First News Friday 30 November 2012

Twins Jacob and Raul Gibson, aged 11, and Molly Hardwick, aged 12, call themselves Mini Attack and are making a name for themselves busking on the streets of Bristol.

Flash crowds form wherever Mini Attack perform and now the trio say their hope of actually busking to save up for university fees is a realistic one!

The group first got together to perform a couple of songs at the end of year school concert this summer and the reaction was so good they decided to carry on.

The twins reckon they were into music even before they were born. Jacob says:"My dad tells us that he used to put on funky tunes while we were in my mum's belly and see if we moved more. We have a home video of us at about four months old sitting in some cardboard boxes. Our auntie would strum the guitar and we would both suddenly bounce in time to the rhythm and stop as soon as the strumming stopped."

Molly says she is really enjoying the busking:"I feel so energetic. It's great fun to do and it's such a good feeling at the end." Raul adds:"I feel amazing when we get applause."

All three young musicians, who are encouraged by their dads, say they would like to perform professionally when they're older. "And be famous," smiles Jacob.

Right now, the three schoolchildren are pleased that their hobby could fund their future university educations.

The Government lends money to students for their university fees (typically 9000 pounds a year for three years) but students have to pay it back when they leave and get a job.

Molly says:"It's ridiculous the amount you have to pay nowadays. I don't see why kids should have to pay that much for a good education. But busking has earned us money, so we have money to go to uni and it also gets us known around the country."

The twins think it's fair to pay something towards a university education but not 9000 pounds a year.

Raul says: "I want to go to university but I'd be worried about a debt of 27000 pounds." Molly has been worried too. "But now we're saving up, it's making me less worried," she says.

"The country should pay more because it helps people get jobs - and that helps the world," says Jacob.

Nick, the twins dad, said: "If they become musicians, great, but, if not, hopefully we've equipped them with experience that will help them in their life's journey."

A Government spokeswoman said: "The Government's reforms have made the university system fairer and more progressive. Most students will not pay upfront to study. There are more generous loans, grants and bursaries for those poorer families and loans are only repaid once graduates have jobs and are earning over 21000 pounds."

To see Mini Attack play, go to www.miniattack.net.

HEADLINES

KIDS IN THE COMMONS!

by Callum Jones

Parliament was packed with some of Britain's best and brightest politicians last Friday (23 November) - but not the usual bunch.

307 UK Youth Parliament members arrived in Westminster to decide which issues they should try to tackle over the next 12 months. Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) are aged between 12 and 18, and have been voted for by young people in their local area.

MPs normally use the House of commons to debate what they want to happen around the country but, last week, they watched from the wings as kids from all over the UK took their seats!

"These sittings have become an established part of the Parliamentary calendar," Conservative MP and Leader of the Commons, Andrew Lansley, explained to MYPs. PM David Cameron wished the possible politicians of the future luck before their debates began.

The topics discussed by MYPs ranged from cheaper ticket prices on buses and trains to the amount teenagers are paid in jobs. but the topic that they decided to focus on for the next 12 months was about schools, and what students across the country learn in class.

The UK Youth Parliament will now campaign for young people to be taught things that will prepare them for when they grow up, like how to handle money and deal with personal issues.

"Young people deserve better - we need to know about these issues to be prepared for adult life," said Cheshire West and Chester MYP, Jessica Colston.

The yearly House of Commons Youth Parliament debates were part of Parliament Week. The annual seven-day event is designed to get more people interested in what happens in Westminster.

Labour's Shadow Leader of the commons, Angela Eagle, told the group of MYPs: "If you don't do politics, you have it done to you."

FOSTER KIDS CONTROVERSY

A couple in Rotherham had their foster children taken away because of the political party they support, it was revealed last weekend.

The pair support UKIP (United Kingdom Independence Party), which wants britain to leave europe. They fostered three young children from Eastern Europe in September. Fostering is a way for people to provide stable family life for children who are unable to live with their parents.

In this case the children were taken away from the foster parents by local council workers, who thought their political views made it tricky for them to care for the kids.

"We had to think about the children's longer-term needs,"a Rotherham Council spokesperson said.

Education Secretary Michael Gove isn't impressed, though. He wants answers from the council. Mr Gove, who is the politician in charge of children, said: "There are many children who desperately need loving homes - we know that these parents have been fit to foster."

EGYPTIAN PROTESTS TAKE TO THE STREETS

Rallies have been taking place across Egypt this week, after the country's leader gave himself new powers.

President Morsi has only been leading his country since June. Last week, he made a law that stopped people from legally challenging his decisions.

In 2011, President Mubarak was forced to resign after nearly 30 years in charge of Egypt. This started a revolution in the country, and more protests against leaders of nearby nations, like Libya.

The protest spirit has returned to Egypt, almost two years after it brought down its leader. The UK Foreign Office is advising people to stay away.

CLIMATE CHANGE CHILDREN

Fourteen young people met with the Energy Secretary, Ed Davey, on Monday (26 November).

Mr Davey is heading out to Doha in the middle east next week to discuss global warming. Other leading politicians from around the world will join him for a special conference.

A group of young campaigners urged the energy Secretary to give some of the Government's money to the Green Climate Fund, a pot of money created to help poorer countries.

12-year-old Stella Rousham was one of them. "I think that the Green climate Fund is a really good idea and that Ed Davey should definitely support it," she told First News.

NEWS IN BRIEF

SYRIA CONFLICT CONTINUES

Camps just outside Syria are still cramming in refugees from the country. Experts have warned that the sites are running out of space and food. Around a thousand people are said to manage to escape from the terrifying scenes of war in Syria most days. This week, a bomb exploded in a small village playground, killing eight young children.

CHANCELLOR'S CHOICE

The UK's chief money minister, chancellor George Osborne, has chosen a new boss for the Bank of England. Canadian banker Mark Carney will take up the top job in London next summer. The Bank of England is the UK's central bank and helps decide important things about the country's money. "I am going to where the challenge is greatest," Mr Carney said this week.

GOLDEN BEN RETIRES

Sporting legend Ben Ainslie has retired from Olympic sailing. Ainslie, 35, picked up his fourth Olympic gold medal this summer, and became the first sailor to win medals at five different Olympic Games. I've had a fantastic Olympic career," he said this week.

THIS WEEK IN HISTORY

On 3 December 1992 the first text message was sent. Neil Papworth sent the text to his colleagues at Vodafone, which read 'Merry Christmas. The text was first called a telenote, but is now known as an SMS (short message service).

PRESS FREEDOM ROW EXPLODES

Top journalists and politicians have been arguing this week about how Britain's newspapers should be run.

After a number of scandals rocked the media industry, the Government asked a top judge, Lord Justice Leveson, to suggest what should happen to newspapers.

He questioned around 200 journalists, celebrities, politicians and media bosses over eight months.

In July 2011, it was found that a small number of people working at the News of the World tabloid had hacked the phones of hundreds of people, from top celebrities to teenage girls. People across the country were extremely angry, and the paper was closed with the words 'thank you and goodbye.

The Press Complaints Commission was meant to be monitoring newspapers when journalists were hacking phones and breaking laws. This group was created to deal with reporters, writers and editors who broke the rules. It failed to find out about, or act on, phone hacking.

