Schools in many parts of Scotland were shut today as the country braced itself for hurricane-force winds.

East Anglia: Britain, the European Union’s third-biggest wheat producer, declared a drought in the grain- growing East Anglian region and said other areas are also under threat after the driest spring on record.

Lily Allen has set a date for her wedding.

ALL the children of the 10 Russian spies freed in a dramatic swap with Moscow have been sent to Russia to rejoin their parents, US attorney general Eric Holder said yesterday.

Another blast of wintry weather in the UK led to more problems for travellers today, with forecasters predicting further snow over the weekend.

A US private equity fund is understood to be in talks to take a controlling stake in Waterford Wedgwood for €600 million.

A US private equity fund is in talks to take a controlling stake in struggling crystal and ceramics manufacturer Waterford Wedgwood for €600m, according to sources briefed on the negotiations.

Halifax Bank of Scotland came under pressure today as the group’s faltering share of the new mortgage market overshadowed a 13% increase in profits.

MUCH of Britain was paralysed yesterday by the most widespread snow of the winter, while many people took advantage of the big chill to have fun.

American rockers REM will resume their European tour tonight, because bassist Mike Mills has recovered from a severe ear infection.