Stevenston Churches of Scotland

IMF tells UK to consider rate cut

The Bank of England should consider new boosts to the UK economy says the IMF as it backs the government's deficit-cutting strategy.

Parents 'abused Shafilea daily'

A mother and father accused of murdering their daughter physically abused her "every day", her sister tells a court.

Detectives in bribes allegations

Two Scotland Yard detective constables and a former detective inspector have been named as "key culprits" in bribery allegations revealed to MPs.

Official 'offers 2012 tickets'

A senior Olympic official is suspended after a BBC investigation revealed he was willing to sell thousands of pounds worth of 2012 tickets for cash.

UK can decide on inmates' votes

The European Court of Human Rights says individual governments can decide how to implement a ban on convicted prisoners voting.

Government plans to end Asbos

The government announces new plans to tackle anti-social behaviour in England and Wales, including orders to replace Asbos.

Soldier 'sniper death' accidental

A soldier believed to have been killed by a British sniper in Afghanistan was accidentally shot while on active service, a coroner says.

Parasite may aid cattle TB spread

The spread of an animal parasite across the UK may be hampering moves to curb cattle tuberculosis, research suggests.

Nasa chief hails new era in space

The head of Nasa has hailed a "new era" in exploration after the launch of the first cargo delivery to the space station by a private company.

Chronic pain under-treated - NICE

Many patients with advanced cancer and other debilitating conditions are being "under-treated" for their pain, according to new guidance from NICE.

Man guilty of Terreblanche murder

A South African farm worker is convicted of murdering white supremacist leader Eugene Terreblanche in 2010, with a second man acquitted.

TV remote control inventor dies

The inventor of the television remote control, Eugene Polley, dies of natural causes, aged 96, in a Chicago hospital.

DNA to shed light on yeti claims

A UK-Swiss team is to use genetic testing to investigate the origins of remains claimed to have come from "yetis" and "bigfoot".

Orange pulls out of fiction prize

Orange announces that it is ending its 17-year sponsorship of The Women's Prize for Fiction.

Facebook float hits more problems

Shares in Facebook drop another 9% amid reports financial regulators may review whether there was a selective disclosure of information to investors.

UK inflation rate in fall to 3%

The UK inflation rate fell to 3% last month, its lowest since February 2010, owing to a slowdown in transport price rises.

MPs back new NI executive probe

MPs refer three ex-News International executives to their standards committee over claims that they misled Parliament, which they deny.

Social mobility 'snapshots' plan

The government will publish an annual "snapshot" of social mobility, measuring educational achievement, access to professions and birth weights.

IVF age limit 'should be raised'

Women in their early 40s should be given access to IVF on the NHS, draft guidelines for England and Wales recommend.

Patients 'suffer NHS rationing'

Creeping rationing of NHS care is making patients suffer unnecessarily, doctors are warning.

Fee rises 'deter mature students'

Higher undergraduate tuition fees may trigger a collapse in university applications from mature students in England, suggests a study.

Ofsted criticises maths teaching

An Ofsted report criticises maths teaching and warns over early entry to maths GCSE.

Virgin and BT in broadband row

Virgin is due to tell a Lord's select committee that rival BT is being subsidised by government cash.

Microsoft opens up So.cl network

The search result sharing service allows members of the public to sign up and view each other's "collages of content".

Rewritable DNA memory shown off

Researchers demonstrate a means to use sections of DNA as individually addressable, rewritable "bits" to store data in living cells.

Backing for nuclear waste store

The search for a storage site for the UK's high-level nuclear waste is likely to go ahead in Cumbria after an opinion poll shows residents are in favour.

BBC Jubilee strike threat lifted

The threat of industrial action by BBC journalists and technicians during the Queen's Diamond Jubilee weekend in June is withdrawn.

Ken Loach bemoans censors' cuts

Film director Ken Loach criticises British film censors for asking him to remove swear words from his new film in order to qualify for a 15 certificate.

Why readers love their moustaches

Following the feature on how to grow a four-metre moustache, readers have been sending in pictures of their own follicly fertile upper lips.

