'Lord of the Rings' director Sir Peter Jackson is in stable condition in the intensive care unit of Wellington Hospital after surgery for a perforated ulcer.

The chief executive of supermarket group Sainsbury’s was today understood to have been given the backing of the Sainsbury family as speculation over his future mounted.

The body of Sir Peter Blake, the champion New Zealand yachtsman killed by pirates in Brazil last week, was today due to arrive in Britain for burial.