IT'S a rather a sad commentary on life today but a Daily Mirror story says that a quarter of primary school children cannot identify a Robin Redbreast or a Blackbird.
A survey also revealed that nearly half do not recognise a Sparrow, with 42% unable to name the common bird from a photo.
BOO, hiss....it seems that a school in Lancashire has banned birthday cakes!
The Guardian tells us that it is because teachers do not have time to check whether they are suitable for pupils with allergies.
IT'S difficult to believe in this day and age but, according to the BBC, over 500 households in Scotland are still watching their TV in black and white!
Glasgow has the largest number of black and white sets at 200, followed by Edinburgh with 55.
SPARE a thought this week for 82 year old Gladys Phillips who was locked in a public toilet for four days!
The Daily Express says that Gladys kept her spirits up by knitting and eating mints.
News Round Up
by Patrick O'Connor
CONGRATULATIONS from the Daily Mirror to Jack who has just turned 117 in dog years, making him the country's oldest canine.
Jack, a Yorkshire terrier, has celebrated his 26th birthday and, says his owners,Ray and Mary Bunn from Hartlepool in County Durham, still gets mistaken for a puppy.
THE Daily Mirror pays tribute to guide dog Tillie which, it is claimed, saved her family from a house fire.
The Golden Labrador retriever has received the 'Beyond the Call' national award at the Guide Dogs Annual Awards.