The PCC is called a 'self-regulating inspector, which means it is run by journalists who work for the actual papers it is supposed to investigate. Some people think that this is why it didn't catch the culprits of hacking - instead, the wrongdoers were caught out by The Guardian newspaper and quizzed by police.

One of the things Lord Leveson was asked to do was decide if journalists could be trusted to check up on each other, after the mistakes made during the hacking scandal. The other option is external regulation - outsiders coming in and deciding what is right and what is wrong.

This worries some newspaper insiders, who are scared they might be told what they can and can't write. "The world will be watching our reaction," warned one journalist from The Sun.

Lord Leveson has written a report about his inquiry, and how he thinks the newspaper industry needs to change. This report was published yesterday. It's now down to PM David cameron to decide if he listens to Leveson's advice.

To find out what Lord Leveson thinks should happen, log on to FirstNews.co.uk.

THE WEEKLY DEBATE - Should outsiders regulate the newspaper industry?

NEWS GLOSSARY

Press regulation: checking up on the behaviour of journalists, editors and staff at newspapers.

Phone hacking: An illegal way of listening in to someone else's voicemail messages on their mobile phone.

Inquiries: Special investigations set up by the Government to look into things that are worrying the public.

FLOOD CRISIS! - ROWING DOWN THE ROAD!

People used canoes to travel through floodwaters in Malmesbury this week.

Severe flood warnings were announced as already wet parts of England and Wales were soaked by more rain. More than 250 flood warnings were in place in England and Wales on Monday morning, meaning flooding was expected.

Hundreds of homes were flooded in England over the weekend. Roads were closed and trains were cancelled. Then it was the turn of Wales, with 500 families evacuated, (see "NEWS IN PICS - PHOTO ARTICLE") and cities and towns further north, as the wet weather moved up the country.

But why is Britain flooding so badly? It's mainly because of a drought earlier in the year, when there was very little rain and the ground dried out. Then the wettest summer in 100 years followed.

The ground soaked up all the rain and river levels went up. As the ground was already full of water, there was nowhere for last week's heavy rain to drain away to, so it flowed over the land and caused flooding.

Warning: don't ever play in flood waters. Just 15 centimeters of fast-flowing water can knock you over. The water may also be polluted and have other hidden dangers.

EDITOR'S COMMENT

Editor Nicky Cox MBE

We were really interested to hear about the musical trio on the front page of today's First News. (See "FIRST NEWS COVER STORY - 11-YEAR-OLDS BUSK TO PAY UNI FEES".)

When I first read about Mini Attack, I was a little troubled that Molly, Jacob and Raul had been driven to busk because they were desperate to earn money to help them pay for university.

But it seems that it, kind of, happened the other way round - they loved music and busking was a way for them to practise performing. (Obviously, never do this on your own without the support of a parent or other adult who cares for you.)

Then they realised that they were getting quite a lot of money from busking and the idea came that, if they kept going, they could save up for their university education.

I say "good luck to them". It will be interesting to see if the rules about university fees are the same when Mini Attack are ready for university or if the loan system has changed by then!

GOOD WEEK FOR... CADBURY'S CHOCOLATE

Cadbury's have created a chocolate that will be able to last in 40°c heat for three hours before it melts! Standard chocolate has a melting point of 34°c, so the new invention will be much better for warmer weather. The new bars will be available in hot countries like India and Brazil but, sadly, won't go on sale in the UK. Boo!

BAD WEEK FOR... JUSTIN BIEBER

The popstar no longer holds the record for the most viewed video on YouTube. While his video for hit song 'Baby has had just over 805 million views, PSY's 'Gangnam Style has racked up an impressive 825 million views since its release this summer.

For the latest on these headlines, go to www.firstnews.co.uk/news

NEWS IN PICS - PHOTO ARTICLE

25 NOVEMBER

New Jersey, USA: Police stand guard near beach homes that were damaged by Superstorm Sandy. It's estimated that Superstorm Sandy cost New Jersey 18.3 billion pounds in damage and economic losses.

25 NOVEMBER

Nkandla, South Africa: South African President Jacob Zuma dances during a ritual to help him keep his job. One clan elder called on their ancestors to protect Zuma against his rivals ahead of an African National Congress (ANC) leadership vote next month.

26 NOVEMBER

New Delhi, India: The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, performs a ritual on his arrival at Amity University. Boris handed a petal from the London 2012 Olympics cauldron over to India during his six-day tour to boost trade with the region.

26 NOVEMBER

Windsor, England: The Queen meets a camouflaged sniper from the Household Cavalry at Combermere Barracks.

27 NOVEMBER

St Asaph, North Wales: A flooded car park is pictured as 500 families are forced to flee their homes after the River Elwy burst its banks. Homes all over England and Wales were flooded as heavy rain and strong winds battered the country and environmental officials warned of more downpours to come. See "HEADLINES".

For more pictures and videos, go to www.firstnews.co.uk/news-in-pictures

HOME NEWS

OUR STORIES

INSECTS CAUSE DISEASE

A disease that is killing Great Tits may have been brought to the UK by insects. Avian pox has spread across the UK since it was first discovered in 2006.

New research claims the strain of the disease affecting the Great Tit population originated in Central Europe and may have been brought to the UK by biting insects like mosquitoes.

The virus causes tumour-like growths on the birds'beaks and around their eyes, which affects their ability to feed. The research was printed in three papers in the journal PLOS ONE.

WALES

BURN CONCERN

A hospital consultant from Wales is concerned about the increase in child burn cases that are caused by hair straighteners. The number of hair straightener-related serious burns has risen sharply since 2004.

This research didn't include minor burns that may not have been reported. Lots of hair styling devices for children can reach the same sort of temperatures as adult stylers.

WALES

LAST TYPEWRITER

The last typewriter to be made in the UK has been finished at the brother factory in north Wales. The typewriter will be donated to the Science museum in London.

More than 5.9m typewriters have been made at the plant since it opened in 1985. There is no demand for typewriters in the UK any more, due to the increase in popularity of computers, laptops and tablet devices.

BELFAST

WINTER WARNING

Belfast City Council is warning residents to pest-proof their house before winter sets in. Mice and rats will often use this time of year to look for warm new homes.

Around 2,500 complaints are made every year about pests during the festive period. Mice can fit through holes that are less than 2.5 centimeters across. The advice is to keep your garden tidy and fill any loose holes in your walls.

SCOTLAND

SHARK TAG APPEAL

Conservationists are asking for the public to help them trace a shark tag that has fallen off. The tag was attached to a basking shark off the coast of Skye.

The last reading was given out at Neist Point, Glendale. The battery may have run out and experts think the tag could have been washed up on the shore. There is a reward for the return of the tag.

ENGLAND

CIRCUS OWNER CHARGED

A circus owner has been found guilty of three counts of mistreating an elephant at his circus. Bobby Roberts was also convicted of failing to stop a groom mistreating Anne the 58-year-old elephant too.

Anne was secretly filmed by Animal Defenders International (ADI) between 21 January and 15 February 2011. She was filmed being hit with a pitchfork by a groom. Anne has lived at Longleat Safari Park since being seized from the circus in April 2011.

WARRINGTON

FOOD BANK OPENS

A food bank has opened in Warrington to try to help families caught in food poverty. more than five tonnes of food has been donated to help launch the bank. It will be open five days a week at Friars Green Independent methodist church to try to help provide a balanced diet for families who are struggling. Anyone wishing to donate non-perishable food items is encouraged to do so.

