet surfaced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black women , said scrutiny could be `` intense sometimes , but it 's part of life now '' .
She added that Instagram gave her the chance to correct inaccurate media reports or combat sexism - as she did earlier this week when a tabloid paper ran a headline about her `` jiggling her boobs '' .
`` I ca n't let weird journalists that sit on their chairs and eat Hob Nobs writing [ rubbish ] stop me , '' said the broadcaster .
`` You can call these things out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impossible for celebrities to completely disengage from social media .
`` If you 're an artist and you 're not on social media , you 're essentially invisible . ''
`` It 's become a really vital part of your career when you 're in the public eye , '' agreed Annie Mac , who was moderating the discussion .
`` The question is , when are you allowed to switch off ? ''
All of the panellists said they took regular breaks from their phones to escape the `` echo chamber of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ muting certain offensive words that cropped up regularly in her replies .
Jordan Stephens from the rap duo Rizzle Kicks also proposed a `` national social media blackout month '' , and suggested newly-signed musicians should be mentored by older acts who 'd experienced the harsh glare of media attention .
Goulding , for her part , extolled the virtues of regular exercise and literature .
`` Whenever I 'm feeling a bit low and I think , 'Oh , I 'll just go on Twitter and see what people are saying about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ documentary or a silly film , `` she said , `` but mainly I read books '' .
`` When I get lost in fiction , it helps . ''
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If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"There's a mentality of no days off," she said. "I didn't take a holiday for the first two-and-a-half or three years [of my career] because I was scared I was going to miss out on a job; and that could be my big break.


bbcuk--2020-03-07--German PoW 'great escape' in Wales marks 75 years

It was the biggest Prisoner of War escape attempt in Britain - as 70 German World War Two PoWs tried to tunnel to freedom .
Now , 75 years on from the breakout on the 10 March , 1945 , hundreds of visitors will get a rare chance to view the Island Farm camp in Bridgend for themselves .
Free tickets for the tour of PoW Hut 9 went in minutes - with all 800 places for this weekend taken .
`` All that 's left of the camp now is Hut 9 , from where the PoWs dug themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Brett Exton , who chairs the Hut 9 Preservation Group .
`` The tunnel was opened for the first time in 58 years for a documentary in 2003 , and again 10 years later for an episode of Countryfile .
It 's still in amazing condition , but unfortunately during the second opening part of it collapsed , so to avoid further damage it 's been sealed off ever since . ''
The preservation group rely on the generosity of donations from its visitors and supporters - and they hope the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work at Hut 9 - and the tunnel .
`` If we can raise enough , what we hope to do is insert a sort of periscope device , so visitors can see from above how it would have been to crawl through , whilst at the same time protecting this precious part of our wartime history , '' Mr Exton said .
Island Farm was requisitioned by the War Office at the start of the conflict , and in its early years served as accommodation for female munitions workers , then as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to D-Day .
• The real plot behind the Great Escape After the Normandy landings , it was re-designated PoW Camp 198 , and readied to receive some of the thousands of German soldiers taken prisoner .
Considered too luxurious for the ranks , it held only officers - including Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt , who was in charge of the German army in Normandy during the Allied D-Day landings .
But within days of their arrival on 2 November 1944 , the German officers had begun plans for escape .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ discovered in January 1945 - but Mr Exton said it appears to have been a decoy .
`` The camp commandant had himself warned that escape tunnels often came in pairs , so it 's a bit of a mystery why they did n't keep searching for another , '' he said .
`` As it was , the PoWs were able to carry on digging under Hut 9 and out under the wire , and by March it was ready for the escape attempt . ''
The ingenuity of the captured soldiers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Exton .
Digging implements were fashioned from metal bars and wooden benches , with the tunnel roof propped up with bed legs - cut to the same length so guards would not notice the difference in height between the bunks .
The excavated clay soil was removed on a sledge and rolled into balls before being dropped into a false wall at the back of the hut .
Condensed milk cans were slotted together to form a ventilation tube , which was fed with fresh air from a hand-operated bellows on the surface @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bulbs wired into the camp 's electricity supply .
On the night of the escape , they went as far as sprinkling curry powder around the perimeter fence in order to put sniffer dogs off their scent .
`` It seems incredible that all this work was able to take place undetected ; it really was an entire camp effort , '' remarked the preservation group chairman .
`` Although only a small proportion of the PoWs tried to escape , every single one of them would have been involved in distraction tactics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the adjacent hut and staging a raucous play on the night of the escape . ''
Overall , 70 PoWs made it under the wire on the night and into the early hours of the following morning .
However , when the alarm was raised , 14 were recaptured within yards of the camp wire .
The majority were rounded up over the following three days , although some did make it an impressive distance .
One group was apprehended in Swansea in search of a ship out of Wales , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away on a freight train .
A third contingent made it as far as Castle Bromwich on the outskirts of Birmingham , having stolen a car from a Bridgend doctor .
Yet despite these deeds , Mr Exton is amazed how few people actually know about Island Farm 's history .
`` It 's been called 'The Germans ' Great Escape'- yet when I mention it to people all I get are blank faces , '' he said .
After the war , the camp was abandoned , left to the elements , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being a listed building , it was `` as if Bridgend had turned its back '' on Island Farm , said Mr Exton .
`` When I started reading up about it I became obsessed .
`` From there a group of us came together to begin restoring the hut , and gradually interest has grown over the years , to the extent that the tours we run on Armistice weekend and the March anniversary are now sold out as soon as we announce them . ''

"The tunnel was opened for the first time in 58 years for a documentary in 2003, and again 10 years later for an episode of Countryfile. It's still in amazing condition, but unfortunately during the second opening part of it collapsed, so to avoid further damage it's been sealed off ever since."


bbcuk--2020-03-07--Middlesbrough group uses crisp packets to help homeless

Volunteers in Middlesbrough have taken part in a workshop turning used crisp packets into bags to help the homeless .
@ @ @ @ @ Packet Project has been travelling the country encouraging people to get involved .
It takes @ @ @ @ @ watertight bivvy bag , which will then keep a sleeping bag dry .

