UK News: A million families 'will lose out' on welfare

MORE than one million families are set to lose out under the Government's flagship welfare reforms, a leading financial think tank warned today.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies said the "universal credit" - set to replace a raft of existing benefits - would create clear winners and losers.

Pubs set for royal bash

ALL pubs are expected to be allowed to stay open until 1am for two nights of celebrations for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in April.

The move would give landlords the power to extend opening hours without having to seek permission from local licensing authorities.

Painkillers linked to heart attacks and strokes

COMMONLY used painkillers increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes when taken at high doses or over the long term, according to research.

Experts analysed more than 30 clinical trials on more than 116,000 patients to examine the effects of painkillers on people's health. The fears relate to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as well as newer anti-inflammatory drugs, known as COX-2 inhibitors, and reflect previous studies.

Gas firm helps vulnerable

BRITISH Gas today announced a 37 million investment to help "vulnerable" customers, including a 50 payment for around 340,000 people to help them with their bills during the winter.

The firm said it was investing 20 million of the money in the British Gas Energy Trust, which helps people struggling with household debts.

New Bond film this year

JAMES Bond fans will be shaken and stirred to learn that the 23rd film featuring 007 is to be made this year.

There were doubts over the future of the spy franchise when the film, set to be the third starring Daniel Craig, pictured, was put on hold last year.

Sam Mendes will direct.

Bradford: A woman has received an apology after police swooped on her house thinking she had turned it into a cannabis factory - and found an electric heater for her two guinea pigs. The raid was mounted after the West Yorkshire Police helicopter detected a hotspot, caused by the heater, on the roof of her garage.

Rotherham: One man has died and another was seriously injured in an explosion at a recycling plant. South Yorkshire Police said the men were injured when a waste incinerator exploded at Sterecycle, in Rotherham, at 2.40pm yesterday.