1 hour ago Indian Ocean tsunami: how survivors found love after Boxing Day disaster

A rise in the number of remarriages and a baby boom in the years since 2004 gave hope to survivors and helped them cope with the tragedyIt was Mahyuddin’s mother who had pestered him to go out on Sunday morning, 20 years ago. Dozens of relatives were visiting their small coastal village in Indonesia for a wedding party, but a powerful earthquake had struck just before 8am. Buildings in some areas had collapsed. He should go and check on his employer’s office to see if they needed help, his mother said.As he drove into town, he found chaos and panic. The road was heavy with traffic: cars, motorbikes, trucks, all rushing in the same direction. People were running, shouting that water was coming. Continue reading...

Events

1 hour ago Two in three Brits cannot solve Santa sleigh brainteaser that's harder than it looks

Reckon you have an eagle eye for the smallest of details? Well, it's time to put that theory to the test with this deceptively difficult festive brainteaser that needs to be solved in less than two minutes

Politics

2 hours ago Swimmers would rather wade through shark infested waters than UK filthy rivers

Polling shows more people would chose to go into shark-infested waters than sewage-polluted rivers and seas amid growing alarm over festive swimming hotspots

Politics

3 hours ago Gavin And Stacey fans are left in tears by 'perfect' finale as beloved comedy comes to an end with an answer to THAT festive proposal and the truth about the fishing trip

Gavin and Stacey finally came to an end with a feature-length festive finale on Wednesday, with fans quick to laud the 'perfect' conclusion, 17 years after the iconic BBC comedy first hit screens.

Sport

3 hours ago Prince George joins dad Prince William for first time in royal tradition

The traditional festive match saw Prince William almost score a goal as Prince George ran around the pitch energetically in what onlookers called 'healthy father-and-son bonding time'

Politics

3 hours ago Cindy Beale is ‘a woman on the edge’ in EastEnders special – Michelle Collins

Collins, who plays the chaotic character, said the festive episode looked like ‘a proper movie’.

Politics

3 hours ago 2m x 6m with a composting toilet: New Zealand embraces tiny home living

Housing affordability and desire for a movable home among the reasons growing numbers are opting for petite dwellings across New ZealandTwo years ago, when New Zealand school teacher Liberty Van Voorthuysen was looking for a much-needed break from teaching, she ditched her classroom and signed up for a free construction course. Van Voorthuysen had set herself a fairly low bar: learn how to use power tools. But she left with much more – the skills to build her own tiny home.The 34-year-old bought the shell of a small house, parked it in a Nelson paddock at the top of the South Island, installed solar panels and added a composting toilet. The dwelling measures 6m x 2.4m and is 4m tall. The space took a bit of getting used to and the outdoor shower is “pretty gnarly in winter,” Van Voorthuysen says. But she has learned to be resourceful. Continue reading...

Politics

4 hours ago Gavin & Stacey: The Finale review: We’ll miss these characters – Oh my Christ, they were lush

This Christmas special is about half an hour too long and the script recycles the least interesting elements of what’s gone before, but it still makes for lovely festive telly

Politics

4 hours ago Brendan Rodgers insists Celtic are ready for exhausting workload but reveals the big festive miss he used to LOVE

No winter break for the first time in four years means the Hoops face a draining run of fixtures at home and abroad.

Politics

4 hours ago Paris Hilton, 43, strips off as wraps herself up as a present for nude Christmas snap

Paris Hilton shared a daring Christmas video on social media, dancing nude with only a red satin bow to celebrate the season. The festive moment comes as Paris also marks a major personal victory with the passing of her advocacy bill to protect children from abusive treatment facilities.

Politics