GUILDFORD

MUSIC FESTIVAL HOPES

Guildford Council is hoping to find a new company to organise their annual music festival. The company who ran Guilfest for 21 years has gone into liquidation. Two new companies are interested in running a similar, family-friendly summer festival next year. Acts who have previously performed at Guilfest include Olly Murs and Cher Lloyd.

LONDON

STIR UP SUNDAY!

This Sunday (2 December) the largest mincemeat tart is being made in London's Borough market. Using a traditional Victorian recipe that uses real meat, the Christmassy mix will kick-start the festive season at the market.

THE WEEK IN NUMBERS

70-year-old Ray Woodcock from Essex has jumped 9.14km out of a plane. It is the highest altitude skydive that a civilian can do.

100 dolphins have been spotted swimming in a pod off the coast of the Isle of Man. They were reported by the Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch.

1 first-class lunch menu from the Titanic has sold for 64000 pounds at auction. The lunch was the first meal held on the Titanic.

15 percent of passengers who use trains in Northern Ireland are taking advantage of free Wi-Fi. Translink started the service in September.

205 hectares of heathland in Dorset has been restored and turned into a nature reserve.

1 in three drivers admit to using a mobile phone while driving, according to new research by insurance company LV.

For more home news, pictures and videos go to www.firstnews.co.uk/news

SCIENCE

BEDBUG BATTLE

Bedbugs that drink human blood are on the rise across the world, but scientists have found a way to fight the creatures with a natural fungus.

Bedbugs are very small and can hide in any tiny gaps in beds, floors or walls, so it is quite hard to kill them all if a house becomes infested. They feed on people's blood when their victims are asleep, and can cause rashes on the skin.

Researchers have discovered a natural way to fight bedbugs, which could prove to be more effective than chemical treatments. A fungus called Beauveria bassiana was found to kill any bugs it came into contact with during a five-day experiment.

Importantly, the infected bedbugs carried the fungus back to their hiding places, which helped to kill off any bugs that hadn't come out for a meal. This means that it can get to areas that pesticides may not reach.

"Obviously, if you have bedbugs in your house, you don't want them there for any longer than you have to," said Penn State University researcher Nina Jenkins. "But what you really want to know is if they've all gone at the end of the treatment. I think that's something that this technology could offer."

BRIAN'S BIG BANG

Classes all over the UK have got another chance to win the lesson of a lifetime with Professor Brian cox.

The Big Bang Class of 2013 is a nationwide competition open to all schools. The winning class will get a special visit from the professor, where he will tell you all about black holes, extraterrestrial life, how the universe began and what goes on in the Large Hadron Collider.

"I want to capture the imaginations of these students," says Professor Cox, "and show them that science, technology, engineering and maths are the most exciting places to work."

The cool competition is run as part of The Big Bang Fair, a huge celebration of science, open to anyone who wants to go.

To find out more about the fair and how to enter the competition, just head to www.thebigbangfair.co.uk. Pupils, teachers and parents can submit entries, but only until 13 December.

GOING WALKIES AGAIN

Dogs whose back legs were paralysed have been helped to walk again thanks to a clever new treatment.

Scientists from the Medical Research Council and the University of Cambridge carried out the tests.

The treated dogs had all suffered severe spinal cord injuries, which meant that they couldn't use their back legs or even feel them. The injury is quite common in dogs, especially dachshunds like Jasper.

The new treatment involved taking things called olfactory ensheathing cells from the inside of the dogs noses. These unique cells help to grow nerve fibres between the nose and the brain.

The dogs had these cells injected into the site of their injury, then were tested on treadmills every month. Dogs like Jasper, who previously had to be taken for walks in a harness that supported his rear legs, showed great improvement.

"Before the trial, Jasper was unable to walk at all," said owner May Hay. "When we took him out we used a sling for his back legs so that he could exercise the front ones. It was heartbreaking. But now we can't stop him whizzing round the house and he can even keep up with the two other dogs we own. It's utterly magic."

The researchers are cautious about how useful the technique will be in people, but say it could be used as part of a range of treatments for human spinal injuries.

NOT SO LONESOME

When the famous giant tortoise Lonesome George died in June, it was thought that he was the last member of his species.

George was over 100 years old when he died, and was the last known Pinta Island tortoise in the world.

Now, researchers from Yale University in the US have said that there may be others still living in the Galápagos Islands. They say that other giant tortoises found on the island of Isabela share a lot of DNA with George.

Although the similarities show that these tortoises are mixed breeds, the researchers say that pure Pinta Island tortoises could still be on Isabela.

The scientists say that rather than being carried by the ocean currents, it is more likely that the tortoises were taken to other islands by 19th century whaling and naval ships.

If any purebred relatives of George are found, it wouldn't be the first time that the species has been brought back from the dead. The creatures were actually thought to be dead in 1906, until George was discovered in 1971.

DID YOU KNOW?

Research published this week in Nature Geoscience has shown that beetles can influence climate change.

A huge infestation of mountain pine beetles in Canada has killed so many trees that the temperature in the affected regions has gone up by around 1°C. That's because energy from the sun that used to go into evaporating water from the trees now just heats up the ground where they stood.

For more science news, pictures and videos go to www.firstnews.co.uk/discover

WORLD NEWS

GLOBAL STORIES

USA

Birthday Help

A Las Vegas boy has been helping the homeless on his last six birthdays, and using the money he receives to buy blankets and jackets to hand out.

Blaze Trumble started the annual tradition on his sixth birthday, and his mother says that the family and other volunteers have given out more than 3,000 blankets and jackets over the last five years.

USA

Mushroom Mistake

A third person has died after eating soup made from poisonous mushrooms. Earlier in November, two people died after a worker at a care home made soup from hand-picked mushrooms.

Four others fell ill, and one of those died last week. Not much more is known about the case, but even experts can find it difficult to tell the difference between some edible mushrooms and similar toxic ones.

ITALY

Attackers Charged

Two Italian men have been charged with attempted murder after a gang attacked a group of Tottenham Hotspur fans. The Spurs fans were in Rome for a game against Lazio. It is thought the attack was racist and targeted at the Spurs fans because of the club's large Jewish following.

DENMARK

Safety Savings

As well as saving lives, the reduced deaths in Danish traffic accidents has saved the country 6.4 billion pounds since 2000. A study has shown that traffic deaths dropped by 56% between 2000-2011, which saved money on ambulances, paramedics and hospital stays.

CYPRUS

Billions for banks

Cyprus could be the latest European country to receive billions of pounds to rescue its struggling economy. The country's close links with Greece means that when Greece's economy collapsed, Cyprus was instantly in financial trouble. No agreement had been reached on the bailout as First News went to press.

AUSTRALIA

Catchy Campaign

Melbourne Metro Trains have made possibly the most popular safety campaign video in history. The video, which features a really catchy song and some cartoon characters dying in funny ways, has been viewed more than 25 million times on YouTube.

The song is called Dumb Ways To Die, and ends by saying that being killed by a train is just as foolish as all of the other silly deaths that happen in the video. See it at www.firstnews.co.uk/news.

PACIFIC OCEAN

Mysterious Island

If an island was shown on shipping charts and Google Maps, you'd expect it to be there if you went to visit. That's why a team of scientists was so surprised when Sandy Island turned out not to exist! Instead, all they found was water 1.4km deep! one possibility is that the island does exist, but at a different location.