Volunteers in Middlesbrough have taken part in a workshop turning used crisp packets into bags to help the homeless.
Pen Huston from the Crisp Packet Project has been travelling the country encouraging people to get involved.
It takes 150 bags to create a watertight bivvy bag, which will then keep a sleeping bag dry.


bbcuk--2020-03-07--The Papers: Virus ‘panic buying’ and UK told ‘work at home’

Looking at coverage of the coronavirus outbreak in Saturday 's papers , the Daily Telegraph says ministers will encourage people to visit elderly relatives soon , before they are forced to isolate themselves if the situation worsens in the UK .
The Daily Mail leads on quotes from health officials , urging millions of people to ask their bosses if they can work from home .
And the Guardian runs claims that British universities could be left with a financial black hole running into the hundreds of millions if foreign students are forced to cancel or postpone enrolment .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the impact the worsening outbreak could have on sport , with the Sun claiming Premier League teams could lose more than £100m a month if games are played without spectators .
While the Mail says ministers are preparing to limit all sporting capacities to just 500 - a figure that would only cover staff and broadcasters at many events .
The Financial Times highlights government bonds reaching historic levels as investors move their money out of markets over fears of a global recession .
The paper quotes the fund manager Dickie Hodges , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supermarkets , describing traders ' actions as `` pure fear '' .
The Times interviews Peter Piot - the scientist who led efforts to fight Ebola and Aids .
He claims that `` we can safely say there are already a few people infected in the UK '' , and predicts that cases will peak at Easter - although he warns it could return in a more deadly form later in the year .
Get news from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning Writing in the Daily Telegraph , Juliet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the severity of the outbreak , saying people 's nonchalance and the traditional British `` stiff upper lip behaviour '' could place us at risk .
However , the Guardian 's Simon Jenkins urges politicians to downplay what he calls their `` war talk '' , saying `` let them wash your hands , but not your brain '' .
The outbreak also forms the inspiration for artist Bob Moran 's latest piece in the Telegraph .
He depicts Chancellor Rishi Sunak staring forlornly at an airport departure board , with flights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Bounceville '' and `` Infrastructure Utopia '' all delayed .
Elsewhere , the Times says it has learnt the Queen is to distance herself from the leader of Dubai , Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum , following a court judgement that he orchestrated the kidnapping of two of his daughters .
The paper says she will refuse to be photographed with him in public - a move it claims could damage the relationship between the UK and the United Arab Emirates .
An editorial in the Mail calls the decision of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appearance by former Home Secretary Amber Rudd minutes before an event to mark International Women 's Day `` a dark day for debate '' .
Finally , many of the papers report on the news that bones found hidden in a church wall in Kent more than a century ago belong to an early English saint .
The Guardian says experts from Belfast 's Queen 's University have used radiocarbon dating to authenticate the remains of St Eanswythe - the granddaughter of King Ethelbert , who was the first English monarch to convert @ @ @

The Times interviews Peter Piot - the scientist who led efforts to fight Ebola and Aids. He claims that "we can safely say there are already a few people infected in the UK", and predicts that cases will peak at Easter - although he warns it could return in a more deadly form later in the year.


bbcuk--2020-03-07--Coronavirus: Online symptom checker launched in Wales

A new symptom checker for suspected coronavirus has been launched online by the Welsh NHS as attempts continue to halt the spread of the virus .
The Welsh Ambulance Service said the online service should be the `` first port of call '' as the NHS 111 telephone lines are `` very busy '' .
The number of confirmed cases of the virus in the UK rose to 164 on Friday .
Two people have tested positive for the virus in Wales and health experts have said they `` expect more cases '' .
• How close are we to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ checker , on the NHS Wales website , already provides advice for a wide range of conditions from tooth ache to stomach pain .
The service asks questions about the area where a person lives and what symptoms they are experiencing , before giving advice about what to do next .
On Friday , a `` drive-through '' testing centre was launched in Rossett , Wrexham , for patients in north Wales .
The makeshift facility - in an old car park for an old medical clinic - will allow people to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cars .
It is expected to be the first of many drive-through testing centres in Wales .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the UK outbreak A woman in her 70s became the first person in the UK to die after testing positive for coronavirus on Thursday and precautions to curb the spread of the disease have continued apace .
Another fatality was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a man in his early 80s , who had underlying health conditions , had coronavirus when he died on Thursday .
More than 100,000 coronavirus cases have been confirmed worldwide and over 3,400 deaths , according to data collated by Johns Hopkins University .
The majority of cases and deaths are in China , where the virus first emerged in December .
What else is happening ?
Train operator Transport for Wales ( TfW ) said it will stock up on extra hand sanitisers and protective equipment for employees , and is `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ministers at the Church in Wales have been urged no to share chalices during communion and to use `` non-physical '' ways of sharing the peace in church .
Coffee chain Starbucks has banned the use of reusable cups in its branches .

More than 100,000 coronavirus cases have been confirmed worldwide and over 3,400 deaths, according to data collated by Johns Hopkins University. The majority of cases and deaths are in China, where the virus first emerged in December.


