Newsreader Sissons Retires

Newsreader Peter Sissons is to leave the BBC and retire from broadcasting after 45 years. The 66-year-old – thought to be Britain’s longest newsreader – will leave the BBC in the summer and plans to write his memoirs. Sissons has read the news on all major terrestrial channels, including ITV’s News at One and Channel 4 News. Speaking to the Daily Mirror he said: "I do still feel on top of my game and I still enjoy it I don't know how much I’ll miss it until I stop but I don’t think I’ll be sitting in a darkened room." Sissons joined the BBC in 1989 to present Question Time, and was one of the Six O’Clock News presenters. He then moved to the Nine O’Clock News in 1994 and remained with the programme until it moved to its new time of 10pm.

Ricin Possession Charges

A County Durham man has been charged with possessing the chemical weapon ricin. Forty-one-year-old Ian Davison, of Myrtle Grove in Burnopfield, was arrested last week by anti-terrorist police who were investigating suspected white supremacists. He will appear before Westminster magistrates accused of offences under the terrorism act. Ian Davison is also accused of having a manual on making firearms and explosives. Meanwhile his son, Nicky, 18, has also appeared in court charged with possessing information to commit a terrorist act. The teenager from Grampian Way, Annfield Plain, was arrested alongside his father on 2 June. Unemployed Nicky Davidson appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, where he was bailed until 22 June and ordered to wear an electronic tag.

Man Remanded Over Fire Death

A man has been remanded in custody charged with the murder of a three-year-old girl who died in a house fire in Liverpool. Francesca Bimpton was severely burnt at the house in Everton last December. She died in hospital three weeks later. The toddler’s mother, father, brother and two sisters escaped the fire. Graham Heaps, of Newport, south Wales, is charged with murder, five counts of attempted murder and arson with intent. He appeared before Liverpool magistrates on Friday and is due before Liverpool Crown Court on 24 June.

Woman Injured In Car Pile-up

A woman has been injured in a seven-vehicle crash in Scotland. The 49-year-old was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, suffering serious head injuries, after the pile-up on the outskirts of Perth. An articulated lorry and six other vehicles were also involved in the collision, which occurred at about 5.20pm on Thursday on the A9. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash have been urged to contact police.

Fifth Construction Minister In Two years Must Be A Strong Voice: FMB

Ian Lucas MP, as the ninth new Construction Minister since 1997 and the fifth in the last two years, must have the force and influence to champion the interests of small building firms within government if they are to survive the worst recession in living memory, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Richard Diment, Director General of the FMB said: "At a time when the construction industry is suffering the new Construction Minister must be a strong advocate for the interests of small builders who are finding it difficult to find work in the current economic climate. Every day eight construction companies are going out of business so it is vital that the new Minister keeps the pressure on the banks to cut their lending charges to small businesses."

(JM)