MEXICO

Name Change

President Felipe Calderón wants to shorten the country's official name of the United Mexican States. The name was chosen after the country gained independence from Spain, and was meant to copy the USA's name. He wants the country to be known simply as Mexico.

ISRAEL/GAZA

Short-Lived Ceasefire

The ceasefire between Israelis and Palestinians didn't even last two days before someone was killed. A Palestinian man who was close to the border was shot by Israeli troops. They claimed that the man was trying to break through the border fence.

BANGLADESH

Factory Deaths

At least 100 people have died in a fire at a clothing factory in Dhaka. It is thought that an electrical fault started the blaze. In another deadly incident, at least ten people died in Chittagong when an overpass that was still under construction collapsed and trapped dozens.

SNIPPETS

A survey in Japan has found that there were twice as many bullying incidents in just six months this year than there were in the whole of 2011. In total, 144,504 cases of bullying were reported in six months.

German police have put up an 80000 pounds reward for information leading to a mystery gunman. For four years, bullet holes have been appearing in trucks and car transporters on motorways.

A KID'S WORLD

Name: Fatima

Age: Ten

Lives: Lebanon

Fatima has been living in a tent for months, together with her five siblings and parents. Fatima was forced to flee the family home when conflict erupted in her neighbourhood in Syria.

Fatima says: "We were in class. My teachers and everyone, they all ran away, but I stayed. I stayed inside the classroom but the shelling came towards me so I ran out and it followed me. I ran away and stayed with the other people at a house nearby until my parents came to find me."

"I had to stay without food or drink for two days. I was so scared. I was terrified when I saw what happened - right in front of me."

"I want to go back to Syria to my house, but we can't as it has been destroyed and we have nothing left. I'd like to go back to school. I like school. There were games. It had everything. We all used to go to school. No-one would stay at home."

"I used to feel safe. I wasn't scared of anything - we used to play in the park after school before going home."

To find out more about how Save the Children helps kids all around the world, see www.savethechildren.org.uk.

For more world news, pictures and videos go to www.firstnews.co.uk/news

ANIMAL NEWS

WHERE ARE ALL THE BIRDS?

The number of birds in the UK has gone down by around one million a year over the last few decades.

A study shows that the UK bird population has declined by 44 million since 1966. House sparrows, like the one in this picture, are among the worst hit, with numbers down by 20 million compared with the 1960s.

Despite this, there has been an increase in the different variety of birds nesting in the UK, including green parakeets, which are becoming a common sight in South-East England.

Experts from the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) say the reason for the decline is not clear.

DENTAL BEAR

A polar bear at the Highlands Wildlife Park has undergone a three-hour operation to fix a toothache!

Artkos the 477 kilogrammes bear had to be put to sleep and operated on by a team of vets to fix his bad tooth, after keepers noticed he wasn't acting his usual self.

The three-hour dental exam took place on a special reinforced table made from scaffolding poles to hold his weight.

Specially trained vets found that Artkos needed a root canal, just like humans, only on a tooth six times the size of a human tooth. The damaged tooth was drilled out, cleaned and packed with dental cement.

Artkos and his friend Walker have both been trained to open their mouths to let keepers inspect their teeth, to ensure they stay fit and healthy.

REFUGE FOR BATS

A special refuge for bats has been built into a bridge in Brecon, Wales.

The small holes were made for bats while the bridge was being refurbished. It is expected Daubenton's bats and pipistrelles will use the new refuge.

Trees close to the bridge are home to a wide variety of wildlife and it is hoped the bridge will help expand this.

ADVENTURERS WANTED!

We're searching for Britain's Young Adventurer of the Year with Chessington World of Adventures and we need YOU!

One adventurous young person (aged 6-16) will win the chance to become Chessington's official African Advisor and help to launch ZUFARI, becoming a crucial part of the team.

What better way to understand the new role and the sorts of things it will include than by winning an amazing family holiday to Kenya (thanks to The Family Adventure company) where you will learn first hand all about the animals that will be seen by visitors to Chessington.

To give you a head start, we'll be looking at the different species of animals you will find in ZUFARI: Ride Into Africa over the next few weeks. This week it is the giraffe.

Chessington's new giraffes are set to arrive just after new Year. There will be three arriving together at first before more join later on. They will all be boys and will range in age from two and a half years old to six years old. Their names are Tonda, Karamoja and Kwame

Their tongues can be up to 50 centimeters long and are dark grey/black. One theory as to why a giraffe's tongue is this colour is to prevent it from being sunburned

Giraffes have the longest tail of any mammal - up to 80 centimeters long Giraffes sleep for only five minutes at a time.

Some species of giraffe are considered to be of least concern in conservation status, although some species are under threat.

HOW TO ENTER!

All you need to do is record a short video demonstrating your love of adventure, animals and exploration, plus your brilliant presenting skills, and then upload it on the britain's Young Adventurer of the Year website at firstnews.co.uk/Chessington by midnight on Saturday 5 January 2013. Entries submitted after this will not be considered.

Other terms and conditions apply. See firstnews.co.uk/Chessington for a full list.

For more animal news, pictures and videos go to www.firstnews.co.uk/news

SPECIAL REPORT - WORLD AIDS DAY

by Ann Noon, International HIV/AIDS Alliance.

This week marks World AIDS Day (1 December), a day when people worldwide unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with the disease and remember those who have died.

The statistics

According to the World Health Organization, last year an estimated 3.4 million children were living with HIV, 91% in sub-Saharan Africa. Most have acquired HIV from their mothers during pregnancy, birth or breast-feeding.

Successful treatment for mothers to prevent their babies from becoming infected does exist but is not always easily available in developing countries - although in recent years countries like Malawi and Zambia have been able to improve access to treatment for pregnant women living with HIV. If treatment was made available worldwide, it could save the lives of thousands of children each year.

On the positive side, the number of new infections among children globally went down last year and the number of deaths in children aged under 15 also decreased. But the number of children who lost one or both parents to HIV has gone up and now stands at more than 16 million children under 18. The vast majority of these live in Africa.

Protecting children affected by HIV

Children from families affected by HIV often suffer stigma or are made to feel shame in their community. They are also less likely to receive health care, education and other important services.

Without the necessary support and protection, they become vulnerable and more likely to become ill or exploited by others.

The International HIV/AIDS Alliance works with its partners to support children affected by HIV in 15 countries. We take an approach which aims to keep children with their families, to keep parents healthy and to ensure that families have enough money.

Our partners help children dealing with HIV or bereavement, and assist families with legal issues such as making sure that all children have a birth certificate so that they can register for school, or that if their parents die children do not lose the money or property left to them.

They also work with adoption services to look after those children who no longer have family members who can care for them.

Children's clubs play an important support role

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Alliance has helped to set up children's groups where children support one another. Some of the young people are orphans, some are HIV positive and all are affected by HIV in some way.

They meet at least once a month to discuss topics that are important to them, including staying safe and healthy, dealing with feelings of loneliness or isolation and discussing relationships.

Since joining the group, many believe that they have improved in school and have better relationships with their parents as a result. They also have a better idea of their rights and role in society and can talk confidently to friends and parents about what they learn in the group.