bbcuk--2020-03-07--Leicestershire plumbing firm staff bragged about overcharging

Seven staff at an emergency plumbing firm , which charged extortionate prices and bragged about it on WhatsApp , have been sentenced .
Trading Standards received more than 150 complaints about Faster Response Limited , later Prestige Property Solutions , between 2016 and 2017 .
The men sent messages mocking their victims , Leicester Crown Court heard .
Leicestershire County Council said it was a `` despicable fraud perpetrated across the county '' .
Three men were jailed while four men were given suspended sentences .
Trading standards began investigating Faster Response Limited in March 2016 and it featured on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But the company - led by Russell Canfield and Liam Cuffe - continued to trade with the same staff under the name Prestige Property Solutions .
Both firms were based in Kirby Muxloe , Leicestershire .
Prosecutor Adam Pearson said the seven men would , after advertising OAP discounts , charge `` often infirm '' customers up to 10 times the correct amount for simple plumbing jobs .
He said during the 15-month investigation , more than 150 complaints were made and their turnover would have `` exceeded £1m '' .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Solutions in August 2017 .
Mr Pearson said a 92-year-old woman was quoted £3,000 for a £452 job and told her bath would have to be smashed in the process .
In a WhatsApp exchange , plumber Leighton Costello sent a picture of a £11.89 receipt for parts while the customer was eventually charged £1,200 .
Mocking the customer , he wrote : `` That is what you get when you up sell lads . ''
Who were the convicted men ?
• Russell Canfield , 44 , of Elsalene Drive , Groby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two charges of fraudulent trading • Benjamin Molloy , 33 , of Laxton Close , Melton , was jailed for 27 months for two charges of fraudulent trading • John Stott , 38 , of Corporation Road , Ilkeston , Derbyshire , was jailed for 24 months for two charges of fraudulent trading • Stephen Rice , 46 , of William Street , Nottingham , was given a 15-month suspended sentence for one charge of fraudulent trading , and will have to perform 200 hours of unpaid work • Richard Jones , 38 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was given a 15-month suspended sentence for two charges of fraudulent trading , and will have to perform 200 hours of unpaid work • Zackary Morgan , 21 , of Borrowcup Close , Leicester , was given a 15-month suspended sentence for two charges of fraudulent trading , and will have to perform 200 hours of unpaid work • Leighton Costello , 27 , of Cart Crescent , Leicester , was given a 15-month suspended sentence for two charges of fraudulent trading , and will have to perform 200 hours of unpaid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Watchdog broadcast in July 2017 about Faster Response .
One of them wrote : `` Says we 've been ripping off pensions [ sic ] for years lol . ''
Russell Canfield replied : `` I know that 's wrong mate its everyone we ripped off not prejudice of age lol . ''
Leicestershire County Council 's head of regulatory service , Gary Connors , said the men `` all had their part to play in an emergency callout business which was set up from the outset to extract substantial sums of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable '' .
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Leicestershire County Council's head of regulatory service, Gary Connors, said the men "all had their part to play in an emergency callout business which was set up from the outset to extract substantial sums of money, primarily from the elderly and vulnerable".


bbcuk--2020-03-07--Coronavirus: Family pay tribute to 'wonderful great-grandad'

The family of a UK man who died with coronavirus have paid tribute to a `` wonderful husband , dad , grandad and great-grandad '' .
The 83-year-old , the second person to die in the UK after contracting the virus , died shortly after testing positive in hospital on Thursday .
The government is to outline further measures to tackle the outbreak , including powers to help volunteers to care for those who become ill .
It comes as the UK cases rose to 209 .
The man , who had underlying health problems , had been admitted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spent two days in a ward before being isolated and tested for coronavirus , the hospital said .
His family said they were unable to arrange a funeral for him because they were self-isolating .
In a statement , they said : `` We as a family have lost a truly loving and wonderful person and are trying to come to terms with this .
`` He was 83 years old and a wonderful husband , dad , grandad and great-grandad who would go to any lengths to support and protect his family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been unable to grieve for him as they would have wanted .
`` This whole nightmare is not something that we or our loved one asked for .
`` As we are in isolation currently , we can not arrange for him to be put to rest , and with all the activity that is going around with regards to everyone 's concerns , we can not grieve him as we would wish to . ''
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the UK ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak The family said the cause of death had not been confirmed .
They also said they had not spoken to any media outlets before releasing their statement , `` contrary to what has been reported '' .
`` People should perhaps put themselves in our shoes and think how would they feel with some of the hurtful comments that are being made .
We would not wish this experience on anyone and we would ask that you have respect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The man had been travelling but had at first showed no symptoms of coronavirus , the hospital said .
Its chief executive , Prof Joe Harrison , said : `` After two days in the hospital they started showing signs of deterioration and at that point we decided to isolate the patient and test them for coronavirus and unfortunately that came back as positive .
`` What we were doing was looking after that patient in a bay on one of our wards and subsequent to that we have ensured all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as have the staff , to ensure that they are tested and appropriately isolated . ''
He said five patients had been isolated and were awaiting coronavirus test results , while nine staff had been asked to self isolate .
The hospital said it had already carried out a review of the patient 's care but determined he had been treated appropriately .
Meanwhile , the UK government is set to outline further planned measures in response to the coronavirus outbreak - expected to be included in an upcoming Covid-19 emergency bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be heard via video links and new powers would make it easier for volunteers to care for those who become ill .
The Health Secretary Matt Hancock wants those described as being `` skilled , experienced or qualified volunteers '' in health and social care settings to be able to do so for up to four weeks if they chose to , without fear of losing their day job .
The measures would also seek to ensure that health staff who return to work out of retirement could do so without impacting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death - a woman in her 70s who also had underlying health conditions - was confirmed on Thursday .
A British man also died last month in Japan after contracting the virus on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship .
As of Saturday morning , there were 206 cases in the UK , with 21,460 being been tested for the virus , the Department of Health and Social Care said .
Of these , 184 were in England , 16 in Scotland , four in Northern Ireland and two in Wales .
Later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an additional three cases , taking its total to seven and bringing the number of confirmed UK cases to 209 .
Earlier , England 's deputy chief medical officer said the UK remained in the outbreak 's `` containment '' phase .
Jenny Harries told the BBC a decision about the next phase of delaying the spread of the virus would depend on how fast the number of cases rose .
But she said the UK was `` teetering on the edge '' of sustained transmission .
The UK 's strategy on responding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ containment , delay , and mitigation - alongside ongoing research .
Up until now , the containment phase has involved catching cases early and tracing all close contacts to halt the spread of the disease for as long as possible .
Moving into the delay phase could see the introduction of `` social distancing '' measures , such as closing schools and urging people to work from home .
Dr Harries said a decision on formally moving to the next phase would depend on how quickly the number of cases rises .
Dr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the benefits '' with minimising disruption to people 's lives and the economy , as well as ensuring that they are implemented at the time when they will have the most impact .
• London Ambulance Service officials have considered telling paramedics they must be clean shaven to protect themselves from coronavirus • Iran - one of the worst-hit countries outside China , where the virus originated - confirmed on Saturday it had almost 6,000 coronavirus cases and 145 deaths • On Monday , the government will meet with sporting bodies and broadcasters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events behind closed doors • The women 's Six Nations rugby match between Scotland and France in Glasgow on Saturday was postponed after a Scottish player contracted the virus • A church which had to close because a member of its congregation tested positive for coronavirus said he had no symptoms when he attended worship The updated figures come as US authorities prepare to respond to a coronavirus-hit cruise ship carrying British passengers off the Californian coast , after 21 people on board tested positive for the illness .
US Vice-President Mike Pence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , carrying more than 3,500 people on board , including 140 Britons , had been directed to a non-commercial port for testing .
Jackie Bissell , from Dartford in Kent , said passengers have had little information about what would happen to them since a note was pushed through their door two days earlier saying the virus may be on the ship .
`` You ca n't go out .
You can just go out in the hall if somebody taps your door .
They put your food outside , drop your menus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the 70-year-old said .
Dr Harries said she has a `` great deal of trust '' in the US public health system and said the Foreign Office was `` extremely active '' in looking after UK citizens abroad .
Globally , the number of coronavirus cases has now passed 100,000 , with 3,400 deaths .
The government has updated its advice for travellers from Italy - the country in Europe that has been worst-affected by the virus with more than 4,600 cases .
It now says people who develop symptoms after returning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just the north of the country - should self-isolate , while those returning from quarantined areas should self-isolate even without symptoms .
The Foreign Office is also warning travellers to Moscow in Russia that they may be told to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival from the UK , as part of measures to control the virus .
It says in a small number of cases , foreign visitors have been placed in enforced quarantine if they have not complied .
Have you or anyone else you know been affected by the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
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"People should perhaps put themselves in our shoes and think how would they feel with some of the hurtful comments that are being made. We would not wish this experience on anyone and we would ask that you have respect for us and allow us to grieve."


