North Korea is to begin two days of funeral services for its late leader Kim Jong-il, with hundreds of thousands expected to attend in Pyongyang.

Fifteen-time world champion Phil Taylor crashes out of the PDC World Championship in the second round, losing 4-1 to Dave Chisnall.

The 10-1 chance Le Beau Bai wins the Welsh National at Chepstow for jockey Charlie Poste and trainer Richard Lee.

Irish singer Sinead O'Connor announces the annulment of her marriage to therapist Barry Herridge, citing disapproval from his family and friends.

Unemployment in the UK is to keep rising in 2012 and peak in 2013, according to a report by think tank the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Blood stocks in England and North Wales may be hit by major events of 2012 such as the Olympics and Diamond Jubilee, according to the NHS.

Shares of Tokyo Electric Power Company fall on the Tokyo Stock Exchange on fears the utility provider may be nationalised.

Thousands rally in the Israeli town of Beit Shemesh against ultra-Orthodox Jewish extremism, prompted by attacks on "immodestly" dressed women.