Kasing's story

Kasing is 17 and an active member of the children's club, which is called Louange. He never misses a meeting and particularly likes the drama and role play that the leader uses to help the young people learn about HIV and keeping safe.

Through being a member of the club, he has learned a lot about how to live in his community and his school grades have improved. He is even thinking about becoming a community volunteer in the future.

Children's groups like Louange help to build stronger links with the families of children affected by HIV and the wider community where they live.

To find out more about the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, visit www.aidsalliance.org

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

TV, FILM, MUSIC AND THEATRE!

with Serena Lacey

SHHH!

CHARIOTS OF FIRE

The hit production of Chariots of Fire is in London until 2 February 2013 and a new family ticket has been launched. Now a family of four can see the show for under 100 pounds. Check out the show and ticket information at chariotsoffireonstage.com.

ONE DIRECTION

Not content with taking over the music world, One Direction even have their own sweets! The band have teamed up with Swizzels Matlow to create their very own, branded Love Hearts for Christmas. You can get the sweets in Tesco Extra stores.

MERLIN

The magical BBC series Merlin will not return for a new series next year. The two-part finale this December will be the last episodes. Colin Morgan, who plays Merlin, said: “I think the show has run its natural course. We’ve arrived at its strongest point and we’ve achieved what we set out to do.”

GIRLS ALOUD

Girls Aloud’s comeback single Something New has been beaten to number one by Olly Murs. The track, Troublemaker, is his fourth number one.

JAMES CORDEN

The actor and comedian has announced he will be fulfilling a lifelong dream and making a Christmas film. James will star in School for Santas, which starts filming next year. He said: “All my life I’ve wanted to make a big family Christmas movie!” The film will be written by the man who wrote the hit play One Man, Two Guvnors, which James has starred in.

OBE for Gary Barlow

THE X Factor judge and Take That singer has been awarded an OBE by the Queen. He picked up the award for services to entertainment and to charity.

Gary has been in the spotlight for 20 years now and was the driving force behind the Diamond Jubilee concert this summer. He picked up his OBE at Buckingham Palace and released a statement saying that “it hadn’t seemed real until today”.

TOP TELLY!

JUNGLE WINNER

The jungle antics come to an end for this year. Find out who will be the king or queen of the jungle. I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, ITV1,Friday and Saturday @ 9.00/9.30pm.

FIT FOR A QUEEN

The 100th Royal Variety show features Girls Aloud, David Walliams, One Direction and many more, including Ashleigh and Pudsey, the winners of BGT. The Royal Variety Performance, ITV1, Monday @ 7.30pm.

FESTIVE FILMS

From 1 December Sky Movies has a channel dedicated to festive films and family entertainment, from classics like It’s a Wonderful Life to modern-day hits like Puss in Boots. Check them all out on Sky Showcase.

STAR INTERVIEW - Teenage rebel

Teenage actress Abigail Breslin has starred in films like Nim’s Island and Rango. In 'New Year’s Eve, out this week on DVD, she plays rebellious teenager Hailey. We find out more…

Can you tell me a little bit about your character?

I play Hailey. She is a 15-year-old girl who wants to spend New Year’s Eve with her friends in Times Square. It’s a battle of the wills between her and her mom, who’s played by Sarah Jessica Parker, who doesn’t really want to let her be alone in Times Square on New Year’s Eve. So they kind of have a bit of an issue about it.

Something a lot of teenagers and their parents go through!

Yes. I think that what’s cool about my storyline in the movie is that I think that anybody can relate to it. I think that any teenager can relate to wanting to be independent and just hang out with your friends, especially on New Year’s Eve. It’s such a big holiday.

But I think that any parent can relate to Sarah Jessica Parker’s character. Times Square is a pretty busy place on New Year’s Eve. So I think that there’s both sides that people can relate to.

How was it working with Sarah Jessica Parker in New York?

I loved working with her. She’s so sweet and so much fun. It was a lot of fun. We bonded over American Idol off camera, because we’re both huge, huge, huge fans. It was going on while we were filming and we would come in every day and discuss it.

The New Year’s Eve street scene celebrations weren’t actually filmed on New Year’s Eve. How was that?

I’ve never spent New Year’s Eve in Times Square, so it was fun. It was like having the mini version of it for a week. I think it was in March when we filmed, so it was so cold out and there were like 500 extras in this pen in the middle of Times Square. So it was like having a mini New Year’s Eve.

Have you ever done anything crazy for New Year’s Eve?

Never! I’m the type of person that sits at home with my family. We eat, watch a movie and watch the ball drop (a Times Square tradition), then go to bed. Chill and simple, but still fun.

Me and my best friend Cassidy – who’s actually in the movie, she plays Piper – while we were filming we were talking about New Year’s Eve. We were like: “Oh, we’re going to have this big party next year. It’s going to be so fun. It’s going to be crazy.” And then it was November, and we’re like: “That’s not happening.” So yes, just another chilled New Year’s.

You’re from New York, so what was it like filming there too?

Filming in New York is the best, especially because I’m from New York, too. Getting to be home and be with everybody is always great. But what I love about this movie is that it’s such a New York movie.

It’s great to get to be in New York. New Year’s Eve in New York is such an iconic thing. So it was definitely a lot of fun. It’s always fun to film in New York City at night in Times Square. That’s pretty cool.

'New Year’s Eve is out on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download on 3 December, from Warner Home Video.

THE BIG INTERVIEW - MATT SMITH

I WANTED TO BE A FOOTBALLER

First News caught up with Matt Smith at the Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff. The 11th Doctor 'cemented his legacy at the interactive museum, quite literally, by becoming the first doctor to have his hands set in stone.

What was going through your mind when you first came to the Doctor Who Experience?

You revert back to being a fan-boy again! It's remarkable to be part of a show where the fans can have something they can turn up to, like the Doctor Who experience. The fan in me just wants to go and look around! It's exciting! What a thing to have all under one roof!

What's your favourite thing about playing the Doctor?

The Doctor can just skip from being really happy to sad to kind of okay in about three lines of script. Having that palette as an actor is really exciting. You can't pin him down and it's foolish to think you can!

Did you ever imagine yourself as Doctor Who?

No! I mean it wasn't on the television when I was a child, so it wasn't something I grew up with. To be honest with you, I just wanted to be a footballer!

How do you think he has evolved as a character?

I don't know really, I guess that's for you guys to decide! I imagine he feels a bit older, a bit wiser and yet a bit sillier. That's the great thing - there are no limits to him.

How about you? Have you evolved since taking on the Doctor?

I'm getting grey hairs! I've got three grey hairs - it's a nightmare!

What kind of legacy do you think you'll leave when you finish playing the Doctor?

It's hard to say, isn't it? You never do this job planning to leave a legacy behind. You just do it and then the legacy is left behind. but I hope, in however many years time, when all is said and done, people enjoyed my Doctor and enjoyed the work me and Stephen Moffatt have done together and remember it fondly, I suppose.

I hope in 20 years time the kids that are eight or nine now will say: "My Doctor was Matt Smith!"You never know, but if all else fails, I'm getting my hands cemented today!

What can we expect from the next series?

I can't really say a lot, but needless to say, it's been an adventure! You may see us in a town near you soon!

How has the dynamic changed now that Jenna has joined and Karen and Arthur have left?

