Surcharges for using a debit or credit card to pay for travel, theatre or cinema tickets will be banned by the end of 2012, the government plans.

A mysterious bony growth found in elephants' feet is actually a sixth "toe", scientists report.

Sebastian Vettel says he is anxious to see the Red Bull car he hopes will help him win a third successive world championship.

World champion and Tour de France green jersey winner Mark Cavendish wins the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, with Darren Clarke second and Mo Farah third.

The Church of England and the National Trust are among organisations telling the government that it is putting community solar power schemes at risk.

Iraqi Vice-President Tarik al-Hashemi says PM Nouri Maliki is to blame for huge attacks in Baghdad, saying he is failing to focus on security.

Britain's outgoing top civil servant Sir Gus O'Donnell says "enormous challenges" - including a referendum on Scottish independence - face the UK.

Leaders from around the world prepare to attend the funeral of former Czech President Vaclav Havel in Prague.