9am Briefing: Firefighters battle factory blaze

FIREFIGHTERS are still at the scene of a major fire at the Amcor Flexibles printing factory, in Brucefield Park Industrial Estate near Livingston.

Twenty-four firefighters are still battling the fire, which broke out yesterday, creating a plume of smoke visible for miles around and closing a nearby rail line.

Three firefighters were taken to St John's Hospital yesterday complaining of nausea after breathing in toxic smoke.

The smoke is not thought to be a public health risk, but nearby residents have been advised to stay indoors with doors and windows closed as a precaution.

Pope in England

THE Pope was today embarking on a hectic round of engagements in England after yesterday's warm welcome in Edinburgh at the start of his four-day state visit to the UK.

Police estimate that up to 125,000 people lined the route taken by the Popemobile along Princes Street and Lothian Road.

Council leader Jenny Dawe praised all those involved in organising the visit and thanked the people of Edinburgh for their part in creating "another historic day in the city's record of hosting major occasions".

City wins award for festivals

EDINBURGH has become the only British city to win a major new international award for its festivals.

The Capital was named Top Global City in its size category at the awards of the International Festivals and Events Association in Saint Louis, Missouri, last night.

Cities were judged according to a range of criteria including community support, city council support and the way they use festivals to promote their general branding and marketing.

City events champion, Councillor Steve Cardownie, said: "This is wonderful news and a tremendous achievement for Edinburgh, the World's Festivals Capital."

No jail for bank manager who raided accounts

A CUSTOMER service manager with Lloyds TSB who raided the accounts of elderly customers has avoided prison after repaying 36,000 from her bank pension scheme.

Arlene Wales, 42, of Brixwold Drive, Bonnyrigg, admitted embezzling 36,333.86 from branches in Dalkeith High Street and Cameron Toll between November 2004,and May 2007.

She told police she had been in financial difficulties with debts of 90,000 from credit cards, loans and overdrafts.

She was sentenced to 240 hours community service.