Five million southerners have never travelled across the country, dismissing the northerners as “bleak and “unsophisticated”, according to a survey of regional attitudes.

Fast food giant McDonalds has won government approval to award A-Level or advanced Diplomas as a recognised industry qualification.

The number of people in the UK dying from alcohol-related problems is continuing to rise, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

A major high court test case by consumers against bank overdraft charges is underway at the high court.

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is challenging seven banks and a building society in the case, claiming that the charges were unfair.

The outcome of the case could lead to a fundamental change to the way high street banking operates within the UK.

In 2007, several hundred thousand consumers won over half a billion pounds in refunds from the banks - accusing them of imposing excessive and illegal charges without consent. The fees can amount to more than thirty pounds each time.

A spokeswoman for the British Bankers’ Association said: “We have always believed that what we are doing is correct and legal.

“It has also been warned that regardless of which side succeeds in the case, the amount that consumers benefit could possibly be lower than they expect.

If the banks lose, OFT calculations estimate that £10m a day income will be lost. It may mean that banks could have to compensate anyone who has been affected by the charges.

Banks have said that they could be forced into making up the lost income by introducing new charges which could lead to an end in “free banking” in the UK.

Christmas can be lonely, especially for carers. December 7 was National Carers’ Rights Day and a reminder of their difficulties.