A Norwegian train smashed into a herd of reindeer in the country's Arctic region today, killing 17 animals, days after similar incidents led to the death of more than 100 reindeer.

The Office of Public Works’ mapping of potential flooding in Cork county is seriously inaccurate in a number of locations, it has been claimed, forecasting “Noah’s Ark” extremes and paving the way for insurance companies to hike up cover or refuse it altogether.

Singer Charlotte Church insists she will not indulge in a massive spending spree when she gains access to her multi-million pound fortune on her 18th birthday tomorrow.