A thousand mourn Royal Marines killed in Afghanistan

Dorset: At least a thousand mourners were expected to attend today's funeral at Christchurch Priory of Royal Marines Neil Dunstan and Robert McKibben, who were killed on patrol in Afghanistan.

Essex: A pony had to be helped by the fire brigade after falling into its owner's swimming pool. Firefighters were called after the animal tumbled into the pool – which had a cover on – in Thaxted.

Devon: Police in Torquay are handing out flip-flops to drunk women to prevent them injuring themselves when wearing high heels. Officers said sometimes female revellers wore "inappropriate" footwear.