Obviously it's different. I mean two people have left and a new person has come in that isn't those two people, so yes, it's different. She's a different actor, so it's different for those reasons.

Hopefully the story feels slightly different and the Doctor feels like he's moved on, or adapted or changed, in some way. It's quite hard to say when you're in the middle of it.

What adventure would you like to take the Doctor on?

I was really pleased to go to New York! For me it's all about going to actual locations - I'd quite like to go back to America. I'd love to do an episode in Iceland or South America, maybe.

You've had your hands cemented for the Doctor Who Experience, but what other strange things have you done for the show?

Good question! On this job, there are so many weird things. I remember 'The Beast Below - me and Kaz were in a sea of cabbage for that one! That wasn't just my hands, that was my whole body! I'd say that's pretty high on the list.

You're living a young boy's dream doing a show like this. Did you have that adventurous streak when you were young?

Yes, I had quite a vivid imagination! It's strange because it's only when you look back that you realise your imagination was the way it was.

You can see Matt's hand prints in cement at the Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff. For tickets and information, go to doctorwhoexperience.com.

For more interviews and clips go to www.firstnews.co.uk/discover

CRAZY BUT TRUE

Mini Record Broken

A group of 28 gymnasts celebrated Guinness World Record day (16 November) by squashing themselves into a Mini.

The girls entered the record books for the most people in a Mini. It took them 18 minutes to get into position. They broke their own record, of 27, which they set last year.

The team prepared for the challenge by training hard and doing fun activities like hula-hooping.

Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief of Guinness World records, said: "The Mini is a british icon, and the Mini-cram has become a symbol of classic record-breaking, up there with cream cracker eating and leaving your fingernails untrimmed!"

Cockatoo Style!

A video of a cockatoo singing and dancing along to the hit Gangnam Style has become hugely popular on YouTube.

The pet parrot has taken a liking to the song and has even learned to join in by copying the words and bopping along in time.

The song by South Korean popstar Psy has become the most liked video in YouTube history and has been covered by all kinds of people, from school classes to other stars. now it seems like pets are getting in on the act too!

What do you think? Watch the video and tell us at firstnews.co.uk.

Wacky Car Sale

A set of wacky cars, including the smallest roadworthy car in the world, are up for sale. For around 40000 pounds, the highest bidder will become the new owner of crazy cars including a moving dining table and the lowest car in the world.

All of the cars were designed by 50-year-old inventor Perry Watkins. Perry has decided he wants to clear some space in his garage so he can start work on his next wacky invention.

Perry currently owns the record for the quickest piece of furniture, smallest roadworthy car and lowest roadworthy car.

Record Of The Week - Tallest Living Dog

The tallest dog living is Zeus (USA), a Great Dane, who measured 1.118m (44 inches) tall and is owned by Denise Doorlag and her family, of Otsego, Michigan, USA. Zeus also takes over the 'tallest dog ever title from previous holder Giant George.

For info on this record and hundreds more, go to www.guinnessworldrecords.com

QUICK CHUCKLES

Q: What do you get when you cross a shark and a snowman?

A: Frostbite!

Q: Which country invented sweets?

A: Sweeten!

Share your jokes with us. Upload them to our website at www.firstnews.co.uk

For more crazy news, pictures and videos go to www.firstnews.co.uk/news

FOCUS ON YOU

ASK ESTHER

I'm Esther Rantzen, President of ChildLine, which helps 2,500 children every week. If there's something worrying you, please write to me at First News, Shand House, 14-20 Shand Street, London, SE1 2ES.

CHOOSING PARENTS

This is my first Christmas since my mum and dad got divorced and they both want me to be with them on Christmas Day. I want to see them both but I don't know what to do. Please help!

I can hear that you are really quite confused about what to do between your parents over Christmas. I wonder, have you spoken to your parents about how you are feeling?

It is understandable that both parents want you to be with them, but you need to think about your own preference. Have you thought about what you want to happen and what you would ideally choose?

You could even suggest a way that you can spend time with both of them over the holiday period and see what arrangements that can bring? If you want to talk more about this, you can call 0800 11 11 or log on to www.childline.org.uk. Good luck!

COPING WITH THE COLD

Sometimes the cold weather and dark evenings can make us feel sad. there is even a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder where people experience depression in the winter months. But there are many ways to help make yourself feel better and happier.

It may be hard to carry on doing the things you like when it gets cold, such as riding your bike or playing football, but winter evenings can still be fun. You could play games with your siblings or friends, do some art in your bedroom or even make cakes with your parents or carers.

Remember, if you do go out during winter to wrap up warm from head to toe: hat, scarf, coat, gloves, socks, etc.

Inside may also be very cold during the winter. This may make you feel down and may make it hard for you to concentrate on other things, such as homework.

You could wear lots of layers of clothes to keep warm, or build a tent out of a duvet and blankets and snuggle up.

Turning on a few extra lights can make it seem not so dark and gloomy, so you could use a wind-up torch or candles, although you'd need adult supervision to do this.

Certain foods and drink can also really help you feel warmer and better during the cold months, such as soup or hot chocolate.

Remember that summer is not far away, and it will soon start to warm up again. But, if you are feeling down or worried and would like to talk to someone, ChildLine is there 24/7 either by phone on 0800 11 11 or online at www.childline.org.uk.

KIDS MEAN BUSINESS

First News loves to hear all about exciting young entrepreneurs and their business ideas.

We've already heard from so many talented kids, including Lia, who runs her own website blog; Josef, who designs cricket bats; and Becky, who makes her own fashionable button clasps! Could you be next to feature on our pages?

If you've set up your own business or attend a fun enterprise club, we'd love for you to get in touch and tell us all about it!

Contact dan.jordan@firstnews.co.uk, putting Kids Mean Business in the subject header.

Win Me to You Christmas goodies!

Me to You are offering eight lucky readers the chance to win a fantastic set of Me to You gifts this Christmas.

These amazing Me to You goodie bags include a whole heap of treats, including a fab Me to You Tatty Teddy in a penguin jumper, water globe photo holder, alarm clock, pink Tatty Puppy with jumper and reindeer antlers, and lots more!

You'll be set for a fab Christmas with these great gifts that will show your loved ones just how much you care.

To be in with a chance of winning, just answer this question:

What day is Christmas Day? a) 25 Dec b) 25 June c) 25 Jan.

ENTER NOW! Mark your entry 'Friends.

www.firstnews.co.uk/competitions or see below. The closing date is 13 December 2012.

Carte Blanche Greetings, creators of the iconic Me to You brand, have a range of gifts to make everyone smile on Christmas morning. For more perfect present ideas, visit your local retailer or www.bycarteblanche.com. Visit www.metoyou.com

Win a VIP day out at the Toy Fair and a bag of toys!

The Toy Fair is the place where toy sellers and reporters go to see thousands of brand-new toys - months and months before they are unveiled to the public.

2013 marks the Toy Fair's 60th birthday, and to celebrate they want you to design a poster for the event.

Normally closed to the public and under-16s, the lucky First News winner will get an exclusive pass to visit the Toy Fair, see brand spanking new toys, meet celebrity guests and unveil their winning poster design to the press.

What's more, at the end of the day you'll get to take home a goody bag crammed full of toys, which haven't even been released so, as the winner, you'll get your hands on them before anyone else!

