A headlice specialist has urged the Government to take urgent action in tackling a major outbreak of nits, which she says has now spread to up to 60% of children in national schools as well as babies in creches around the country.

'Where's my seat - I've got sore feet,' was the message on placards to Bus Eireann this morning as 12 stranded Meath post-primary students walked some 10km to get to school.

An MP has demanded a ministerial ban on pneumatic glamour model Jodie Marsh taking her anti-bullying campaign into the classroom, it emerged tonight.

TV chef Jamie Oliver has been served an honorary government award to recognise his efforts in training disadvantaged young people.