'Allo! 'Allo! Actor Sam Kelly Dies Aged 70

British actor Sam Kelly, best known for his role as Captain Hans Geering in 'Allo! 'Allo!, has died at the age of 70.

The star's agent Lynda Ronan said Kelly died "peacefully" after a long illness and that he left a "host of friends who were his chosen family".

Kelly appeared in On The Up and Barbara as well as Porridge, and he recently played the wizard in West End musical Wicked.

Ms Ronan said: "Sam Kelly died peacefully this morning after a long illness bravely fought.

"He does not leave any family but a host of friends who were his chosen family. His death is a great loss to them and the profession."

Paying tribute on Twitter, Stephen Fry tweeted: "Very saddened to hear about Sam Kelly's death.

"He played a splendid Hitler in a comedy drama called Stalag Luft I made with Nick Lyndhurst..."

Former Doctor Who, Colin Baker, tweeted: "Cannot believe that lovely Sam Kelly has died.

"We were at drama school together - lovely, funny, talented chap. So sad."

Citizen Smith and My Family star Robert Lindsay said he would dedicate his West End showing of stage show Dirty Rotten Scoundrels on Saturday night to Kelly.

He tweeted: "Feel so depressed about the amazing Sam Kelly's passing how do we manage a second comic musical tonight? We dedicate it to him RIP."

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Actor Who Was Voice Of Captain Scarlet Dies

The man who was the voice of the "indestructible puppet hero" Captain Scarlet in the 1960s TV show has died at the age of 86.

Francis Matthews brought the Mysteron-battling sci-fi character to life in creator Gerry Anderson's programme between 1967 and 1968.

His voice for Scarlet, which was based on the Transatlantic accent of Hollywood star Cary Grant, became well-known to generations of children thanks to countless re-runs over the years.

Matthews also became known for playing amateur detective Paul Temple in the TV drama series of the same name.

And he appeared in several Hammer Horror films.

Anderson Entertainment said: "We are very sorry to report that Francis Matthews, best known to Gerry Anderson fans as the voice of the indestructible puppet hero Captain Scarlet, has died aged 86.

"Having previously had a policy of using American accents in their shows to aid sales to America, Gerry and Sylvia relaxed their casting requirements for Captain Scarlet as it was felt that British accents were now more acceptable Stateside than had previously been the case.

"After hearing Matthews' uncanny impression of Cary Grant, a voice that would have been familiar to all on both sides of the Atlantic, he was cast in 1966."

Matthews' wife, the actress Angela Browne, died in 2001, Anderson Entertainment said.

He is survived by his sons Damien, Paul and Dominic.

More follows...

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Queen's Birthday Honours: Stephen Sutton's MBE

By Rhiannon Mills, Sky News Reporter

Stephen Sutton, the teenage cancer sufferer who raised more than £4m for charity, has been honoured with an MBE in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours.

Stephen, who was 19 when he died last month, had been told about the honour before his death.

His fundraising efforts have inspired others to help him raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

His mother, Jane Sutton, said he saw it as an incredible honour to be nominated and gave it the thumbs up.

Jolie receives an honorary Damehood for her work to fight sexual violence

In a statement she added: "Although Stephen continually told all of us that he didn't do his charity work for recognition, even he acknowledged that to be appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire was 'awesome'."

He is joined on the list by the likes of actress Angelina Jolie, who is receiving an honorary Damehood for her work to fight sexual violence.

This week, Jolie has taken centre stage at a summit in London to End Sexual Violence in Conflict (ESVC).

Her honorary Damehood is part of the Diplomatic Service and Overseas Birthday 2014 Honours List for exceptional service to Britain overseas.

Jolie said: "Working on the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI) and with survivors of rape is an honour in itself.

"I know that succeeding in our goals will take a lifetime, and I am dedicated to it for all of mine."

In the acting world, Dame Maggie Smith is made a Companion of Honour, while Daniel Day-Lewis receives a knighthood, and Homeland star Damian Lewis gets an OBE.

In sport, Britain's winter Olympic winners are honoured. Skeleton gold medallist Lizzy Yarnold receives an MBE, as do visually-impaired skier Kelly Gallagher and her guide Charlotte Evans.