All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning is to simply send us your poster that celebrates the Toy Fair's 60th birthday. Get creative and start designing! Completed posters need to be sent to the usual address.

The Toy Fair takes place on 22-24 January at the Olympia Grand and West Halls in London. The First News winner will be able to visit on Tuesday 22 January when the fair is at its busiest!

ENTER NOW! Mark your entry 'Toy.

www.firstnews.co.uk/competitions or see below. The closing date is 13 December 2012.

COMPETITIONS: You can enter First News competitions in one of two ways.

1. Go to www.firstnews.co.uk/competitions and follow the instructions.

2. Write to us at ‘competition name’ (e.g. Holiday), Shand House, 14-20 Shand St, London Se1 2eS. Please note: First News will not share your personal details with third parties. First News will only use your details to contact the competition winners.

First News competitions are open to aged 16-and-under residents of the UK & republic of Ireland, except employees of First News, Newsbridge Ltd, bGP and any associated companies and their families. Winners will be the first correct entries drawn after the closing dates. No purchase necessary.

No responsibility can be accepted for entries that have been lost or damaged in transit. First News will not enter into any correspondence. All winners will be notified accordingly and their names and addresses will be available on request. No cash alternative for any prizes will be offered. The winner may be required to partake in media activity relating to the competition.

For more news, pictures and videos go to www.firstnews.co.uk/news

GAME ZONE

With Alex and Dan, Game testers

MORE Mickey

Epic Mickey 2:The Power Of Two (PS3)

This sequel brings in Oswald the Lucky Rabbit as a playable character, so you can have some co-op adventures.

Mickey is back in the Wasteland again, a dark place that is full of Disney characters. A huge earthquake has devastated the area, and it's up to Mickey and Oswald to help clear up the damage.

Mickey has his magic paintbrush again, while Oswald has a magic remote control. He can also use his long ears to fly, and can carry Mickey over short distances.

In single-player mode, Oswald is controlled by the computer. With this version, you can also use move controllers.

The game is kind of like a musical too, as several characters will burst into song and move the plot along.

Alex says: "This is really good because you have to get past obstacles like turning cogs and lots more. Playing as Mickey you can tell Oswald to electrocute things, which is really good as Mickey can't solve all the problems by himself. The graphics and storyline are great, and I recommend this to anybody who likes adventurous and puzzling games."

RATED! 10/10

NEW RACE FACES

F1 Race Stars (Xbox 360)

Don't expect to be blown away by this game straight out of the starting blocks, but Codemasters F1 Race stars may get the green light if you give it a chance.

When you first boot the game up, you're hypnotised by its colour and charm. The music is exciting and puts you in a great mood before the action-packed racing takes place.

The tracks in the game are based on real-life circuits from iconic spots around the world, and the drivers look like funny animations of themselves. Racing around as a cartoon version of your favourite F1 racer is great fun!

As you race around the track, you can pick up boosts to cause damage to your opponent's vehicles or give yourself a speed boost, and each driver has a unique perk that no other drivers in the game have. This means you can fine-tune your driver around your own playing style, which is really handy.

The game features a KERS system that allows you to gain boosts if you take a corner smoothly, just like in real-life Formula one.

The racing can be frustrating when you keep getting hit by your opponent's weapons, and it can be difficult to get the hang of the racing style but, once you learn how to get the best out of your car, everything else falls into place.

The game can be difficult to get the hang of, and the damage your car takes can slow you down and be a bit painful if you're not close to a pit lane, but the fun and charm of the game will win you over in the end.

RATED! 7/10

YOUR NEWS

JUNIOR-JOURNALIST

ATP Tennis Tour!

by Rhys Heather

I was invited by First News to go to the O2 to watch the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. i'd never been there before.

When I got there I was amazed. We were met by Emma and she took us to the room where the ball kids relax during the day when they are not on court.

They spend a maximum of 40 minutes on court and there are five teams of ball kids. I joined them to watch Andy Murray vs Djokovic on their TV.

Then I was taken by Christiana to where the players come out and I saw Murray and Federer walk past. And then Djokovic walked in and stopped to do autographs and I got one! I was sooooo excited!

Next I got taken to the mini court where we were joined by Boris Becker. He was there to promote the Barclays Ball Kid initiative. Some of the ball kids were showing him what to do.

Ben showed me how to roll the ball to another ball kid, throw the ball to a tennis player, catch the ball when it bounces against the wall and how a player shows a ball kid when they need a towel.

When it was all over, I chatted with Boris Becker and had a photo with him, and he signed my autograph book.

My mum and I then spent some time in the Barclays Fan Zone where I tried to "Beat the Coach". There were lots of other activities to do and it's where the players come out and practise before their match.

Then it was time to head into the arena to watch Marray/Nielsen, who won their match against Mirnyi/Nestor. Straight after that match was Tsonga vs Berdych. It was an exciting match and I wanted Tsonga to win.

My mum and I had a wonderful afternoon and evening and got back really late! Thank you First News. I will treasure my autograph book and hope to get some more autographs in the future.

SCHOOL NEWS

News at School

by Joe Manojlovic, All Saints CE (VA) School, Halifax

This week, we had a blast making our own school news broadcast. We did it because First News inspired us to.

We had two anchors; Sophie and Daniel from our class. First we filmed Charlotte and Isabelle, who were interviewing another pupil about anti-bullying week.

Then another group interviewed Holly because she is on the school council. They had a lot to do with the planning of anti-bullying week.

After that, another group interviewed a child about the Christmas rehearsals. They asked Esme if they'd finished all the songs and if rehearsals were going well. She said:"We haven't done all the songs but it's going really well."

Afterwards, another group went outside to talk about a parking issue. The next group went further down the road to talk about a blocked road and how it affects residents. My group covered maths in Year 5.

Finally, a group interviewed the head of extended services, and then Lucy finished with the weather.

Our teacher, Mr Hill, said: "All of the children worked hard and we've had great fun!" I agree, and the whole class really enjoyed it. It gave us more of an idea about news reporting.

NEWS VIEWS

Here's what our readers have been talking about on firstnews.co.uk!

WOMEN BISHOP PLAN BLOCKED

This is very sexist. God saw all people as equal, so how are women inferior? Tempest1 (Age 13)

KIDS HIDE TALENTS FROM BULLIES

It's horrible that people would stop doing something they love because it becomes intolerable due to a couple of selfish people. samz (Age 13)

CHELSEA FC MANAGER REPLACED

Rafa Benitez is a Liverpool manager at heart. Di Matteo actually played for Chelsea. 3DsFreak (Age 11)

Become a firstnews.co.uk member and get commenting!

For more news crew, pictures and videos go to www.firstnews.co.uk/news

FUN STUFF

FIRST NEWS CHALLENGE

Q1. What is made at the brother factory in north Wales?

Q2 What is the official name of Mexico?

Q3 When was Guinness World Record Day?

Q4 Sebastian Vettel won the F1 title at the weekend. In what position did he finish in the Brazilian Grand Prix?

Q5 How much did a first class lunch menu from the Titanic recently sell for at auction?

Q6 What has been specially built into a bridge in Brecon, Wales?

Q7 Why were 307 UK Youth Parliament members in Westminster last week?

Q8 Lonesome George was possibly the last known what in the world?

Q9 How tall is Zeus?

Q10 Matt Smith is the latest in a long line of Doctors. What number Doctor is he?