Why are locked room mysteries so popular?

Locked room mysteries still captivate modern detective fiction fans, writes Miles Jupp.

Drogba confirms Chelsea departure

Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba will leave Chelsea on a free transfer this summer after eight years with the club.

Solskjaer pulls out of Villa race

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he is no longer interested in becoming the new Aston Villa manager.

Spain's Villa to miss Euro 2012

Spain striker David Villa will miss Euro 2012 this summer as he struggles to regain fitness after a broken leg.

F1’s greatest drivers – Lewis Hamilton

Commentary legend Murray Walker and chief F1 writer Andrew Benson look back on Lewis Hamilton's career so far.

Olazabal wants four vice-captains

Europe's Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria Olazabal will appoint four vice-captains for this year's event at Medinah in September.

House collapses after explosion

Officers investigate the cause of an explosion which leads to a house collapsing and two people suffering minor injuries.

Worker was paid '£80 in 15 years'

A court hears how a man was paid just £80 for the 15 years he worked for a traveller family in Bedfordshire.

'Sex games' killing woman guilty

A woman who killed her housemate by stabbing him after playing "sexual games" is convicted of culpable homicide.

Young Scots 'unsuitable' for work

One of the country's biggest companies, the car firm Arnold Clark, describes many young Scots as "unsuitable" for work.

Michaela suspects deny murder

Two men charged with the murder of Michaela McAreavey in Mauritius last year plead not guilty at the start of their trial.

Call for Wootton tariff review

The chairman of the justice committee writes to the director of public prosecutions asking him to review the tariff given to one of Constable Stephen Carroll's killers.

Repackaging row on spending plans

Details of housing, health, transport and road schemes worth a combined £3.5bn are unveiled by the Welsh government, but opponents claim there is little new on offer.

Husband beat son, mother claims

A mother from Cardiff accused of beating her son to death says it was her husband who beat the seven-year-old and not her, a court hears.

'Obscene' Zuma painting attacked

A painting showing South Africa's President Jacob Zuma with his genitals hanging out, angering the ANC, is vandalised in a Johannesburg gallery.

Six Somalis in Paris piracy trial

Six Somalis go on trial in Paris charged with taking the crew of the sailing ship Le Ponant hostage in 2008.

N Korea gives new nuclear warning

North Korea warns that it will bolster its nuclear programme and take unspecified counter-measures unless the US eases diplomatic pressure on it.

Sri Lanka 'must face war probes'

Sri Lanka must co-operate with any international war crimes probe, ex-army chief Sarath Fonseka tells the BBC, a day after his release from jail.

Euro 'threat' to global outlook

A weak eurozone is the single biggest threat to the global economy, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Spanish protest at education cuts

Schools and universities in Spain close in protest at government cuts, in the first ever strike across all levels of public education.

Bomb 'targets Colombia ex-leader'

A bomb is found hidden in a lamp at a theatre in Buenos Aires, Argentina, ahead of a speech to be given there by Colombian ex-President Alvaro Uribe.

Brazil cuts tax amid growth doubt

The Brazilian government unveils a new stimulus package to boost manufacturing, particularly in the key car sector, to try to boost economic growth.

Abductions raise Lebanon tension

Tensions rise after rebels in northern Syria kidnap 13 Lebanese Shia pilgrims on their way home from visiting holy sites in Iran.

Bahrain activist attends retrial

Leading Bahraini political and human rights activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja appears in court in the capital, Manama, for his retrial.

'Implant alert' diverts US plane

A US plane bound for Charlotte, North Carolina, makes an early landing in Maine after a woman claims to be carrying a surgically implanted device.

US Kabul ambassador to step down

The US ambassador to Afghanistan, Ryan Crocker, is to step down this summer due to ill health after a year in his position, the state department says.

