People

Scots Formula 1 star David Coulthard has announced plans to retire from racing at the end of the season.

FINAL PIT STOP

The 37-year-old champion driver, who will compete in the British Grand Prix today, picked up 13 F1 wins in 14 years behind the wheel but said his age was the main reason for him leaving the sport.

WILD REACTION

Allan Bantick, who is to become the new head of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, was criticised by farmers and gamekeepers last week after calling for the lynx to be reintroduced to the Highlands. Bantick, who is currently working on a beaver reintroduction project, believes bringing back the lynx could help reduce the numbers of roe deer. Farmers and gamekeepers worry that bringing in the predator would prove a threat to sheep and other livestock.

AGELESS

J K Rowling, right, is the most recent high-profile author to add her name to a petition against mandatory age guidelines on children's books. Rowling and other children's authors such as Terry Pratchett and Alan Garner argue it would damage the interests of young readers.

SWEET MOVE

Sir Alan Sugar has stepped down as chairman of electronics firm Amstrad after 40 years of service. The self-made millionaire and star of the reality TV show The Apprentice has said he is not fully retiring and will still be involved in his other businesses, which include business airline Amsprop and Viglen computers. Sugar said he would be stepping down as planned as a result of the company's acquisition by Sky last year.

WINE POWER

Prince Charles has announced a new way to cut the Royal Family's carbon footprint – by converting his beloved Aston Martin to run on wine. The conversion is part of a strategy that has cut the prince's carbon emissions by almost 20% in the last year.

KNIFE CALL

Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher has called for more action to be taken against knife crime in the UK. The singer claimed violent video games were partly to blame and said he worried about bringing up his children in a place where knife crime is common. He said: "In my day, status was trying to be somebody, not trying to kill somebody."