Extra public holiday in 2012

BRITAIN will enjoy an extra Bank Holiday in 2012 to create a four-day weekend to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson told the Lords the late May bank holiday will be moved to Monday 4 June while the following day will also be a holiday.

He said bank holidays were a devolved matter but the government would "work closely" with the Scottish Government "to ensure that people across the United Kingdom can celebrate the jubilee together".

Lord Mandelson added that a Diamond Jubilee medal would be issued.