Seahorses, the distinctive horse-headed small fish typically found in tropical seas and on coral reefs, are thought to be breeding in the River Thames in London, the Environment Agency announced yesterday.

The residents of Folkestone don't know how close they came to having to live in the shadow of a huge balloon shaped like a human heart, looming over the town centre.

John Howard Davies would still have had a minor place in entertainment history through his affecting performance as the protagonist of David Lean's film of Oliver Twist (1948). But his reputation rests on having produced and directed some of the most acclaimed examples of BBC television comedy. Monty Python, Fawlty Towers, The Good Life, Steptoe and Son and The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin all prospered under the air of quiet calm that he exuded, in an often frenetic industry. His frequently stated guideline was, simply, "It's got to be funny."

Two goals from captain Barry Middleton helped England get their European title defence off to a winning start with a 4-2 victory over Ireland in Monchengladbach. Middleton's first put England ahead for the first time in the match while his second late in the game relieved the pressure that had been building following John Jermyn's penalty corner goal ten minutes from time.

A man's body has been found following the sinking of a tugboat in the River Thames.

More than 20 universities planning to charge the maximum £9,000 fee for students next year have failed to make the top 200 of an influential international higher education league table.

A flat where schoolgirl Milly Dowler is alleged to have been killed was repainted and steam-cleaned before police became suspicious, the Old Bailey heard today.

The original mid-1960s incarnation of the Skatalites only lasted 15 months, yet their irresistible blend of jazz, boogie-woogie, blues, mento and African rhythms helped create a new and enduring genre, the first truly Jamaican sound, ska.

The mother of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler broke down after being questioned about her daughter's last few days.

A trusted aide to Erin O'Connor stole more than £45,000 from the supermodel to fund a lavish lifestyle, a court heard yesterday.

Forth Ports has accepted a £760m bid from Arcus, the infrastructure investor, ending a year-long pursuit of Britain's last listed ports group.