Some of the stranger stories from around the world

Italian restaurant chain Carluccio’s today said recent trading had been better than expected despite “challenging” conditions denting profits.

Trendy Italian restaurant group Carluccio’s served up a tasty boost in profits today and unveiled plans to open more branches in UK city centres.

Celebrity chef Antonio Carluccio and his wife Priscilla were set for a multi-million pound windfall today with a British stock market flotation of their Italian restaurant and shops empire.