bbcuk--2020-03-07--Coronavirus: Ambulance chiefs consider facial hair ban

NHS officials have considered telling paramedics they must be clean shaven to protect themselves from coronavirus .
London Ambulance Service said in a draft memo - seen by the BBC - that its ability to handle potential Covid-19 cases was `` adversely affected '' by crews unable to wear respirators properly .
The service said staff had been asked to consider shaving but it had decided against mandating they do so for now .
The Department of Health said there was no national policy on the issue .
The London Ambulance Service NHS Trust - which employs first responders across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ internal bulletin that `` all staff in patient-facing roles must be clean shaven when on-duty '' .
The trust 's current policy asks staff to consider shaving to ensure respirator masks fit tightly against the face .
The draft memo , issued to a group of managers on Saturday , said the service 's `` ability to respond to potential Covid-19 patients has been adversely affected by the low availability of crews who are successfully [ tested for respiratory masks ] , which is partly driven by crew staff not being clean shaven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff had failed so-called `` fit tests '' for protective masks due to their facial hair .
The memo suggested staff with protected characteristics - such as religious beliefs or a disability - who could not clean shave would `` be engaged with on a case-by-case basis and a number of alternative options have been identified to support this '' .
A later email to staff , seen by the BBC , said the trust had chosen to hold off issuing the new policy until further guidance from Public Health England .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak The Health and Safety Executive has said poor-fitting respirators can be `` a major cause of leaks '' .
`` If there are any gaps around the edges of the mask , 'dirty ' air will pass through these gaps and into your lungs , '' it added on its website .
Last month , an NHS trust in Southampton asked frontline staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respirators fit properly .
And a 2017 poster published by the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention showing suitable styles of facial hair for use with respirators was re-circulated online .
It was announced on Saturday that the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK had risen above 200 , with more than 21,000 people tested so far .
The Department of Health said it was for local NHS trusts to devise policy regarding respirators and facial hair .
Public Health England said it had no plans to issue guidance on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokeswoman said : `` The trust has asked clinical staff to consider shaving to undergo [ respirator mask ] fit testing and then remaining clean shaven to maintain compliance .
`` We continue to adapt our response and one of the things we have considered is mandating staff to be clean shaven .
However , we have not taken this step as the advice is changing quickly and we are awaiting further guidance from Public Health England in the coming days . ''

"We continue to adapt our response and one of the things we have considered is mandating staff to be clean shaven. However, we have not taken this step as the advice is changing quickly and we are awaiting further guidance from Public Health England in the coming days."


bbcuk--2020-03-07--UK will leave EU aviation safety regulator at end of 2020

The UK will leave the European aviation safety regulator after the Brexit transition period , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has confirmed .
He said UK membership of the European Aviation Safety Agency - responsible for certifying the airworthiness of planes - would end on 31 December .
He said the UK 's Civil Aviation Authority would `` bring expertise home '' .
But the owner of British Airways said the CAA lacked world-class knowledge and could not be ready in time .
Mr Shapps told Aviation Week much of the Cologne-based European Aviation Safety Agency 's ( EASA ) expertise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of its leaders were British .
He said the agency 's powers would revert to the Civil Aviation Authority ( CAA ) `` and the expertise will need to come home to do that , but we 'll do it in a gradual way '' .
The trade body ADS - which represents more than 1,100 UK businesses in the aerospace , defence , security and space sectors - told the BBC the decision could potentially mean products and designs would need to be certified more than once .
For example , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for service across the EU and some non-EU European countries .
When the UK ends its membership of EASA , it may need to certify aircraft separately itself .
• Brexit : What happens next ?
ADS has estimated that it would take 10 years and cost up to £40m annually to create a UK safety authority with all the expertise of EASA , against a current contribution to the European agency of £1m to £4m a year .
It claimed a new regulatory regime could put jobs in the sector at risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued participation in EASA is the best option to maintain the competitiveness of our £36bn aerospace industry and our access to global export markets , '' the trade body said .
It added that the UK 's influence within EASA `` contributes to raising standards in global aviation '' and helped make the industry `` attractive to the investment it needs '' .
British Airways owner IAG said it was `` disappointed '' with the decision and said the Civil Aviation Authority `` does not have the expertise required to operate as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
IAG said : `` The CAA will require fundamental restructuring from top to bottom which will take time .
There is no way that it can be done by 31 December . ''
Airlines UK , which represents carriers including EasyJet and Ryanair , said its members supported continued membership of EASA - but not at the risk of the UK becoming a `` dumb follower of EU rules '' .
It urged the government to begin negotiations on an air safety agreement with the EU so it could be ready by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department for Transport said : `` Being a member of the European Aviation Safety Agency is not compatible with the UK having genuine economic and political independence .
`` We will maintain world-leading safety standards for industry , with the Civil Aviation Authority taking over these responsibilities , and will continue to work with colleagues in the EU to establish a new regulatory relationship . ''

He said the agency's powers would revert to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) "and the expertise will need to come home to do that, but we'll do it in a gradual way".


bbcuk--2020-03-07--Duke and Duchess of Sussex receive standing ovation at Festival of Music

