A driver has claimed a victory for beleaguered motorists after holding a 30-hour vigil in his clamped car until a fine of almost £4,000 (€4,800) was withdrawn.

Marks & Spencer was today braced for a fresh clash with investors over boardroom pay as a succession of blue-chip firms prepare for stormy annual meetings on the issue.

Owner Graham Wylie was adamant Howard Johnson’s string would return to form in time for the Cheltenham Festival after his welcome winner at Catterick.

Police hunting the killer of a boy in London are looking at CCTV footage of a man rushing away from a service station.