Conservative MP Mary Macleod is to launch a bid to end discrimination against women in the aristocracy.

New tests on a painting billed as the original version of the Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci's 15th century portrait, have produced fresh proof that it is the work of the Italian master, a Swiss-based art foundation claims.

A canoeist died after being pulled from a river in a resuce operation yesterday. The man, in his 30s, became trapped in debris in the River Arkle in the Yorkshire Dales.

The BBC has resolved a dispute to allow it to broadcast from venues during England's upcoming Test series in India.

Judge accuses Australian Trenton Oldfield of being ‘prejudiced’ against elites and of showing no regret

The Mona Lisa's elusive smile has enthralled visitors to the Louvre for generations, but yesterday a Swiss foundation unveiled what it said was an earlier version of Leonardo Da Vinci's masterpiece, claiming it was completed over a decade before the famous Renaissance painting.

Swiss foundation unveils what it claims is 1505 painting by Leonardo – with a UK link

A foundation says it will prove to the world today that Leonardo Da Vinci painted an earlier version of the Mona Lisa - a claim doubted by at least one expert on the multifaceted Renaissance artist.

Hans Rausing, one of Britain's richest men, avoided a jail sentence today after he admitted preventing the lawful and decent burial of his wife Eva's body.

England midfielder Jack Wilshere was part of a group which hurled homophobic insults at revellers before a fight began outside a nightclub, a court heard.

One of the most scrutinised murder mysteries of the past decade came to an end yesterday as Levi Bellfield was found guilty of murdering schoolgirl Milly Dowler. Emotional scenes gripped the Old Bailey as the 13-year-old's mother and sister collapsed in hysterics following the verdict, wailing and shouting, "guilty".

A pensioner has been jailed for five years for attempting to smuggle almost £100,000 worth of heroin into Britain.

Michael "Mac" McGann was a folk singer and songwriter, a unique guitarist, barrelhouse blues pianist, harmonica player, graphic artist, wood carver and cartoonist. He was best-known for his live performances in pubs and clubs around London alongside guitarists and singers who would become more famous – including John Martyn, John Renbourn, Ralph McTell and the "King of the Buskers" Don Partridge. McGann co-founded several folk bands, including the Levee Breakers in the 1960s with the 12-string guitarist Johnny Joyce and singer Beverley Kutner (later to become Beverley Martyn). They were a breakthrough outfit who became a major influence on McTell and such folk groups as Pentangle, with Renbourn and Bert Jantsch, and later the Incredible String Band.