Three Men in a Boat is the book I've read more times than any other. I keep returning to it, but not out of choice. It's more of a compulsion, a sudden urge whenever I'm in need of a dose of humanity and laugh-out-loud humour.

The world of punting sounds sedate but a recent hit-and-run has revealed dark currents beneath the surface

The 15-year-old reportedly fell ill after consuming what she thought was the class A drug

Three men have been convicted of raping and sexually assaulting a vulnerable young girl. The men, who – along with two others – were suspected of running a child sex abuse ring in London, were found guilty on five separate counts.

Deep cobalt colouring comes from drops of liquid gas raining horizontally in 7,000 km/h winds

Interesting to look at the employment records of our leading universities, as published by the Higher Education statistics Agency last week. It's not the usual suspects that are in the top spots for getting their graduates into a job or further study. However, it may not be that surprising that some of the specialist higher education institutions do best.

At a scrubbed wooden table, a dapper, Rumpole-ish gentleman is taking lunch, in immaculate suit and wide red braces. Behind him, also eating alone, is a troll in human form – a small, wild-haired oldster wearing a plunging singlet and very short shorts, his abundantly furry chest and shoulders on proud display. Both of these unlikely fellow diners look perfectly at home.

Cockatoos can crack tough puzzles and even unpick locks to reach a reward, scientists have found. 

2012's recession-busting graduating class at the Royal Academy of Music were all employed or in further study within six months of finishing their degree

Tommy Robinson, co-founder and current leader of the English Defence League, has been invited to debate at Oxford Union.

Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for runaway and missing children and adults wants a care system which is 'fit for purpose'

The price of a check-up at the dentists can vary by as much as 200 per cent depending on where you live in the country.

The men, aged between 27 and 38, were found guilty of eight years of offending

The largest ever donor to Oxford University and “extraordinary intellect” Dr James Martin has died, the university has said.