UK News: Ale sales soar among younger drinkers

Sales of ale - traditionally favoured by older drinkers - are soaring among younger men and women, according to a survey for Asda.

Bottled ales are favoured over lager by six out of ten men aged between 21 and 34, while a quarter of women prefer a glass of ale over wine or a spirit and mixer.

Chunnel fire probe begins

An inquest will begin today into the deaths of two railwaymen killed when fire ripped through a section of the Channel Tunnel rail link when it was under construction more than five years ago. Douglas Lynch, 50, from the Folkestone area of Kent, received severe burns in the blaze and died four days later.

Cameron urged to do more to protect buses

Organisations ranging from beer drinkers to ramblers called on David Cameron today to do more to protect local buses.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, the various groups urged him to ensure cutbacks do not damage the vital bus network.

The letter was organised by the Campaign for Better Transport (CBT). Among groups signing the letter were the Campaign for Real Ale, the TUC, the Women's Institute and the Ramblers Association.

Ex-PM's wife in faux pas

The wife of Gordon Brown has revealed details of life in the spotlight, including an embarrassing faux pas involving the Duke of York.

Sarah Brown's memoir describes how she responded to Andrew's interest in historic objects by showing him Oliver Cromwell's death mask.

Steel production on rise

Steel production in the UK bounced back in January from the previous month, as UK manufacturing continued to respond to increased demand, according to research.

Production was more than a third higher in January than December at over 200,000 tonnes, said UK Steel.

Production in the Yorkshire and Humber area increased by 50 per cent, whilst Wales saw an increase of around a fifth.

North Wales: Police are continuing to question a man after stolen explosives equipment was found.

The 52-year-old suspect was held after officers carried out a search on Saturday afternoon at a house near Denbigh.

Police said an initial investigation suggested it was an isolated incident and no-one else was wanted.

London: The UK's first dedicated brain tumour unit opens today. Experts will treat patients from all over the country and lead brain cancer research.

The new unit has 12 inpatient beds and is based at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.