The government outlines plans to give tax breaks to companies involved in the UK's shale gas industry, but faces criticism from environmentalists.

A pick-up in activity among first-time buyers has put the brakes on increases in the cost of renting a home in England and Wales, a survey suggests.

The UK economy has seen a £9.9bn boost in trade and investment from hosting the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, research suggests.

Around 500,000 people in the UK face poor health or disability after being treated for cancer, says a report from Macmillan Cancer Support.

Puffins in a habitat in Northumberland are making a comeback despite thousands having perished in severe winter storms, a census shows.

European indoor 800m champion Jenny Meadows puts retirement plans on hold to set her sights on Olympics and Commonwealth Games.

A prison officers' group denies "any wrongdoing" by guards after one of the two Woolwich murder suspects claims he was assaulted in prison.

Former Manchester City keeper Bert Trautmann, who played in the 1956 FA Cup final with a broken neck, dies aged 89.