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Fake interpreter at memorial 'made up his own signs'
A sign language interpreter "made up his own signs" at Nelson Mandela's memorial yesterday, South Africa's deaf federation said.
Braam Jordaan, of the World Deaf Federation, told SBS website: "I was really upset and humiliated. He made up his own signs. What happened at the memorial service is truly disgraceful thing to see, it should not happen at all.
"What happened today will be forever aligned with Nelson Mandela & Deaf Community, thanks to this fake interpreter."
Cara Loening, director of Sign Language Education and Development in Cape Town, added: "He's a complete fraud. He wasn't even doing anything, There was not one sign there. Nothing. He was literally flapping his arms around."
Graca Machel and Winnie Mandela visit coffin
Nelson Mandela's ex-wife Winnie and widow Graca Machel have visited his coffin in Pretoria where his body will lie in state for three days.
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Riot police leave protest camp in Kiev
Thousands of riot police have started to leave Independence Square in Kiev, after a dawn ambush on protesters failed to move them from their camp.
It appears the police are under orders to avoid excessive force. Squadrons of police retreated into their vans, as protesters cheered and jumped up and down in the bitter December temperatures.
Read: Ukrainian protesters defy police amid overnight ambush
Darlington area tops best performing primary school list
The percentage of pupils at good or outstanding primary schools is highest in Darlington, according to new Ofsted figures published today.
Read the full storyOfficers support families as they wait for DNA results
Humberside Police is working with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office following the discovery of human remains on the Rybachy peninsula.
Read the full storyRecap: Ukraine protesters demand closer EU ties
Thousands of riot police and protesters clashed this morning in Kiev as police attempted to move them from a number of camps around government buildings. Protesters are calling for closer ties with Europe, and are angry at the perceived closening of ties with Russia, its former Soviet master.
- On November 21, the Ukrainian government announced it did not sign a trade pact with the EU amid speculation of pressure from Moscow
- Thousands poured into the streets, and have remained there, urging President Viktor Yanukovych to go ahead with the deal
- European leaders say the trade pact would have brought investment, and that failure to sign risked the economic future of the country
- Under the deal, Ukraine would have had to agree to improve its justice and human rights record, and to look into ways of clamping down on corruption
- Supporters of former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko, leader of the 'Orange Revolution' hoped the deal would mean she would be released from prison
More: High court upholds conviction of former Ukrainian prime minister
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Police visiting Hull families for Gaul DNA match
Police have visited all remaining families in hull who had loved ones who died on the stricken ship the Gaul.
Thirty six people died when the trawler sunk in 1974 north of Norway. In 2012 remains of 10 people were found in a cave.
– Alan Leaver, Asst Chief Con, Humberside Police"We have met with all the families of the crew members lost on the Gaul and will continue to provide them with information as it becomes available.
"At the moment the information we have is very limited and we have to wait for the Russian authorities to advise us of the tests they are doing on the remains.
"We will continue to work with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to seek to support families and to provide more details about the remains."
Gaul trawler families DNA tested after bodies found
Families in Hull are being DNA tested to see if remains washed up in Russia were passengers of the stricken ship the Gaul.
36 people died when the trawler sunk in 1974 north of Norway. In 2012 remains of 10 people were found in a cave.
All the families of men who died have been visited and have been given the details known about the remains and the ongoing forensic examinations.
Lloyds admits 'inadequate' service to customers
Lloyds Banking Group's record £28 million fine follows a review by the Financial Conduct Authority's predecessor, the Financial Services Authority (FSA), of sales bonus schemes in the banking industry.
While 20 firms had features that increased the risk of mis-selling, Lloyds' failings were "so serious" it was referred for further investigation last year.
Lloyds apologised to customers and admitted its management of incentive schemes was "inadequate".
It has begun contacting customers that were affected and said it has made major changes to its sales incentive schemes since the issues first emerged in 2011 "to ensure that all its schemes are focused on doing the right things for customers and providing good service".
RBS shares drop after finance chief's sudden departure
Shares in Royal Bank of Scotland fell today as the surprise departure of finance director Nathan Bostock, just two months after he was appointed, was greeted with dismay in the City.
Mr Bostock's informed the board last night of his decision to take up a role with Santander UK.
Shares fell 2 percent as investors digested the impact of Mr Bostock's departure - described as "surprising and disappointing" by Shore Capital analyst Gary Greenwood.
Mr Bostock had been head of restructuring and risk at RBS for four years and was seen as a key part of the team striving to repair the bank under then-chief executive Stephen Hester.