An OBE also goes to Wales rugby head coach Warren Gatland, while England women's cricket captain Charlotte Edwards receives a CBE.

Homeland star Damian Lewis gets an OBE

Golfer Laura Davies becomes a Dame, as do author Hilary Mantel and fashion designer Zandra Rhodes.

And MBEs go to Torchwood star John Barrowman, singer songwriter Cerys Matthews, and Nicola Clarke, chair of the Military Wives Choirs Foundation.

The Cabinet Office said 1,149 people had received an award and alongside the famous faces, 73% have been given to people for the charity or voluntary work they do for their local community.

Ron and Avril Head, who have fostered 140 children over the past 30 years, were in shock at receiving their MBEs.

Mrs Head said: "We hope this will be a way of promoting fostering. There are hundreds of children waiting for people to look after them and hopefully we might inspire people."

IT entrepreneur Scott Fletcher, from Manchester, also gets an MBE for helping young people into work.

Women receive 49% of the honours, while 6.2% of all those honoured come from ethnic minority communities, a slight increase on recent lists.

The last New Year Honours List was the first in which the women outnumbered the men.

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William More Popular Than The Queen - Poll

Despite having just celebrated her official birthday, the Queen is not as popular as her grandson Prince William, according to a survey.

Of the 2,000-plus people surveyed by ComRes for the Sunday Mirror and Independent on Sunday, 68% expressed a "favourable" view of the young royal compared with 63% for his grandmother.

Prince Charles lagged well behind on 43% but even the heir to the throne enjoyed a better rating than any of the Westminster figures.

The royals are significantly more popular than Britain's best-known politicians.

London Mayor Boris Johnson came closest to a regal score on 41% - with Prime Minister David Cameron pipping UKIP's Nigel Farage by 28% to 26%.

Fewer than one in five said they saw Labour leader Ed Miliband in a good light (19%) - fewer than Foreign Secretary William Hague (25%) and on a par with Chancellor George Osborne.

After their recent public row, Theresa May retains more public favour than Michael Gove (16% to 9%) - with the Education Secretary also attracting significantly more dislikes.

Ms May is significantly better liked by Tory supporters.

Reflecting his party's woeful poll showings, Liberal Democrat Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is admired by only 13%.

The poll showed a narrowing of Labour's lead over the Tories to 34% versus 32% - the smallest gap for almost two-and-a-half years in ComRes online research.

UKIP and the Liberal Democrats shed a point each to stand at 18% and 7%.

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Two Killed As Light Aircraft Crashes Near M1

Two people have been killed after a light aircraft crashed close to the M1 motorway in Nottinghamshire, according to police.

Nottinghamshire Police said the men were thought to be the only people on board the plane when it came down near Hucknall, close to Nottingham, at around 1.30pm on Saturday.

Motorists on the M1 described seeing the plane nose-dive before it crashed into the ground near junction 26 of the motorway.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has launched an investigation into the crash.

One lane of the southbound M1 was closed after the accident.

Craig Wing was driving northwards on the M1 when he saw the plane fall to the ground.

He told Sky News: "I saw the aircraft, it flew over the motorway and then went straight down into a field.

"I had my kids in the car but I just did what I had to do, I turned around at the next junction and stopped by the field.

"I could see it was a bit of a mess."

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World Cup: England Defeated By Italy In Brazil

England have suffered a narrow defeat in their opening match of the 2014 World Cup, losing 2-1 to Italy in Manaus.

Italy opened the scoring with a Claudio Marchisio goal in the 35th minute, only for England to strike back when Daniel Sturridge scored from a Wayne Rooney cross.

The winning goal came for Italy in the 51st minute when Mario Balotelli scored with a header shortly after the half-time break.

Roy Hodgson's side had several unsuccessful attacking efforts as they tried to get back into the game, but Italy's Salvatore Sirigu put in a strong performance in goal.

Claudio Marchisio opens the scoring for Italy in the 35th minute

There was an unusual injury for the England squad when the team's physio, Gary Lewin, dislocated his ankle while celebrating Sturridge's goal.

Lewin was carried off the sidelines after suffering the injury in the 37th minute.

