China officially opens the world's longest high-speed rail route, linking the capital Beijing with the southern commercial hub of Guangzhou.

Business recovery firm Begbies Traynor says 140 retailers are in a "critical condition" and thousands more are in distress this Christmas.

Two women injured in a fatal crash on the M6 on Christmas Day are to be discharged, the hospital treating them has said.

Former South African president, Nelson Mandela, is discharged from hospital in South Africa, where he has been receiving treatment for a lung infection and gallstones.

Scottish councils paid out more than £33m for compensation claims over the last five years, according to figures released after a Freedom of Information request.

The Royal Mail reveals the design of 11 special stamps to celebrate the 50th anniversary of BBC TV sci-fi series Doctor Who.

UK doctors, nurses and surgeons will now be able to pre-register their availability to help in the event of an overseas disaster, the government says.

A bid to lift the ban on hunting with dogs in England and Wales may not happen in 2013, a minister suggests, as 300 hunts hold traditional Boxing Day meets.