Showers and cloud kept yesterday from being the hottest day of the year. Temperatures had looked set to come close to Saturday's record-breaking high but a heavy mid-afternoon band of rain brought respite to large chunks of baking Britain.

Does Redwing have what it takes to be the restaurant Lympstone needs?

The trial of two men accused of hatching a murder plot involving singer Joss Stone has been adjourned until next year.

From the Peasants' Revolt to General Strike, unrest has led us to the brink – but not beyond.

For centuries the tolling of bells has heralded moments of national togetherness: the end of wars, the crowning of monarchs and the celebration of royal nuptials. But this weekend, the chimes emanating from a Victorian parish church in Melbourne, Derbyshire, will have nothing to do with England's exploits on a football field in distant Kiev.

Controversy over the presence of 26 unelected bishops in the upper House will be exacerbated by revelations about how much some of them are being paid for the privilege

Harlequins have been given a kind draw for the group stages of next season's Heineken Cup. Biarritz will provide the English champions with their stiffest opposition in Pool Three, which is also made up of Ireland's weakest province, Connacht, and Zebre of Italy.

England's new prop is confident he can cope with power of home side's scrum

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain looked a little out of his depth as he chugged across the 17th fairway of the Grove Hotel's championship golf course in a buggy in search of a lost ball last Wednesday. Your correspondent sensed a result when something white and spherical glinted in the general vicinity – but not the Arsenal player's ball, it transpired. "Sorry Alex," the conversation wound up. "My fault for shanking it," he replied.

A New York artist is the latest to bring his witty works to our streets

Leicester Tigers 24 Saracens 15: Farrell's five penalties not enough for champions to keep their grasp on title

Saracens will face one of the toughest tasks in English rugby tomorrow - but recent history suggests it is not one they should fear.

Exeter's memorable season that has been highlighted by Heineken Cup qualification for the first time could soon receive recognition from Stuart Lancaster.

We're in drought, water companies in many parts of England declared. Don't dare use a hosepipe, they said, warning of fines, and urging residents to tell on their neighbours if they are seen wielding a hose.