David Beckham's football academy will continue to reach children across the UK despite the closure of its London venue, the managers have insisted, after pleas by parents to keep the site open.

 

 The Pope will fly from Rome and touch down in Scotland on his visit to Britain later this year.
Pope Benedict XVI will arrive at EdinburghAirport in September on the first UK visit by a pontiff since 1982.

 

 Amid all this argy-bargy about how to fix the economy and put a few coppers back in our collective pockets, may I make a plea for whichever party prevails to sort out the latest stealth tax? I refer, of course, to the huge amounts I’m having to shell out to friends and acquaintances participating in this year’s London Marathon. Virtually my entire address book seems to be running it this year, and each fresh appeal for sponsorship involves a particularly deserving cause. What’s more, my friends’ entreaties leave me in no doubt as to what’s expected, and it doesn’t leave any change out of 50 quid.

 

Airspace throughout northern and central Europe was gradually reopening Tuesday but officials say London airports are likely to remain closed. A new wave of ash forced Norway to close airports on the southwestern coast.

Culture

British Queen

 

British Queen celebrates