Daily Post

Prayers for Adying Pope ; the Last Hours of John Paul Ii

City's Catholics Pray for the Pope As His Life Slips Away

Whitehall Foots First Bill for Merseytram ; Vote of Confidence for Pounds 175m Project

THE Government gave the Merseytram scheme an unprecedented show of confidence last night by handing over a deposit for the pounds 175m project The pounds 4.2m grant is being viewed within the industry as the first instalment and it is expected ministers will announce they will foot the full cost this summer. Yesterday's news also means Line One looks certain to be finished on schedule in 2007, in time for Liverpool's Capital of Culture year.

Man Cleared of Assault

A JURY cleared a man of attacking a sex offender at his home. Christopher John Williams, 24, of Queens Avenue, on the Maesgeirchen estate, Bangor, denied assault.

Man Had 1,000 Child Porn Pictures

A MAN found to have more than 1,000 child porn images on his computer was yesterday jailed for eight months. The obscene pictures were found by Robert Gordon Mattravers' girlfriend who shopped him to police.

Complacent Chief? Or Irresponsible Politics ; Row Erupts Over Area's Violent Crime Stats

SHADOW home secretary David Davis last night accused North Wales' top cop of being 'complacent' about violent crime. He said Richard Brunstrom was 'playing down the problem' and would be forced to explain 'burgeoning' crime statistics if the Tories won power at the forthcoming general election.

Driver Cleared of Death

A NORTH Wales aircraft worker was cleared of careless driving after being involved in a fatal road crash. Following a two-day trial, which included a visit to the scene between Broughton and Hawarden, Flintshire magistrates found defendant Colin Frederick Reid not guilty The prosecution alleged the 31-year-old, of Blenheim Close, Broughton, was driving his BMW too fast when Mr David Graham Morris turned into his path.

Home Care Charity Faces Investigation ; Claims of Neglect

A GOVERNMENT watchdog has launched an investigation into allegations made against a Liverpool charity that provides home care for the elderly. The Commission for Social Care Inspectors (CSCI) said it carried out an unannounced inspection at Local Solutions on Tuesday.

Footballers Hooked On Books for Campaign

PREMIERSHIP footballers, including Everton's Lee Carsley and Liverpool's Chris Kirkland, yesterday described their favourite books as part of a new campaign to encourage families to read together. The players include Everton's Lee Carsley - The Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dream (adult), by Paulo Coehlo p Liverpool's Chris Kirkland - There's a Viking in My Bed (child), by Jeremy Strongp Manchester City's David James - The Hobbit (child), by JRR Tolkienp Bolton Wanderers Kevin Nolan...

Lottery Win

Osbournes Out

Store Bomb

Foster in Court Design

Talks Avert Chaos On Railways

THE threat of 'utter chaos' on the railways because of action by drivers was averted yesterday when last-ditch talks helped resolve a row over safety. Aslef had warned that its members would refuse to drive trains from next Monday in areas covered by a contentious communications system.

Child Porn Cases Rocket

ARRESTS and convictions for internet child porn offences have more than quadrupled. Figures published last month showed 2,234 were cautioned or charged with crimes in Wales and England in 2003, compared with 549 in 2001 - a rise of 307%.

Hiding His Face in Shame, the Vile Pervert Jailed for Abusing a Child ; Child Psychiatrist Had Sex with Girl He'd Groomed On Net

AN EMINENT child psychiatrist who had sex with a 14-year-old girl he groomed over the internet was yesterday locked up for four years. Dr Julian Morrell, 42, posed as 17year-old 'Jules' to meet the Gwynedd girl last summer in a web chatroom called 'Pre-Teen Chat'.

The Sights of Liverpool to Be Seen in Las Vegas ; Larry Neild Reports On the Hi-Tech Team Ready to Sell Their City to an International Audience

A HI-TECH 3D video used to promote Liverpool's Capital of Culture success is to be showcased at an international media event in Las Vegas. Liverpool-based film and TV producers River Media is to screen their Liverpool European Capital of Culture 08 movie at NAB 2005 Las Vegas - the biggest electronic media event in the world.

Government Set to Bail Out Rover with Pounds 100m Loan Deal

THE Government is prepared to offer a huge bridging loan to help car giant MG Rover secure a joint venture with its proposed Chinese partner and safeguard thousands of jobs. Officials from the Department of Trade and Industry have travelled to China for talks this weekend with the Shanghai Automotive Industrial Corporation to help clinch the deal.

Bbc Error

The Last Hours of Pope John Paul Ii

CATHOLICS across North Wales last night joined in worldwide prayers for the ailing Pope as he clung to life in his Vatican apartments. Tributes to his 'extraordinary and wonderful life' poured in from fellow clergymen and the faithful.