The win sees Italy join Costa Rica on three points at the top of Group D.

England physio Gary Lewin receives treatment on the sidelines

A disappointed Steven Gerrard said after the match: "Italy are a good team and we knew how they were going to play it.

"It's disappointing because we put so much into it."

Hodgson selected an attacking line-up for his team's opening clash of the tournament.

The England team prepare to take on Italy at the Arena Amazonia

Liverpool's Raheem Sterling was named alongside Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney in the midfield.

Italy confirmed before the match that their captain and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon would miss the fixture because of an injury.

Hodgson had expressed his confidence in the team's pre-tournament preparations.

Some 5,000 England fans have travelled up the Amazon to back the team

"I think we are well prepared. I don't think we are concerned about the heat and humidity because we have been training in heat and humidity," he said.

The game at the Arena Amazonia was the first competitive encounter between the teams since Italy beat England in the 2012 European Championship quarter-finals.

Some 5,000 England fans travelled up the Amazon to support the side.

Raheem Sterling takes a shot at goal in the opening minutes

Supporters at home filled the pubs, which were allowed to stay open late for the match after the Home Office announced that licensing laws would be relaxed.

Extra buses were laid on in London to get fans home, however the Tube did not run later than normal.

Police had issued a warning urging people not to drink too much and "wake up in a police cell".

Daniel Sturridge celebrates his goal in the 37th minute

Chief Superintendent Andy Prophet from Essex Police said: "The tournament is a celebration of football and a chance to feel national pride.

"It is however just a game and can never be an excuse for violence or disorder.

"I hope everyone enjoys the World Cup, but experience tells us we need to plan for the minority who spoil things.

Roy Hodgson said his team prepared for the match as well as possible

"My message to anyone planning to go out tonight is have a great time, enjoy the game but please be sensible."

Prime Minister David Cameron sent a good luck message ahead of the match, saying the country is behind the England team "every step of the way".

"On behalf of the whole country I want to wish the England team the very best of luck for the World Cup," Mr Cameron said.

"There is nothing like a World Cup to bring our country together."

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England Physio Injures Ankle Celebrating Goal

Gary Lewin will be flying home from the World Cup early after dislocating his ankle while celebrating a goal.

Staff rush to attend to Mr Lewin as he lies on the turf

The 50-year-old jumped off the bench to celebrate Daniel Sturridge's first half equaliser against Italy in Manaus, but hurt his ankle in the process when he landed on a water bottle.

He received treatment on the pitch and was carried off on a stretcher and taken to hospital.

A doctor set his ankle before Mr Lewin was taken to hospital

Speaking after the match, which finished 2-1 to Italy, manager Roy Hodgson said it was a "very sad moment".

He said: "In celebrating the goal he jumped up, landed on a water bottle and dislocated his ankle.

The 50-year-old will now fly home to recover

"It was very painful. He was taken to hospital.

"The doctor set it, put it back in at the side of the field, but it's the end of the World Cup for Gary."

Manager Roy Hodgson said the injury was a "very sad moment"

Former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand wrote on Twitter: "What happened to running it off??? The magic spray & sponge??? Our Physio Gary Lewin has to man up!!"

He later apologised, tweeting: "Was only having a bit of banter but just found out that Gary Lewin's injury was serious so apologies for previous tweets on the injury. My bad."

Mr Lewin will be replaced by assistant Steve Kemp

Lewin's assistant Steve Kemp will take over for the rest of the tournament.

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Labour Plan To Double Paternity Leave

Fathers could be given a month's paternity leave and paid at almost twice the present rate, under proposals being considered by Labour.

New fathers should be paid at least the minimum wage of £6.31 an hour for the four weeks off to encourage them to take time off to be with their newborns, according to the Institute for Public Policy Research think tank.

At present men receive only a statutory £138.18 a week – just £3.45 an hour - with employers encouraged to make the pay up to the usual salary.

The low level of pay has been blamed for the reluctance of fathers to take time off to be with their child - just 55% take off the fortnight.

The IPPR estimated a pay increase would increase the number of men taking paternity leave to 70%.

