China reported a surprise surge in imports during August, leading to a fall in its trade surplus to $20bn.

Royal Marine Mark Ormrod is a triple amputee who is setting out to run 3,500 miles across the US.

Activists protesting against Greece's austerity measures are trying a new form of civil disobedience.

Spending cuts and financial "austerity" cannot be allowed to detract from Plaid Cymru's ambition to change Wales, leader Ieuan Wyn Jones will tell his party's conference.

England women are beaten on penalties in the World Cup semi-final by world and Olympic champions the Netherlands.

A 62-year-old man is due to appear in court in Belfast later charged with indecent assault on a boy.

Doctors say they are narrowing down the potential source for a Legionnaires' disease outbreak in south Wales after the deaths of two people.

Confusion remains about who was responsible for allowing child sex abusers to live near their victims in Donagh, the Stormont health committee chairman says.

Iran is set to release on Saturday Sarah Shourd - one of three detained US hikers held since last July and accused of espionage, officials say.

Koran burning row grabs headlines

National Insurance cards are to be phased out as the government tries to cut the deficit, the BBC learns.

US President Barack Obama contradicts claims made by his secretary of state that Mexico is dealing with a "drugs insurgency".

Dozens of homes have been set ablaze near San Francisco International Airport, after a reported explosion.

Scientists say they can quickly and accurately map a child's brain development using an MRI machine and a maths programme.

A federal judge rules that a ban on homosexuals serving openly in the US military is unconstitutional, in the latest challenge to the law.

The former leader of the Tories on Norwich City Council loses his seat as the coalition parties falter in a series of by-elections.

World number one Rafael Nadal reaches the US Open semi-finals for the third time with victory over fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco.

An exhibition by Japanese artist Takashi Murakami at the Palace of Versailles is surprising visitors.

Iran is set to release on Saturday Sarah Shourd - one of three detained US hikers held since last July and accused of espionage, officials say.

The pastor of a small US church who planned to burn copies of the Koran on the anniversary of 9/11 has said his plan is now on hold.