Batsman Kevin Pietersen says England will be better prepared for Australia's swing bowling in the fourth Ashes Test after struggling badly in Perth.

An earthquake measuring 3.6 on the Richter scale has been felt in Cumbria and neighbouring counties.

The UN votes to restore a reference to sexual orientation in a resolution against the unjustified killing of minority groups, after heavy US pressure.

The UN secretary-general warns there is a "real risk" of a return to civil war in Ivory Coast after the disputed presidential election.

Concerns are raised about the growth of the 'big four' supermarkets after BBC research finds at least 577 new stores were approved in the UK in two years.

A California mall is evacuated as a 5,000-strong flash-mob of singers organised by a local choral society cause the building to shake.

Researchers develop a genetic technique, which could revitalise the fight against the honeybee's worst enemy - the Varroa mite.

South Korea unveils its biggest live-fire winter military exercise amid continuing tension and threats of retaliation from the North.