Senior research fellow Kayte Lawton said: "Fathers who take more than a few days off around the birth of their child are more likely to be actively involved in raising their child than those who do not.

"Fathers' greater involvement in family life can make it easier for mothers to return to work after taking maternity leave, which helps to raise the family's income and lessen the impact of motherhood on women's careers."

Labour is considering adopting the proposal. Shadow childcare minister Lucy Powell said: "There clearly are problems with dads being able to play the role they want to in those first weeks and months of a baby's life.

"There are cultural barriers and also the level of pay is a problem for many. It's a very interesting proposal. It's certainly something we're looking at."

Conservative Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said the policy would be too expensive adding: "This policy would mean even more spending, more borrowing and more taxes - exactly what got us into a mess in the first place.

"It's the same old Labour, they haven't learnt."

Last week it emerged that fewer than one in 50 new fathers took up the right to additional paternity leave - where men are entitled to 26 weeks' leave after the mother has returned to work.

Only 1.4% of new fathers took additional leave in 2012-13, under the policy introduced by the coalition in 2011. In 2011-2012 it was 0.8%.

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GPs To Stop Giving Aspirin For Heart Condition

By Emma Birchley, East of England Correspondent

Doctors will be told to stop prescribing aspirin for patients with a heart condition that leaves them at high risk of having a stroke as it is ineffective.

More than a million people in the UK suffer from atrial fibrillation (AF) and for decades the cheap and easily accessible tablets were given to help thin the blood.

But now studies have shown that aspirin has little benefit and anticoagulants should be given instead.

Professor Martin Cowie, a consultant cardiologist at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London, said: "About 12,000 people in England a year have a disabling stroke because a clot forms in the heart, shoots off and damages the brain.

"In the past we used to use aspirin, but we know that is not an effective treatment.

"Now there are various other option to thin the blood, not just warfarin, and it's important that patients have a chat with their GP or specialist to find out what is most likely to benefit them."

New guidelines for doctors are expected to be published in the coming days by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

Fiona Birdseye is delighted that aspirin will no longer be prescribed for AF patients like herself.

Last year she had a transient ischaemic attack or mini-stroke and was put on aspirin to thin her blood. A fortnight later she suffered an actual stroke.

Mrs Birdseye said: "It's incredibly frustrating. I may well have had the stroke even if I had been on an anticoagulant but the fact that I was taking aspirin which was absolutely, I find out now, useless and gave me no protection whatsoever."

More than 300,000 patients with AF still take only aspirin to prevent them having a stroke.

Fiona uses the anticoagulant warfarin. A new generation of drugs has fewer side-effects, but there has been concern about the cost.

Trudie Lobban, CEO of the AF Association, said:  "At first glance the new drugs seem far more expensive than warfarin or aspirin, however if you take into account the regular blood checks you have to have with warfarin and the clinics that have to be run and the consequences of some of the bleeding caused by warfarin, then the new drugs are just as cost-effective."

The AF Association has been pushing for the change since the first evidence suggested aspirin was ineffective in 2006.

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Prisoner On Run Detained - In The Pub

A prisoner who absconded from an open prison has been detained in a pub on the night of England's opening World Cup game.

Kevin Brown, who went missing from HMP Ford in West Sussex on April 10, was arrested in a bar in the Clifton area of Bristol.

Sussex Police said the 54-year-old was held by colleagues from Avon and Somerset Police at about 6pm on Saturday.

Brown is serving a life sentence imposed at the Old Bailey in 2007 for conspiracy to rob and firearms offences.

Sussex Police revealed this week that 89 prisoners were on the run from Ford, near Arundel.

Some have been missing for years, they admitted.

It has also emerged that an appeal to help trace murderer Robert Donovan, 57, had only been made four years after he walked out of the prison.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: "The Justice Secretary has been clear that keeping the public safe is our priority and has already ordered major changes to tighten up temporary release processes and open prison eligibility.

"Absconds have reached record lows under this Government - down 80% over the last 10 years - but each and every incident is taken seriously, with the police contacted as a matter of urgency.

"Open prisons and temporary licence are an important tool in rehabilitating long-term offenders but not at the expense of public safety."

Brown is due to appear before magistrates in Bristol on Monday.

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