Daily Post

Arena Chief: We're in Premier League Now ; Acc Is 'On Par with Wembley and O2'

LIVERPOOL'S new waterfront arena has been elevated into the "premier league" of live UK music venues after the runaway success of the MTV Europe Music Awards, its chief executive claimed last night. Bob Prattey, who runs both the Echo Arena, Liverpool and the BT Convention Centre, said the venue was now viewed in the industry as being on a par with the Wembley and 02 arenas in London.

Cover-Up Suspect 'Told Everything to Prison Officer' ; Rhys Jones Day 18

A SUSPECT in the Rhys Jones murder confessed to his part in the alleged cover-up during his first days in jail on remand, a court has heard. James Yates, 20, tearfully told a prison worker what he had done to help alleged killer Sean Mercer hide his involvement, the Liverpool Crown Court jury was told.

Witness Recalled Over Forgotten Statement ; Rhys Jones Day 18

THE alleged killer of Rhys Jones was worried about being given up to police by a witness, the court heard. Yesterday a witness, who first gave evidence last week, was called back to the stand.

Golden Compass Author Pullman Gets Down to Nitty-Gritty at New Festival

CELEBRATED novelist Philip Pullman opened Liverpool's Literary Festival last night. Pullman, best known for his award-winning His Dark Materials trilogy, the first of which was filmed as The Golden Compass, gave the opening talk at Liverpool University's Shipping Lines Festival.

Barton Victim: I Am Facing a Future of Tooth Implants ; Compensation Case Put Off to Next Year

THE teenager suing Joey Barton says he was proud of his "perfect teeth" before he was attacked by the footballer in December of last year. At a hearing yesterday, Liverpool Civil Court heard that a draft maxillofacial report showed Jordan Spencer had a scar that could be seen from 6ft away and a possible foreign body in his lip.

'Depressed' Manager Took Pounds 700

A MANAGER of one of Wirral's most prestigious hotels has been given a curfew after fraudulently acquiring hundreds of pounds from her employer. Linda Waldron, who formerly worked at Thornton Hall Hotel, has been ordered to maintain a 12-hour daily curfew for three months.

Flag Carrier Slides

BRITISH Airways' half year profits have nosedived - and it announced it was already axing services from its summer 2009 schedule. Pre-tax profits for the period April-September 2008 crashed more than 90% to pounds 52m, with BA chief executive Willie Walsh describing the half year as "one of the bleakest on record".

In Brief: Bankruptcies Hit a New Record

A RECORD number of people were declared bankrupt during the third quarter of the year. A total of 17,341 people were made bankrupt on a seasonally adjusted basis during the three months to the end of September, 12.1% more than in the second quarter and a 9.5% rise compared with the same period last year.

In Brief: Priceless Literary Pledge

In Brief: Drug Fears

In Brief: Kidnap Arrest

Glittering Night with Liverpool the Big Winner

LET there be no doubt in anyone's mind; the MTV Europe Music Awards held at the Liverpool Echo Arena on Thursday night were an absolute triumph. Liverpool was placed squarely on the world stage, and more than lived up to expectations.

Thought for the Week

'WE WILL remember them.' These words conclude the declaration of the everlasting remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice during wartime. For many people, this includes an individual memory of a particular person. The niece of a World War I soldier discovered the letters he had sent from Flanders. She was inspired to travel to the battlefield where he had died. At Tyne Cot, the largest British cemetery in the world, she studied the head stones. Some had words of gratitude such as ...

Fly-Past to Recall Wartime Heroes ; City's Tribute to Those Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice

A WARTIME Dakota aircraft will be joined by a Tiger Moth biplane for a spectacular fly-past as Liverpool marks Remembrance Sunday tomorrow. Weather permitting, the aircraft will fly over St George's Hall, where hundreds of ex-servicemen and women, dignitaries and members of the public will gather to remember Merseyside's war dead.

Christmas Day Football Match to Be Recreated

ARMISTICE Day will see soldiers from Chesterbased 1st Battalion The Royal Welch Fusiliers visit no-mans land in France to recreate an historic football match. More than 30 officers and soldiers will play in the match in Frelinghien on Tuesday.

Privatisation Key to New Council Chief's Savings Plan ; Plea to Sefton's Neighbours Goes Unanswered

MORE council departments could be privatised in Sefton as part of money saving measures. The borough's new chief executive revealed yesterday one of her priorities will be to push through efficiency savings.

Man On Lovers' Lane Robbery Charge

A WIRRAL man has appeared in court accused of an armed robbery at a "lovers' lane". David Mousley is alleged to have held a young couple at gunpoint at a secluded spot off Moreton common. The couple were parked at the junction of Pasture Road and Leasowe Road when they were forced to hand over a wallet and handbag.

Tea with Rock Star Helps Raise Pounds 1m

TEA at The Ritz with Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster was one of the prizes up for grabs at a charity auction. pounds 1m was raised for The Prince's Trust to help young people find work. Stars including Jenson Button and Claudia Winkleman were joined by London's financial community to bid for luxury lots at Old Billingsgate, east London.

Time to Glam Up Again - at City's Grand Vogue Ball

THOUGHT the MTV Awards was as glamorous as Liverpool gets? Think again.

Bike for Disabled Man Damaged

A WHEELCHAIR handbike was stolen by thieves and severely damaged. The handbike, which allows wheelchair users to cycle using their hands instead of their feet, was taken from the back of St Mary's market in St Helens town centre between midday and 1.30pm on Tuesday.