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were greeted with a standing ovation as they attended one of their final official events as working royals .
The couple wore matching red outfits for the Mountbatten Festival of Music at the Royal Albert Hall .
The duke and duchess received a long round of applause from the audience as they took their seats in the royal box .
They will step back from royal duties at the end of the month .
They were guests of honour at the festival , which brings together world-class musicians , composers and conductors of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marines .
• How might Harry and Meghan make money ?
• How Meghan ‘ tripped and fell ’ into Harry ’ s life The Albert Hall performance marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World War Two and the 80th anniversary of the formation of Britain 's Commandos .
Proceeds from the event go to the Royal Marines Association - The Royal Marines Charity and CLIC Sargent , which supports people with cancer aged under 25 and their families .
On Thursday , Prince Harry and Meghan made their first official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step back as senior royals in January .
Harry and Meghan will cease to be working members of the Royal Family on 31 March , but the arrangement will be reviewed after 12 months .
A spokesperson for the couple has previously said they intend to split their time between the UK and North America .

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were greeted with a standing ovation as they attended one of their final official events as working royals.


bbcuk--2020-03-07--Floods: Budget will double spending on defences, says Treasury

Funding for flood defences in England is expected to be doubled to £5.2bn over five years in the forthcoming budget , the Treasury has said .
The money , due to be announced on March 11 , will help to build 2,000 new flood and coastal defence schemes and protect 336,000 properties in the country .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said communities had been `` hit hard '' in recent floods .
The funding - double the £2.6bn budgeted between 2015 and 2021 - is due to be available from April 2021 .
This year was the wettest February in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with more than three times the average rainfall - as three successive storms left rivers bursting their banks and communities flooded .
In some of the worst-hit areas in the Midlands , Wales and south Yorkshire , homes and businesses flooded three times in a matter of weeks .
• Storm payouts average out at £32,000 per household Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced criticism from Labour for going `` Awol '' during the emergency and for failing to budget enough for flood defences .
But the Treasury said this spending commitment now puts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet the investment recommended by the National Infrastructure Commission .
The government 's Infrastructure and Projects Authority previously projected that it would spent £4.7bn on flood defences up to 2026 , but the funding had not been confirmed .
MPs in northern England called for flood defence spending to be reallocated , as the plans showed that a third of the money was expected to be spend in London and the South East of England .
But the Treasury said every region would benefit from the investment and the North East and North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level of funding per property at risk of flooding .
Mr Sunak said : `` Communities up and down Britain have been hit hard by the floods this winter , so it is right that we invest to protect towns , families , and homes across the UK . ''
The chancellor is also due to announced a £120m fund to repair flood defences that were damaged in the recent storms , bringing at least 300 schemes back to full operation , the Treasury said .

Mr Sunak said: "Communities up and down Britain have been hit hard by the floods this winter, so it is right that we invest to protect towns, families, and homes across the UK."


bbcuk--2020-03-07--Six Nations: England beat Wales 33-30 despite Manu Tuilagi red card

England survived a late red card for Manu Tuilagi to secure a first Triple Crown in four years and inflict a third successive defeat on new Wales head coach Wayne Pivac .
Cleverly worked first-half tries from Anthony Watson and Elliot Daly and a brace of penalties and conversions from Owen Farrell opened up an 11-point half-time lead , Wales ' only points coming from three penalties .
Wales went the length of the pitch to score a sublime try through Justin Tipuric before England re-established command through Farrell 's boot and a try from Tuilagi .
The England centre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no-arms tackle on George North , and with Ellis Genge in the sin-bin England were down to 13 men .
Dan Biggar and then Tipuric again capitalised with late tries but England 's lead was just big enough and they held on amidst the chaos .
With England 's final game against Italy postponed because of the coronavirus , France remain favourites to win the championship .
But after defeat in Paris in their opening game , Eddie Jones ' men have recaptured some of the form and momentum that took them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Wales captain Jones calls for action against Marler after genital grab • Chaos and confusion as England win comfortably despite late collapse England came charging out of the blocks , Tom Curry flattening Dan Biggar from an early up-and-under , and Maro Itoje cantering deep into the Welsh 22 .
And off clean line-out ball Ben Youngs found Watson on his inside , the winger stepping past two Welsh defenders to fight his way over the line .
Farrell banged over the conversion to go past 900 points for England , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the England try-line after good work from Nick Tompkins , the England skipper was penalised for shoving North in the ruck , and Halfpenny made it 7-3 .
• 'We had 13 players against 16 ' - England boss Jones A head injury to Jonny May after the winger went up for a high ball meant an early entry for replacement Henry Slade and a test of Jones ' decision to select a bench with only one outside back .
Farrell and Halfpenny exchanged further successful penalties as the game became cagier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again .
From another penalty kicked to the corner England set up a driving maul , and Youngs went sniping only to be lassoed by a high tackle from Rob Evans .
With the penalty coming England went wide , Farrell and George Ford combining beautifully as Slade 's dummy run created the space down the left for Daly to dive over through North 's despairing tackle .
Wales were creaking , the penalties piling up and Farrell kicking another with unerring accuracy from 35 metres to make it 20-6 .
Itoje went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fly-half the chance to cut that lead by three at the interval , Wales grateful to be within 11 points .
England 's lead was reduced within seconds of the kick-off as Wales conjured up one of the great Six Nations tries .
With England 's kick-chase dawdling Tompkins set off from his own five-metre line , found Josh Navidi outside him and took the return pass on halfway before slipping it on to the supporting Tomos Williams on his inside .
And the scrum-half drew the last man Daly before setting Tipuric @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and light up a grey afternoon .
With Biggar popping over the conversion it was suddenly a four-point game , and Wales ' supporters were dreaming of another famous Twickenham heist .
But Courtney Lawes went digging at a ruck to win a penalty that Farrell stroked over , and Ford made it 26-16 as England 's powerful forwards won a scrum penalty .
Jones threw on Joe Launchbury and Luke Cowan-Dickie and the power and points kept coming .
Youngs made another break , Watson and then the forwards took it on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flipped a little pass away under pressure to let Tuilagi walk in his side 's third try .
With Farrell curling over the conversion from out wide it was 33-16 and the game seemed safe .
But then Tuilagi was dismissed after a long discussion between referee Ben O'Keeffe and TMO Marius Jonker , and Wales were able to strike back before finally running out of time .
The England scrum-half is closing in on his 100th England cap and recaptured his running threat of old to keep his side constantly on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' - what they said England captain Owen Farrell speaking to Radio 5 Live : `` I thought it was a brilliant performance .
A few less players on the pitch at the end made it difficult , but in terms of effort and composure when they put us under pressure , it was brilliant .
I thought people worked extremely hard to fight for the team . ''
Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones : `` We 're probably lamenting a couple of territorial giveaways in the first half .
Then you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Unfortunately they capitalised on a couple of bits of indiscipline and kept the scoreboard at bay .
Those two tries show what we can do but it was too little too late in the end . ''
Former England scrum-half Matt Dawson : `` England were disciplined in their tactics and execution .
That wonder try from Wales at the beginning of the second half rocked England a bit , and they could n't quite get back into their pattern .
`` Wales played much , much better in the second half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wind .
They were not going to win with the tactics they employed for the first 40 minutes .
It would have been a genuinely nail-biting , tense last few minutes if they 'd done that earlier . ''
Former Wales fly-half Jonathan Davies : `` It was always going to be difficult after Warren Gatland left .
Wales looked a little more dangerous , but they 've got to learn to vary their tactics .
England were always on the front foot . ''
Replacements : Slade for May ( 8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , Genge for Marler ( 66 ) , Cowan-Dickie for George ( 58 ) , Stuart for Sinckler ( 76 ) , Launchbury for Kruis ( 58 ) , Ewels for Lawes ( 66 ) , Earl for Wilson ( 76 ) .
Replacements : McNicholl for L. Williams ( 66 ) , Webb for T. Williams ( 46 ) , Carre for R. Evans ( 58 ) , Elias for Owens ( 75 ) , Brown for Lewis ( 41 ) , Shingler for Ball ( 58 ) , Faletau for @ @ @ @ @

Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
Guinness Six Nations: England v Wales England: (20) 33 Tries: Watson, Daly, Tuilagi Pens: Farrell 3 Ford Cons: Farrell 3 Red card: Tuilagi Wales: (9) 30 Tries: Tipuric 2, Biggar Pens: Halfpenny 2, Biggar Cons: Biggar 2
England survived a late red card for Manu Tuilagi to secure a first Triple Crown in four years and inflict a third successive defeat on new Wales head coach Wayne Pivac.
Cleverly worked first-half tries from Anthony Watson and Elliot Daly and a brace of penalties and conversions from Owen Farrell opened up an 11-point half-time lead, Wales' only points coming from three penalties.
Wales went the length of the pitch to score a sublime try through Justin Tipuric before England re-established command through Farrell's boot and a try from Tuilagi.
The England centre was then controversially sent off for a no-arms tackle on George North, and with Ellis Genge in the sin-bin England were down to 13 men.
Dan Biggar and then Tipuric again capitalised with late tries but England's lead was just big enough and they held on amidst the chaos.
With England's final game against Italy postponed because of the coronavirus, France remain favourites to win the championship.
But after defeat in Paris in their opening game, Eddie Jones' men have recaptured some of the form and momentum that took them to a World Cup final four months ago.
France take on Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday - which you can watch live on BBC One
Fiery Farrell sparks for England
England came charging out of the blocks, Tom Curry flattening Dan Biggar from an early up-and-under, and Maro Itoje cantering deep into the Welsh 22.
And off clean line-out ball Ben Youngs found Watson on his inside, the winger stepping past two Welsh defenders to fight his way over the line.
Farrell banged over the conversion to go past 900 points for England, but after North had knocked on close to the England try-line after good work from Nick Tompkins, the England skipper was penalised for shoving North in the ruck, and Halfpenny made it 7-3.
A head injury to Jonny May after the winger went up for a high ball meant an early entry for replacement Henry Slade and a test of Jones' decision to select a bench with only one outside back.
Farrell and Halfpenny exchanged further successful penalties as the game became cagier and scrappier, but then England struck again.
From another penalty kicked to the corner England set up a driving maul, and Youngs went sniping only to be lassoed by a high tackle from Rob Evans.
Elliot Daly scored England's second try to help the hosts take a deserved 20-9 half-time lead
With the penalty coming England went wide, Farrell and George Ford combining beautifully as Slade's dummy run created the space down the left for Daly to dive over through North's despairing tackle.
Wales were creaking, the penalties piling up and Farrell kicking another with unerring accuracy from 35 metres to make it 20-6.
Itoje went high on Biggar to give the Welsh fly-half the chance to cut that lead by three at the interval, Wales grateful to be within 11 points.
Tuilagi sees red as Tipuric inspires
England's Manu Tuilagi was sent off for this high tackle which bundled George North into touch
England's lead was reduced within seconds of the kick-off as Wales conjured up one of the great Six Nations tries.
With England's kick-chase dawdling Tompkins set off from his own five-metre line, found Josh Navidi outside him and took the return pass on halfway before slipping it on to the supporting Tomos Williams on his inside.
And the scrum-half drew the last man Daly before setting Tipuric away to canter in from 25 metres and light up a grey afternoon.
Six Nations: Manu Tuilagi red card meant it was '13 against 16' - England boss Eddie Jones
With Biggar popping over the conversion it was suddenly a four-point game, and Wales' supporters were dreaming of another famous Twickenham heist.
But Courtney Lawes went digging at a ruck to win a penalty that Farrell stroked over, and Ford made it 26-16 as England's powerful forwards won a scrum penalty.
Jones threw on Joe Launchbury and Luke Cowan-Dickie and the power and points kept coming.
Youngs made another break, Watson and then the forwards took it on and with Welsh defenders sucked in Ford flipped a little pass away under pressure to let Tuilagi walk in his side's third try.
With Farrell curling over the conversion from out wide it was 33-16 and the game seemed safe.
But then Tuilagi was dismissed after a long discussion between referee Ben O'Keeffe and TMO Marius Jonker, and Wales were able to strike back before finally running out of time.
Man of the match: Ben Youngs
Ben Youngs set up the first try and made several other breaks
The England scrum-half is closing in on his 100th England cap and recaptured his running threat of old to keep his side constantly on the front foot.
'A brilliant performance' - what they said
England captain Owen Farrell speaking to Radio 5 Live: "I thought it was a brilliant performance. A few less players on the pitch at the end made it difficult, but in terms of effort and composure when they put us under pressure, it was brilliant. I thought people worked extremely hard to fight for the team."
Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones: "We're probably lamenting a couple of territorial giveaways in the first half. Then you are chasing the game a little bit.
"Unfortunately they capitalised on a couple of bits of indiscipline and kept the scoreboard at bay. Those two tries show what we can do but it was too little too late in the end."
England have beaten Scotland, Ireland and Wales to secure the Triple Crown trophy
Analysis
Former England scrum-half Matt Dawson: "England were disciplined in their tactics and execution. That wonder try from Wales at the beginning of the second half rocked England a bit, and they couldn't quite get back into their pattern.
"Wales played much, much better in the second half, they threw a bit of caution to wind. They were not going to win with the tactics they employed for the first 40 minutes. It would have been a genuinely nail-biting, tense last few minutes if they'd done that earlier."
Former Wales fly-half Jonathan Davies: "It was always going to be difficult after Warren Gatland left. Wales looked a little more dangerous, but they've got to learn to vary their tactics. England were always on the front foot."
Line-ups
England: Daly; Watson, Tuilagi, Farrell (capt), May; Ford, Youngs; Marler, George, Sinckler, Itoje, Kruis, Lawes, Wilson, Curry.
Replacements: Slade for May (8), Heinz for Youngs (70), Genge for Marler (66), Cowan-Dickie for George (58), Stuart for Sinckler (76), Launchbury for Kruis (58), Ewels for Lawes (66), Earl for Wilson (76).
Sin-bin: Genge (73).
Sent off: Tuilagi (75).
Wales: Halfpenny; North, Tompkins, Parkes, Williams; Biggar, 9-Tomos Williams; R Evans, Owens, Lewis, Ball, Jones (capt), Moriarty, Tipuric, Navidi.
Replacements: McNicholl for L. Williams (66), Webb for T. Williams (46), Carre for R. Evans (58), Elias for Owens (75), Brown for Lewis (41), Shingler for Ball (58), Faletau for Moriarty (58).
Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)
Touch judges: Romain Poite (France) & Alexandre Ruiz (France)
TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)


