UK news: Sir Elton John's song sacrifice

Rock legend Sir Elton John says his days of writing hit songs are over.

In an interview in GQ magazine, he said: "Look, I'm 63, I don't want to be on VH1 or MTV. I'm not going to compete with JLS or Lady Gaga. I'm at that stage where I don't think I can write pop music any more."

45bn home accident cost

Accidents in the home cost the UK 45.6 billion a year in hospital bills, time off work and benefits, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) said today.

Research found the average cost for each casualty injured at home was 16,900, with around 2.7 million people needing hospital treatment every year.

The cost has almost doubled since 1996.

Cabinet minister facing probe over 'Chocfinger'

International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell was today facing a possible parliamentary standards probe after apparently intervening on behalf of a cocoa magnate who had donated 40,000 to his political office.

He stepped in after businessman Andrew Ward - known as "Chocfinger" - approached him for help over a trading ban that had been imposed on his firm in Ghana. Mr Mitchell denies any wrongdoing.

Booze 'most dangerous'

Alcohol is more dangerous than illegal drugs like heroin, ecstasy and crack cocaine, a study said today.

Researchers rated alcohol the most dangerous substance based on the overall dangers to the individual and society as a whole, followed by heroin and crack cocaine. Marijuana, ecstasy and LSD scored lower.

Tougher freight checks set to be introduced

TOUGHER checks on freight are expected to be introduced following the bomb found on a US-bound cargo plane at East Midlands airport.

Norman Shanks, a former BAA head of security, said: "We're looking at introducing the explosive detection systems that we currently use for passengers' (hold] baggage."

Greater Manchester: Workers at food giant Heinz could be balloted for strikes in a row over pay. Trade union Unite said its members at the firm's site in Wigan were pressing for a vote in protest at a below inflation rise this year and a capped increase for next year of three per cent.

Merseyside: Two patients at a psychiatric unit have died in suspected drug overdoses. The men, one believed to be in his 20s and the other in his 30s, were found by staff carrying out routine observations at the Peasley Cross unit in St Helens.