Daily Post

Ocean's Drive ; Billy Ocean Tells Emma Pinch About the Sacrifices He's Made

HE'S the most successful Black British artist ever. But when Billy Ocean realised his long absences from home could risk his kids going off the rails, he realised he had to make a choice. Billy, real name Leslie Sebastian Charles, was at the height of his fame in the mid-80s, with hits like Get Outta My Dreams conquering the charts on both sides of the Atlantic when he decided to quit.

Councils Hoard Unspent Millions ; Exclusive at Least Pounds 16m Left in Banks As Projects Go Uncompleted

CASH-STRAPPED local authorities across Merseyside and Cheshire have more than pounds 16m stashed away unused in bank accounts - despite it being handed over for use with major schemes in their areas. The councils have been forced to reveal details of their unspent funds, following a Freedom of Information request made by the Daily Post.

Ambulance Crews Handle 1,500 New Year's Eve Calls

AMBULANCE crews in Merseyside and Cheshire were up to three times busier than normal weekend flashpoints during the New Year's Eve celebrations, it was revealed last night. The North West Ambulance Service dealt with 1,524 incidents between 10pm and 6am, including 125 assaults. A 50-year-old man from St Helens was left fighting for his life after an assault, while a teenager was stabbed and three others injured during a fight in Garston.

More Back in Benefits for Average Family

FAMILIES earning just above the average national income get almost exactly the same amount in benefits and public services as they pay in taxes, according to a new report. Its author David Green, from the think tank Civitas, said families bringing home pounds 25,104 - just above the average income of pounds 25,000-received average benefits of pounds 4,363 while paying direct taxes of pounds 5,620.

In Brief: Gas Supplies to Ukraine Are Cut

RUSSIAN gas monopoly Gazprom said it has cut all gas supplies to Ukraine after talks broke down over payments for past shipments and a price for 2009. Gazprom spokesman Igor Volobuyev said the cuts began as planned at 10am. A spokesman for Ukrainian gas company Naftogaz confirmed a steady drop in supplies.

In Brief: Britain's Army of 'Snokers'

In Brief: Plans Alert

In Brief: Price War

Dozen New Year Arrivals Give Parents a Magical Start to 2009 ; First New Baby Arrives Shortly After Midnight

EXCITED new parents had more reason than most to celebrate the New Year yesterday, as a dozen new babies entered the world on the first day of 2009 at Liverpool and Wirral's maternity units. Kristel Thompson and her husband, David, were the proud parents of the first baby delivered on New Year's Day at Liverpool Women's.

Liam's Loss Will Leave Huge Hole in Our Lives, Say Marine's Family

FAMILY members of a Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan on New Year's Eve last night described how they had been left with a "huge hole" in their lives. The death of Corporal Liam Elms, 26, from Wigan, marked an end to Britain's worst year of losses since the conflict began.

In Brief: Delay to Final Closure of Woolworths

WOOLWORTHS stores that were expected to close today will remain open for another day of business, administrators Deloitte said last night. Two hundred outlets were due to shut today, including Liverpool's city centre store in the St John's Centre, but this has been postponed to Saturday.

In Brief: Healthy Living Campaign

In Brief: Cell Killer

In Brief: Pounds 6m Car Found

In Brief: Oldest Twins

Liverpool Pubs to Cut Cost of a Pint to Less Than Pounds 1

THE cost of a pint will be slashed to less than pounds 1 in eight Liverpool pubs this week in a bid to offset the credit crunch for customers. The new pricing will kick in on Monday at Wetherspoon pubs, and will run indefinitely in a move that is sure to raise concerns about cheap alcohol among the region's health organisations.

Pioneering Mosque Set for Pounds 3m Restoration ; Islamic Heritage Centre Planned

ALONG-AWAITED pounds 3m project to refurbish what is believed to be England's first mosque is set to get under way The restoration of the Grade II listed building can now begin after emergency repairs to the roof were completed at Number 8 Brougham Terrace, in Liverpool. The site, when work is completed in 2011, will include the restored mosque, a new mosque, a courtyard, museum, art gallery, learning centre for interfaith work, library and cafe.

Tributes Paid to Council Veterans

TRIBUTES have been paid to two St Helens councillors who died of suspected heart attacks over Christmas. Cllr Kenneth Pinder, 60, was found close to his home by members of the public on Sunday.

Man Found Dead in Flat

A MAN was found dead yesterday afternoon at flats in Birkdale. The 45-year-old was pronounced dead after being taken to Southport and Formby Hospital at 2.28pm, after police and ambulance crews were called to Crescent Road.

Actress Plans Fame Academy

FORMER Brookside actress Jennifer Ellison will fund her own talent academy in Liverpool. Ellison, who is starring alongside Cilla Black at the Empire in Cinderella, is aiming to set up a unique centre for budding dancers, performers, singers and models.