bbcuk--2020-03-07--Bolton death: Two men in 70s arrested after woman found dead

Two men , aged 72 and 73 , have been arrested on suspicion of murdering a woman who was found @ @ @ @ @ Police were called to reports the woman in her 40s had been seriously injured at @ @ @ @ @ , Bolton , at about 22:00 GMT on Friday .
She was pronounced dead at @ @ @ @ @ On arrival , police arrested the men who remain in custody for questioning .
A @ @ @ @ @ take place later .
Greater Manchester Police has appealed for anyone with information to contact @ @ @ @ @ we have made two arrests , it is important to stress that we are keeping @ @ @ @ @ circumstances of the woman 's death and will work tirelessly to keep her family updated @ @ @ @ @ Det Supt Howard Millington said .
`` A scene remains in place as our team @ @ @ @ @ local residents can expect to see a higher police presence . ''

"Whilst we have made two arrests, it is important to stress that we are keeping an open mind about the circumstances of the woman's death and will work tirelessly to keep her family updated of any developments," Det Supt Howard Millington said.


bbcuk--2020-03-07--Meredith Kercher's dad John 'died from fall' in Croydon

The father of murdered British exchange student Meredith Kercher died from `` a fall '' , police have said .
John Kercher , 77 , was found collapsed on Windmill Road in Croydon , south London , on 13 January and died from his injuries in hospital on 1 February .
The Met said no-one was wanted over Mr Kercher 's death and a file was being prepared for the coroner .
His daughter Miss Kercher , 21 , was stabbed to death on a student exchange trip to Perugia , Italy , in 2007 .
Mr Kercher was found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Det Supt Steve Andrews said police were treating his death as `` unexplained '' .
`` We are keeping an open mind as to the circumstances of his death , including whether he may have been involved in a collision , '' he said at the time .
The Met said a post-mortem was carried out on 11 February and found Mr Kercher 's injuries `` were consistent with a fall '' .
In 2009 , Amanda Knox and her then boyfriend Rafaele Sollecito were convicted of Miss Kercher 's murder after it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a sex game that had gone wrong .
Prosecutors later alleged the murder resulted from a heated argument over cleanliness in the Perugia apartment .
Two years later , both Ms Knox and Italian Mr Sollecito were cleared of Miss Kercher 's murder after doubts were raised over procedures used to gather DNA evidence .
A retrial was ordered in 2013 after an appeal by prosecutors , who argued that important DNA evidence had been disregarded , and in 2014 the original guilty verdicts were reinstated .
But in a final ruling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Italy 's top appeals court overturned the convictions again .
Rudy Guede was also jailed for Miss Kercher 's murder and he was sentenced to 16 years in prison .

"We are keeping an open mind as to the circumstances of his death, including whether he may have been involved in a collision," he said at the time.


bbcuk--2020-03-07--Whitehaven woman 'missing' in Fiji was at eco retreat

A British woman reported missing in Fiji has been found after pictures of her were spotted online .
Lydia O'Sullivan , 23 , from Cumbria , had not contacted her family since she arrived on the South Pacific island in February .
But she was discovered after her family found she had been at a mountain retreat with limited internet access .
Her sister said she was `` safe and well , oblivious to the world search party looking for her '' .
Ms O'Sullivan 's mother has spoken to her , Franciene Nicholson added .
In a Facebook post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolutely elated '' .
`` Sometimes social media is portrayed in a negative light but today is a great day for the power of Facebook , positivity and community spirit it can bring , '' she said .
Ms O'Sullivan was spotted in pictures posted on the Namosi Eco Retreat 's Facebook page after she had not made contact since 28 February .
Cumbria Police had launched an appeal to find Ms O'Sullivan , who is originally from Whitehaven but currently living in New Zealand .
The force confirmed she had been found @

"Sometimes social media is portrayed in a negative light but today is a great day for the power of Facebook, positivity and community spirit it can bring," she said.


bbcuk--2020-03-07--International Womens Day: Duchess of Sussex surprises schoolchildren

The Duchess of Sussex surprised an entire school of children to mark International Women 's Day - although she did @ @ @ @ @ unexpected .
Ahead of the day , the Duchess of Sussex met pupils in Dagenham @ @ @ @ @ .
There was a lot of screaming , cheering and some cheeky statements from pupils @ @ @ @ @ duke something to worry about .
It was one of her last official appearances before @ @ @ @ @ Harry are due to step back as senior royals on March 31 .