Day in pictures: 22 May 2012

24 hours of news photos 22 May 2012

In pictures: Chelsea Flower Show

Press day at the Chelsea Flower Show

Day in pictures: 21 May 2012

24 hours of news photos: 21 May

In pictures: Annular eclipse

Eastern Asia to the western US states

Robin Gibb's life in pictures

Bee Gees' singer Robin Gibb has died

In pictures: Chelsea bus parade

Chelsea celebrate their European Cup triumph

In pictures: Falklands War Memorial unveiled

Veterans and families attended service

Week in pictures: 12-18 May 2012

News photos from around the world

VIDEO: House of Commons

The former News International employees accused of misleading Parliament should face "profound consequences", Culture, Media and Sport Committee chairman John Whittingdale has said.

VIDEO: Official 'offers 2012 tickets'

A senior Olympic official was willing to sell thousands of pounds worth of tickets to the London 2012 Games for cash, an undercover BBC London investigation reveals.

VIDEO: How to move a 6,200 tonne building

A 6,200 tonne building is being moved 60 metres to make way for the expansion of a railway in Zurich.

VIDEO: Tweeter 'sorry' for Muamba slur

A man jailed for making racist comments on twitter after the footballer Fabrice Muamba's collapse says he is sorry for his actions. Liam Stacey, from Pontypridd, served half his 56-day prison term.

VIDEO: SpaceX Falcon rocket launches

California's SpaceX has launched on a mission to re-supply the space station - the first cargo delivery to the orbiting outpost by a private company.

VIDEO: Zuma painting defaced in gallery

A painting of the South African President Jacob Zuma has been vandalised at a gallery in Johannesburg.

VIDEO: World's 'rarest' cognacs on sale

One of world's largest private cognac collections has gone on sale in Holland, including bottles dating back to the French Revolution and Napoleon Bonaparte.

VIDEO: Is it wrong to sell an Olympic torch?

Professor Michael Sandel - who has taught political philosophy since 1980 - claims there has been a shift from having a market economy to being a market society, where people are mainly motivated by money.

VIDEO: Katherine Jenkins dances into final

Singer Katherine Jenkins reaches the final of the hit US show Dancing with the Stars.

Sights and sounds from Chelsea 2012

Smartphones, caravans and pyramids inspire gardens

Trafficked: Sex slaves seduced and sold

The Mexico-US trade in women that makes men rich

London 2012: Heathrow in numbers

How Heathrow's getting ready for 2012 Games

London seeks lead role as China's currency goes global

London seeks leading role as Chinese currency goes global

Why are fountain pen sales rising?

Why are fountain pen sales rising so fast?

Greek hospitals tighten payment rules

Cash-strapped hospitals in Greece get tough

Cannes 2012: Reporter's Diary

Brad Pitt says he would rather play a killer than a racist

Drogba confirms Chelsea departure

Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba will leave Chelsea on a free transfer this summer after eight years with the club.

Solskjaer pulls out of Villa race

Spain's Villa to miss Euro 2012

F1’s greatest drivers – Lewis Hamilton

Commentary legend Murray Walker and chief F1 writer Andrew Benson look back on Lewis Hamilton's career so far.

Olazabal wants four vice-captains

Europe's Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria Olazabal will appoint four vice-captains for this year's event at Medinah in September.

Ballard sets new 100m world best

British sprinter Graeme Ballard sets a new 100m world record for his category at the Paralympic World Cup in Manchester.

Kelly in England call for Norway

Liverpool defender Martin Kelly is added to the England squad ahead of Saturday's friendly match with Norway.

Hargreaves released by Man City

Mourinho signs Real Madrid deal

Keeper Almunia to leave Arsenal

Manuel Almunia among seven players to be told by Arsenal that they will be released when their contracts expire on 30 June.

Pietersen praises England bowlers

Clijsters to retire after US Open

Former world number one Kim Clijsters says she will retire after attempting to win a fourth US Open title in September.

Els defends changes at Wentworth

Ernie Els defends his changes to the West Course at Wentworth and says the majority of players enjoy the more challenging design.

Best replaces Gabriel for Windies

Paceman flies home from England tour.

Haye fears Vitali fight - Boente

WBC heavyweight champion's manager makes claim.

