RAIN failed to dampen spirits as a record number of people took part in one of the country’s top open water swimming events at the weekend.

RAIN failed to dampen spirits as a record number of people took part in one of the country’s top open water swimming events at the weekend.

Calls were growing tonight for ailing Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs to be released from prison on compassionate grounds.

The British Government has moved to defend the £10,000 compensation pay-out to the family of murdered schoolboy Damilola Taylor.