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Chelsea Flower Show preparations

The final preparations are being made ahead of the opening of the Chelsea Flower Show 2013. The world-famous Chelsea Flower Show marks its centenary this year.

Romana Sousa arranges an Ooh La La clematis at the Chelsea Flower Show. Credit: PA
Andrew Symonds arranges Dendrobium at the Chelsea Flower Show. Credit: PA
Chi-Liang Liu works to prepare the Taiwan Orchid Growers Association garden. Credit: PA
Ploypan Patrathira Nond arranges flowers in the Nong Nooch Pattaya Tropical Garden. Credit: PA

Neville accused of sexually assaulting 46-year-old

Greater Manchester Police has investigated an allegation of sexual assault by Neville Neville in March 2013.

I have reviewed all the evidence that they have gathered and have authorised the police to charge him with one count of sexual assault against a 46-year-old woman.

He has been bailed to appear at Bury and Rochdale Magistrates’ Court on 12 June 2013.

– Nazir Afzal, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West

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British astronaut: Space journey 'a real privilege'

Britain's first official astronaut Major Tim Peake said going to space would be "a real privilege" and to be assigned to that mission felt like a "real high point" in his aviation career.

It really is a true privilege to be assigned to a long duration mission, it feels like a real high point in a long career in aviation.

I am really grateful to my family, friends and professional colleagues who are supporting me as I prepare for the challenge that lies ahead.

The mission to the International Space Station is going to be a wonderful opportunity, not just for Europe and European science but the UK as well.

– Major Tim Peake

Read: Astronaut Chris Hadfield's highlights in space

Picture: NASA captures Saturn's 'rose' north polar storm

Calendar

Final touches for Chelsea Flower Show

Gardeners are busy adding the finishing touches to their creations for this year's Chelsea Flower Show which celebrates its 100th anniversary.

There are more than 550 exhibitors, including this one below from Welcome To Yorkshire, at the event which opens tomorrow.

Welcome to Yorkshire's entry Le Jardin Credit: ITV Yorkshire

The garden, was inspired by Yorkshire's successful bid to host the 2013 Grand Depart of the Tour de France. It promotes the landscape that the world's best cyclists will ride through in the event next year. The garden was designed by Alistair Baldwin from Bedale.

Close up of Le Jardin - Welcome to Yorkshire's entry to the Chelsea Flower show Credit: ITV Yorkshire
Le Jardin designer Alistair Baldwin being interviewed by Calendar's Gaynor Barnes Credit: ITV Yorkshire

Garden designers prepare for Chelsea Flower Show

Designers are putting the finishing touches to this year's extravaganza. The annual Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show.

Marie-Lucie Tropres prepares the M and G garden at the Chelsea Flower Show. Credit: PA
Rebecca Louise Law makes some adjustments to her floral artwork. Credit: PA
Carrie Burgess in the See Ability garden. Credit: PA
Workers adjust glass panels within the Waratah Studio. Credit: PA
Nick Barnes adjusts a scarecrow in the Generations Garden. Credit: PA
The Chelsea Flower Show opens today. Credit: PA

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PM: First astronaut 'momentous' for Great Britain

David Cameron has hailed the announcement of Great Britain sending its first astronaut into space, calling it a "momentous day."

David Cameron. Credit: Lewis Whyld/PA Archive

The Prime Minister said: "This is a momentous day, not just for Tim Peake but for Great Britain.

"It is a great sign of our thriving British space sector, which has seen real growth thanks to our world-class research, and now supports nearly 30,000 jobs.

"What an achievement that Tim was picked for this historic role from over 8,000 applicants from around the world.

"I am sure he will do us proud and I hope that he will inspire the next generation to pursue exciting careers in science and engineering."

Read: Astronaut Chris Hadfield's highlights in space

Free vote could delay gay marriage bill's progress

February's same-sex motion passed comfortably in a packed Commons despite a majority of Conservatives failing to support the bill.

The Coalition's Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill will be debated over two days, with its third reading - the final hurdle in the Commons - tomorrow.

The second reading of the bill in early February saw the threat of a Conservative backbench rebellion comfortably overwhelmed with 400 MPs giving the motion a majority of 225.

Just 127 Conservatives endorsed the proposals at second reading in the Commons.

The smooth progress of the bill at third reading is less assured, though, thanks to Conservative MP's Tim Loughton's proposed amendment to the bill to allow heterosexuals to have the same right to civil partnerships as gay couples.

His suggested measure is attracting support from supporters of equal marriage as well as those who want to stop the legislation.

Labour's frontbench team is set to support Mr Loughton's amendment, giving it a real prospect of success in a free vote.

Read: Historic gay marriage plans passed despite Tory divide

British astronaut to tweet from space

Britain's first official astronaut Major Tim Peake said he would tweet from space like Chris Hadfield had done in a bid to "try and inspire a generation."

He added that he was "delighted" after being chosen to travel to space.

Read: Astronaut Chris Hadfield's highlights in space

Central

Midlanders get ready for Chelsea Flower Show

The Chelsea Flower Show opens on Thursday Credit: PA

Gardeners from across the Midlands are getting ready for this year's Chelsea Flower Show as it celebrates its 100th anniversary.

The Queen will be taking a tour of the displays in London, before it opens to the public on Thursday.

Gnomes will be allowed at the show for this year only

For one year only, gnomes will be allowed to feature in gardens and gnomes painted by celebrities are going up for auction.

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