Ireland forward Leamy quits game

A hip injury forces Ireland and Munster back-row forward Denis Leamy to retire at the age of 30.

Durham in control after Smith ton

Will Smith hits a century as Durham take control on the first day of the County Championship Division One game with Somerset.

England announce India tour plans

England's 2012-13 winter tour of India will include four Tests, five one-day internationals and two Twenty20 games.

Champions League final photos

All the best action from the Champions League final in Munich.

VIDEO: Chelsea hero exits after eight years

Striker Didier Drogba will leave Chelsea this summer after eight years with the club, as BBC Sport's Patrick Gearey reports. (UK users only)

VIDEO: Torres is the future - Drogba

Didier Drogba says Fernando Torres is "the future" of Chelsea, as the Ivory Coast striker confirmed he will leave the club on a free transfer this summer.

VIDEO: In-depth interview - Didier Drogba

Didier Drogba reflects on his top five moments at Chelsea and jokes that he would come back to cut the grass, but is tight-lipped on his future after confirming he will leave the club this summer.

VIDEO: Archive 2006 - Hargreaves excels for England

After being released by Manchester City, BBC Sport looks back on a great Owen Hargreaves performance against Portugal at the World Cup in 2006.

AUDIO: Drogba on his 'best-ever' goal

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba says his match-winning penalty against Bayern Munich to clinch the Champions League trophy was his "best-ever goal".

VIDEO: West Ham win thrilling final

West Ham beat Blackpool 2-1 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley to gain promotion to the Premier League.

VIDEO: No timescale for new boss - Gourlay

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay hails the club's "phenomenal" players following their Champions League victory over Bayern Munich in a penalty shoot-out.

VIDEO: F1's greatest drivers - Lewis Hamilton

Formula 1 commentary legend Murray Walker looks at the highs and lows of the career of 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton.

AUDIO: Pietersen hails world-class pair

Kevin Pietersen says Stuart Broad and Jimmy Anderson make a "fearsome" partnership, following England's five-wicket victory over West Indies in the first Test.

AUDIO: Pistorius happy after 200m win

South African double amputee Oscar Pistorius is pleased with his performance after a comfortable victory in the 200m race at the Paralympic World Cup in Manchester.

VIDEO: Matthew wins third British Open

World champion Nick Matthew becomes the first Englishman to win the British Open three times in the professional era after beating Egypt's Ramy Ashour.

VIDEO: Countdown to Paralympic Games

Paralympic athletes gather to mark a 100 days to go before the London Games begin.

VIDEO: Broad proud of triple honour

England captain Andrew Strauss and man-of-the-match Stuart Broad reflect on England's five wicket victory over the West Indies in the first Test at Lord's.

VIDEO: Team that keeps torch relay moving

What keeps the Olympic torch relay on the road?

VIDEO: Will.i.am carries Olympic torch

Will.i.am, a judge on the programme The Voice, has carried the Olympic torch in Taunton.

Departing Drogba signed off in style

Didier Drogba will make his exit after eight years at Chelsea with the Ivory Coast striker knowing it is mission accomplished

The model who charmed 'The Cobra'

Carl Froch's partner Rachael Cordingley discusses the man behind the boxer

Montpellier: The anti-Man City

How Montpellier overcame big-spending Paris Saint-Germain to win the French title on an annual budget of £29m

Jeremy Guscott Q&A

Former England centre on European champions Leinster, the upcoming Premiership final between Leicester and Harlequins, and other topics

Euro 1964: A Spanish triumph

Spain first triumphed on the international stage nearly half a century ago - a win hardly remembered even in their own country

Alguersuari on Monaco Grand Prix

In the first of a regular column for BBC Sport, former Toro Rosso driver Jaime Alguersuari previews the Monaco Grand Prix.

Avil quits after eating disorder

Hollie Avil, who competed in the triathlon at the Beijing Olympics, retires after battling an eating disorder.

Britain face Argentina in opener

GB men's Olympic hockey team will face Argentina in opening match at London 2012 on 30 July at the Riverbank Arena.

