Pop star Madonna, whose plans to adopt Malawian toddler David Banda last autumn sparked an international controversy, was expected to fly back to the African country today.

Human rights organisations will help decide whether Madonna is fit to adopt a Malawian toddler, a judge in Lilongwe ruled today.

Madonna's triumph in her battle against ramblers has been dealt a blow - after an inquiry ruled walkers can still access the two largest plots of the disputed land in her English country estate.