A Spanish judge has ordered police to search a printer’s shop and two offices of a regional newspaper in Catalonia as part of an investigation into alleged preparations for what Spanish courts have deemed is an illegal referendum on independence for the region.

Ireland’s Dan Martin retained the race lead on yesterday’s fifth stage of the Volta A Catalunya, finishing ninth on the run from Rialp to Lleida and extending his lead over his closest challenger to 14 seconds.

Spanish students at Ashton Comprehensive School have waved adios to CD players and pen pals, as technology is allowing them to talk live on video in class with students from Salou every week.