The world governing body of equestrian sport (FEI) has given a three-month timescale for bids to host the next world championships in 2022 and has said it will accept representations from venues interested in staging standalone events as well as those who would be prepared to host all seven equestrian disciplines at once.

DEFYING US and Israeli opposition, Palestinians asked the United Nations yesterday to accept them as a member state, sidestepping nearly two decades of failed negotiations in the hope this dramatic move on the world stage would re-energise their quest for an independent homeland.

Nicole Kidman proved she was more than a pretty face when she impressed members of the United Nations last week by taking time out of her shooting schedule to meet and greet ambassadors and UN staff.