German hamlet cashes in on vision

Busloads of pilgrims are converging on the German hamlet of Sievernich following reports that the Virgin Mary has appeared to a local woman on at least nine separate occasions in recent months.

A flourishing trade in souvenirs and snack foods has sprung up in Sievernich (pop: 450), 15 miles from Bonn to accommodate the throngs who descend each Monday – the day of each previous appearance.