The Duchess of Sussex surprised an entire school of children to mark International Women's Day - although she didn't realise her visit was unexpected.
Ahead of the day, the Duchess of Sussex met pupils in Dagenham in east London on Friday.
There was a lot of screaming, cheering and some cheeky statements from pupils who may be giving the duke something to worry about.
It was one of her last official appearances before she and her husband Prince Harry are due to step back as senior royals on 31 March.


bbcuk--2020-03-07--Facebook solves Essex message in a bottle mystery

An artist who found a message in a bottle tracked down the man who wrote it after he came up as a suggested friend on Facebook .
Miles Taverner discovered the bottle on the shore in his hometown of Burnham-On-Crouch , Essex , last month .
The note inside contained a phone number but it was no longer in use .
Alfie Hillier , who threw it in the sea eight years ago , later popped up on Mr Taverner 's Facebook feed .
The message said : `` If found please contact Chloe/Alfie , much love , Clacton-on-Sea , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his Facebook account years ago with his old phone number - the one that was in the bottle - and the social media site recognised Mr Taverner had tried to call it and then suggested to Mr Taverner that he should befriend him .
`` It 's amazing really .
He popped up and was from the correct location and I just thought 'it must be him ' so I sent him a message and we had a good chat , '' Mr Taverner said .
Mr Hillier , 28 , said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chloe when they worked on Clacton Pier - further up the coast in Essex .
`` I was in complete shock when Miles contacted me .
I thought it was a wind-up , '' he said .
`` I never thought it would be found .
It brings back lots of memories for me about my time working on the pier . ''
Mr Taverner , 44 , regularly scans the shoreline for flotsam and jetsam to create pieces of art .
He said solving the mystery had been `` really exciting '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been all this time and why it was n't found before , '' he said .
It is the second message in a bottle he has found , after coming across one from Holland when he was a little boy .
Find BBC News : East of England on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter .
If you have a story suggestion email eastofenglandnews @ bbc.co.uk

Mr Hillier had registered his Facebook account years ago with his old phone number - the one that was in the bottle - and the social media site recognised Mr Taverner had tried to call it and then suggested to Mr Taverner that he should befriend him.


bbcuk--2020-03-08--Creature comfort: The dog that helps the bereaved

Pix , a Lakeland terrier cross , has been helping Gracie get over the death of her uncle .
The @ @ @ @ @ by a funeral parlour near Ashford , Kent , attends funerals and offers grieving families @ @ @ @ @ their loved one 's death .

Pix, a Lakeland terrier cross, has been helping Gracie get over the death of her uncle.
The bereavement dog, brought in by a funeral parlour near Ashford, Kent, attends funerals and offers grieving families comfort in the wake of their loved one's death.


bbcuk--2020-03-08--Nostalgic corner shop exhibition helps people with dementia

An artist has recreated her childhood living room and her father 's corner shop with the hope it will help @ @ @ @ @ .
Dawinder Bansal felt inspired after discovering in 2015 her dad 's leftover stock , @ @ @ @ @ since the Wolverhampton shop shut in 1989 .
The exhibits give many visitors a strong @ @ @ @ @ Reminiscence can be a powerful tool for engaging in conversation , reducing stress or anxiety @ @ @ @ @ someone living with dementia , '' an Alzheimer 's Society spokesman said .
And for @ @ @ @ @ in the exhibition , they can get the answer to `` what is this ?
@ @ @ @ @ be at the New Art Exchange in Nottingham until March 15 .

An artist has recreated her childhood living room and her father's corner shop.
Dawinder Bansal felt inspired after discovering in 2015 her dad's leftover stock, which had been in storage since the Wolverhampton shop shut in 1989.
The exhibits give many visitors a strong sense of nostalgia and it is hoped this can help Asian people with dementia.
"Reminiscence can be a powerful tool for engaging in conversation, reducing stress or anxiety and improving overall wellbeing for someone living with dementia," an Alzheimer's Society spokesman said.
And for younger visitors encountering older technology in the exhibition, they can get the answer to "what is this?".
Jambo Cinema will be at the New Art Exchange in Nottingham until March 15.
Video journalist: Chris Waring


bbcuk--2020-03-07--Coronavirus: How is the outbreak affecting everyday life?

Do I need to worry about my pet and the coronavirus ?
The coronavirus has been in the news a @ @ @ @ @ have some concerns about what to do when its comes to their pets .
Sam @ @ @ @ @ some useful advice .

Watch how germs spread and how you can prevent it. Video, 00:01:38Watch how germs spread and how you can prevent it


bbcuk--2020-03-07--Swing Low, Sweet Chariot: Recording of 'first time' it was sung at Twickenham

This archive footage shows what is believed to be the first time Swing Low , Sweet Chariot was belted out @ @ @ @ @ rugby union .
Until now , the anthem was thought to have first been sung @ @ @ @ @ when Chris Oti scored a hat-trick .
However , research by the World Rugby Museum @ @ @ @ @ there in 1987 .
The Rugby Football Union believes the crowd was singing in honour @ @ @ @ @ `` Chariots '' Offiah , who would go on to become a legend of rugby @ @

This archive footage shows what is believed to be the first time Swing Low, Sweet Chariot was belted out at the home of English rugby union.
Until now, the anthem was thought to have first been sung at Twickenham in 1988, when Chris Oti scored a hat-trick.
However, research by the World Rugby Museum has discovered it was sung there in 1987.
The Rugby Football Union believes the crowd was singing in honour of Rosslyn Park winger Martin "Chariots" Offiah, who would go on to become a legend of rugby league.


bbcuk--2020-03-07--Skegness pole dancing scaffolder scales new heights

Skegness scaffolder Justin Judge and his partner Jessica Yardy are world champion pole dancers .
He says he `` takes @ @ @ @ @ at work , but his workmates are only jealous because `` they ca n't do @ @ @

Skegness scaffolder Justin Judge and his partner Jessica Yardy are world champion pole dancers.
He says he "takes a bit of stick" at work, but his workmates are only jealous because "they can't do it".