A UK comedy club has apologised after maggots from a dead pigeon fell out of the air conditioning unit and on to members of the audience during a show.

The fastest slide in UK economic output since 1979 put sterling under pressure today but failed to derail London shares in a strong end to the week.

Walkabout owner Regent Inns today said uncertainty over England’s participation in Euro 2008 had added to its trading worries.

RICKY GERVAIS has the ideal face for comedy, according to new research into what makes us laugh.