UK news in brief: Radio station kicks off new year with Mozart

BBC Radio 3 is to throw its entire schedule over to the works of Mozart, playing every work written by the composer.

For almost a fortnight in January, the station will broadcast recordings, documentaries, live performances and an acclaimed dramatisation of Mozart's life.

A NEW gallery at the Science Museum which explores the ideas behind climate change will be opened by the Prince of Wales today.

Atmosphere attempts to explain the consequences of changes to global temperature.

The gallery is divided into five interactive zones focusing on climate science.

Drunk tanks and booze buses should be used to take some of the burden of hopelessly intoxicated people off the hands of police, a report said today.

Local authorities were urged to take another look at alternatives to police station cells when people simply need to sober up.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said the move could help save lives as many are held behind bars inappropriately.

Debit cards have overtaken cash to become the UK's most popular payment method for the first time.

On August 30 the amount of money people had spent on debit cards since the beginning of the year overtook the value of transactions paid for in cash for the first time at 272 billion, compared with 269 billion for cash, according to the Payments Council.

Sheila Hancock will be given an award today marking her lengthy career in film and television.

The actress will pick up a Lifetime Achievement award at the 20th annual Women in Film and TV awards at the Park Lane Hilton Hotel in central London.

London: A decision on whether to evict students staging a sit-in protest at University College London over proposed hikes in tuition fees is expected to be made at court today.

It is understood that between 100 and 200 people have been taking part in the occupation.

Portsmouth: Royal Navy flagship HMS Ark Royal is to return to its home port today for the final time before it is axed as part of the government's defence cuts.

The aircraft carrier is arriving at Portsmouth Naval Base following a farewell tour of the UK.