Chocolate maker Thorntons issues a profit warning, blaming weak consumer confidence and high levels of promotional activity.

Eurozone banks rush to take out three-year loans offered by the European Central Bank, borrowing 489bn euro.

Almost 200 people die in two days of clashes in Syria, activists say - as violence intensifies ahead of the arrival of a group of Arab observers.

Tax raised from the sales of a hit single will be donated to armed forces' charities, the Chancellor reveals.

A Manchester woman has been given an eight month suspended jail sentence after admitting stealing hundreds of pounds worth of alcohol. Rose Devlin, 59, was caught on CCTV stealing the alcohol from an Asda supermarket.

A bill calling for any inquiry to weigh up the economic costs and benefits of the UK's membership of the European Union will be debated in the Commons.

North Korea reports pledges of loyalty to new leader Kim Jong-un as his father Kim Jong-il lies in state in the capital Pyongyang.

Sportswear maker Nike saw its quarterly income rise, helped by continuing strong demand for its branded products.