Team GB name table tennis squad

Team GB name their table tennis squad for the London Olympics, including Joanna Parker and Paul Drinkhall as the singles players.

More Olympic tickets go on sale

More tickets are to go on sale on Wednesday for events at the London 2012 Olympics, with anyone eligible to buy a ticket.

Ennis accepts apology after error

GreatCity Games organisers apologise to Jessica Ennis for a mix-up that invalidated her 100m hurdles personal best.

Newcastle win to complete sweep

Newcastle Eagles complete a clean sweep of all four BBL titles by beating Leicester Riders 71-62 in the Play-Offs final

Froch backs Frampton for stardom

Carl Froch says Belfast boxer Carl Frampton will be a future world champion ahead of this weekend's bill in Nottingham.

England pair recalled for India

Katherine Brunt and Holly Colvin are recalled to the England squad for the one-day series against India.

Rodriguez retains lead in Italy

Joaquim Rodriguez retains the lead in the Giro d'Italia as fellow Spaniard Jon Izagirre wins the 16th stage.

Taylor wins Premier League title

Phil Taylor wins his sixth Premier League Darts title, beating Simon Whitlock 10-7 in the final at London's O2 Arena.

Experience is vital - Pistorius

South African amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius hopes his past experiences can help him in the Paralympic 100m final.

Torres is Chelsea future - Drogba

Departing Chelsea striker Didier Drogba says Fernando Torres is the future at Stamford Bridge.

Williams ready after fire drama

Chief engineer says the team is ready for the Monaco GP despite having their preparations "hampered" by Spanish GP fire.

McDowell loses Match Play final

Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell is narrowly beaten by Nicolas Colsaerts in the final of the World Match Play in Andalucia.

Hannah Whelan lifts double bronze

Hannah Whelan wins two bronze medals at the 2012 European Championships, as Romania dominate the tournament.

Danson & Cullen named in GB squad

Injury worries Alex Danson and Crista Cullen have been named in the Great Britain women's hockey squad for the Olympics.

Frankel ranked best for 25 years

Frankel is rated as the best horse in the world for the last quarter of a century by the British Horseracing Authority.

Lorenzo eases to win at Le Mans

Jorge Lorenzo beats Valentino Rossi in France on a wet Le Mans track to go top of the MotoGP standings ahead of Casey Stoner.

GB eight without Louloudis again

Constantine Louloudis will be absent from the men's eight at the World Cup in Lucerne as he recovers from a back injury.

Leuluai expects Rhinos reaction

Leeds Rhinos prop Kylie Leuluai wants his side to bounce back against Bradford Bulls at Magic Weekend on Sunday.

Meyer wary of England challenge

Heyneke Meyer says his South Africa side will not underestimate England when the teams meet in June's three-Test series.

Snooker needs O'Sullivan - Hendry

Stephen Hendry warns snooker chief Barry Hearn that the sport without world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan would be far less attractive.

Payne fails to finish in Israel

World champion Keri-Anne Payne fails to finish her 10km race at the European Open Water Swimming Cup because of a shoulder injury.

Keothavong beaten in Strasbourg

Anne Keothavong is knocked out of the Strasbourg International by Mirjana Lucic, the British number two losing 2-6 7-5 6-4.

Minichiello joins Dutch Bobsleigh

Great Britain's former bobsleigh world champion Nicola Minichiello makes history by becoming the first female head coach of a winter sport.

Saints sign Australian Shepherd

Northampton Saints sign Australia and Western Force full-back Cameron Shepherd for the 2012-13 season.

Gers sanction warning by Johnston

Kilmarnock chairman Michael Johnston warns against heavy additional sanctions against Rangers if new owners form a "newco".

Halfpenny wants world's respect

Leigh Halfpenny says Wales must win their three-Test series against Australia in June to make their point to the world.

McMahon and Nocher make Olympics

Sycerika McMahon and Melanie Nocher both qualify for the Olympics after producing brilliant swims at the European Championships.

Formula 1 gossip column

A selection of gossip and stories from around F1