LAST ISSUE'S ANSWERS

First News challenge: 1) 2,600 2) Nordmann fir tree 3) Dougie and Tom 4) Drought 5) One Direction 6) 9% 7) 7 - 11 8) Aung San Suu Kyi 9) Daniel Craig 10) 48.

COMPETITIONS: You can enter First News competitions in one of two ways.

1. Go to www.firstnews.co.uk/competitions and follow the instructions.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING..

Top Ten Toys - as voted fo r by you...

For the last two weeks, visitors to the First News website have been voting for their favourite toys and computer games. Now the results are in, see if you agree with their choices!

1. Guinness World Records 2013

Tesco

10.00

2. LEGO Friends Beauty Shop

www.lego.com

24.99

3. Monopoly Millionaire

Debenhams

14.00

4. Orbeez soothing spa

www.character-online.com

29.99

5. Skylanders Giants puzzle

www.smythstoys.com

12.99

6. Twister Dance

Argos

19.79

7. Tatty Teddy Music Player

Toys R Us

34.99

8. LEGO Star Wars: Desert Skiff

www.amazon.co.uk

18.74

9. Razor Pro X scooter

Argos

69.99

10. Tech Pet

www.amazon.co.uk

44.65

TOP FIVE COMPUTER GAMES - AS VOTED FOR BY YOU...

1. Skylanders Giants Starter Pack - Xbox 360

www.amazon.co.uk

52.00

2. Wappy Dog - Nintendo DS

Argos

39.49

3. Just Dance 4 - Wii

www.play.com

23.99

4. Harry Potter - Xbox 360/Kinect

Game

37.99

5. LEGO Lord Of The Rings

HMV

37.99

THE BOOK BIT

BOOK REVIEWS

www.redhouse.co.uk

Eleven Eleven by Paul Dowswell

Reviewed by Sebastian Westwood

Plenty of books about the First World War have been written for children, but not many are as harrowing and gripping as this novel.

Its hero is Will Franklin who, until four months ago, was an ordinary British schoolboy. Now, however, he has to witness the atrocities of war and has to take part in a mission to check a forest for German soldiers.

Read what happens when Will's world collides with the lives of German soldier Axel and an American pilot called Eddie... I guarantee you will not put this book down until you have reached its poignant ending, and the book's strong message of the futility of war will forever stay with you.

A well deserved 5/5 for this sensitive and gripping novel.

BIG BOOK BABBLE

Big Book Babble is an online TV show that brings books, authors and illustrators directly to you! On 4 December tune in at 11am to watch Big Book Babble featuring Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter from McFly with illustrator Garry Parsons, the creators of the Dinosaur that Pooped Christmas.

You can comment live during the show and hear Tom and Dougie read the book, plus you can see Garry draw on stage!

To find out more or to tune, in visit www.bigbook babble.co.uk.

WORDS FOR LIFE

Tony Dallas is a storyteller and writer whose unique blend of interactive storytelling has inspired children, parents and teachers all over the country to make stories come alive. Tony also runs poetry slam and writing workshops with children of all ages.

"Stories are the veins of life. the stories we tell ourselves and others are the growth of our personalities and being. I believe everyone has a story to tell and all we have to do is listen."

What books did you read when you were a child?

Hansel and Gretel, Rumpelstiltskin. Thinking about these now, they were very scary but as children we seemed to enjoy that.

If you could be a storybook character, who would you be?

Aladdin. He always went on great adventures. he was always the hero and the thought of having your very own genie who granted you any wish you wanted was too much to bear. I always made my last wish one that granted me another three.

What is the best thing about reading?

You can be whatever you want to be. travel wherever you want to travel and learn whatever you want to learn.

If you had to pick one, what would you say is your all-time favourite book?

Giraffes Can't Dance. An awkward-looking giraffe learns to dance with the help of someone a zillion times smaller than he is. A very colourful book that shows the beauty and strength of spirit and friendship.

For book recommendations, activities and games, go to www.wordsforlife.org.uk and tell your parents about it too!

WHAT'S IN THE SHOPS?

TRADITIONAL GINGERBREAD HOUSE KIT, LAKELAND 11 pounds, 99

Using traditional gingerbread, each part is pre-baked, ready to be stuck together with icing. the hard work has been done for you, so you can get on with the fun stuff - decorating.

Everything is included, from the foundations up! It's also beautifully packaged, with easy-to-follow instructions.

3D SEQUIN MINI CHRISTMAS PUDDINGS, WWW.PINFLAIR.CO.UK, 6 pounds, 40

Check out these sparkly mini Christmas puddings. this great little kit will make three mini puddings, each one measuring 4.5 centimeters. the kit comes with easy to follow instructions and contains all the parts you need.

MAKE YOUR OWN CRACKERS CHRISTMAS, WWW.LUVSGIfTS.CO.UK, 2 pounds, 95

Make Christmas extra special this year with these creative crackers. This pack has everything you need to create six big crackers in either a santa or penguin design. Includes hats, cracker snaps, jokes, ribbon ties and full assembly instructions. To make them extra special, why not add your own little gift?

SPORT

VETTEL MAKES IT THREE

Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel has become only the third Formula One driver in history to win three titles in a row.

The German driver only finished in sixth place in the brazilian Grand Prix at the weekend, but it was enough to give him an overall lead of three points over Fernando Alonso. The Ferrari driver came second, but needed to finish a place higher to get enough points to win the title.

"To win that third title here, where one of my greatest idols Ayrton Senna was from, is unreal," said Vettel.

Although Jenson button won the race, he finished the season in fifth place. His McLaren team were third in the constructors championship. Vettel gave credit to the rest of the Red Bull team, who won the constructors championship by 60 points from Ferrari.

"I have to thank all the team," said Vettel, "because there is no-one in our team more important than the next person. We are all a group and fighting next to each other and not against each other. I am very proud of that. It is unbelievable."

The other two drivers who have won at least three titles in a row are Juan Manuel Fangio, who won four between 1954-57. Vettel's fellow German, Michael Schumacher, went one better by winning five titles between 2000-04.

SPORT NEWS IN NUMBERS

4 double centuries have been scored by Australia captain michael clarke in Tests this year. Other batsmen have had three in a year, but he is the first to get four.

His latest came in the match against South Africa, where Clarke racked up 230 runs in his first innings, including an outrageous 40 fours. The Aussies still have three Tests left to play this year, so Clarke will be hoping to add to his record.

1 defeat against Tonga was enough to force Scotland rugby union coach Andy Robinson to quit. It is the first time Tonga have ever beaten Scotland.

22 centuries in Test matches have been scored by both Alastair Cook and Kevin Pietersen. They are level with three former england players in the list of most Test centuries scored in a career.

They both have some way to go before they reach the top ten - Kumar Sangakkara is tenth on the list, with 30 centuries. Cook is nearly five years younger than Pietersen, but even he will struggle to reach the top of the list - Sachin Tendulkar's 51 centuries is a record that many think will never be broken.

10 years is how long it's been since the England women's football team lost a qualifying match. It was 16 november 2002 when they last lost in qualifying, in a play-off against France. Since then, they have won 25 and drawn 7 matches in qualifying for the World Cup and European Championship.

3 medals were won by Hannah Miley at the European Short Course championships. She won two silvers and finished with gold in the 400m medley.