US senator Ted  Cruz opened the first major campaign of the 2016 presidential season yesterday with a kick-off speech courting cultural conservatives and declaring that he will devote himself to “reigniting the promise of America”.

An emotional Oprah Winfrey took to the stage alone for the final episode of her US talk show, talking to viewers about what they have meant to her during its 25-year run.

Geraldine Rees has vivid memories of the events of 25 years ago, when she made headlines around the world by becoming the first woman to complete the course in the Grand National.