Arsenal are interested in signing Barcelona winger Pedro. The Spanish international scored a hat-trick for Barca in their midweek Copa del Rey win against Huesca but isn't in boss Luis Enrique's long-term plans. Pedro would be Arsenal's second signing from the Catalan club in a matter of months following the capture of Alexis Sanchez in the summer.

Liverpool could solve their goalkeeping problems by capturing the signature of Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech on loan. Brendan Rodgers dropped Simon Mignolet for Brad Jones for the games against Manchester United and Bournemouth but neither keeper has impressed.

Alex Song could be set for a reunion with Arsene Wenger at Arsenal in the summer. The Cameroonian is currently on loan at West Ham but will be up for grabs when he returns to parent club Barcelona. The 27-year-old was in the form of his life at Arsenal before leaving for Spain in 2012.

Superhero dad James Bottger has embarked on a marathon climb of Robinswood Hill in a challenge that shows the "pure depth of love" he has for his daughter.

The 37-year-old welder will make 75 trips – the equivalent of scaling Mount Everest – in a bid to raise around £20,000 so his three-year-old daughter can have a lifesaving operation in the United States.

Little Charlotte suffers from cerebral palsy and has spent her entire life in a wheelchair but James is determined to hit the £60,000 target so she can have the treatment she needs to allow her to walk.

His wife Kate told the Citizen before James started his ascent: "It is just unbelievable; I can't believe the depth of love he has for his family and he will do anything for whatever she needs.

"Whether it is getting her on a bouncy castle or getting her to America for an operation, he will do everything in his power to make sure that she has the best.

"This is just crazy, nuts but he adores his little girl. He will either do it or be carried off that hill – there will be no giving up."

The father-of-two started his challenge at the country park at 10am this morning with the backing of friends and the Superhero Foundation, a charity launched by adventurers and cousins Kev Brady and Jamie McDonald.

James' family has £37,000 for the operation and is hoping this challenge, which will not be completed until around 6pm on Monday, will go some way in making a dent in the surplus sum.

"I was really serene in the shower this morning and then a whole load of madness went off in my head," said James, who lives in Slimbridge. "The closely way I can describe the feeling of doing this is wedding day nerves.

"But If I'm honest I have no idea how I am going to get on, it is bigger than I ever thought. It just goes so far beyond your comfort zone.

"The support has been amazing and the Superhero Foundation has been brilliant. They have been first class helping me through everything and pointing me in the right direction.

"I am just going to keep walking and hopefully somebody will tap me on my shoulder and say I have done it, it's a really simple concept and I don't want to know how far I have gone.

Both Jamie and Kev have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds themselves for charity. Kev most recently paddled the entire length of the Mississippi river – 2,500 miles – while Jamie ran 5,000 miles across Canada with a support team.

Jamie said: "I think for an everyday bloke like James I think this is way beyond his capability; he knows that, is feeling that and I have spent the last week with him and he has been petrified, but that is when you know you are doing something special.

"I think it is safe to say we might not raise £20,000 in a weekend but we are hoping he will inspire Gloucester to help.

"He will go up and down that hill 75 times and the terrain is absolutely dreadful. The hardest part will be coming down and it will be brutal on his joints and ligaments."

James will take a 'selfie' every time he reaches the hill's peak, which will be uploaded to social media. The challenged will use hastag #DreamtoWalk.

To donate, visit virginmoneygiving.com/fund/SF/DreamtoWalk

Kingsholm is being brought together by a new community coffee shop that has been a 'much needed' resource to the area.

The Roots Coffee project in Alvin Street marks the completion of its first month of trading today after opening in an old co-operative building which was left empty for over 60 years.

Around 20 volunteers, mostly from Kingsholm worked for two years to open up a part coffee shop, part community centre, and they have been encouraged by the progress so made so far.

It has been consistently visited by the community since opening its doors, and its community space is now being used by yoga classes, choirs and other community groups.

The project, which cost tens of thousands of pounds, has also provided full time employment to a coffee shop manager and staff.

The popularity of the project shows how much Kingsholm needed a community resource and meeting place, said Alyson Meredith, part of the management team for the project along with her husband Ian.

She said: "It was absolutely needed in the community and the feedback we've had so far has been really encouraging. Before we opened, people in Kingsholm had to go into town, but now we offer something different.

"It's been amazing to see how many residents in Kingsholm are coming back to see us. The project is becoming a focal point for the residents here and lots of people are now using us for their coffee every week.

"We wanted to provide a place of belonging for people. We've had lots of support which is really encouraging."

The coffee shop, funded through private donations and grants from businesses, will be open seven days a week and will invest all its profits back into the centre.

It is also providing a much-needed community resource to nearby housing block Clapham Court.

Alyson said: "When we saw this place we thought it could be amazing. We're now getting a lot of repeat business and people wanting to reach out."

Gloucester take on Bath this evening, in what for many supporters is the biggest game of the season. Here we give you everything you need to know ahead of the big kick-off.

• There have been 41 Premiership matches between the two sides. Gloucester have won 18, Bath 21 and there have been two draws.
• Bath have won the last three West Country derbies but last year's controversial 17-16 victory was their first at Kingsholm in six years.
• On that April afternoon Tim Wigglesworth dished out seven cards. Gloucester's Sila Puafisi and Tavis Knoyle were sent for early showers, while Mike Tindall and Huia Edmonds were binned.
• The old enemy have won their last five games in all competitions and sit second in the Aviva Premiership.
• Gloucester have won their last three and are currently eighth after stuttering through the autumn.
• Number eights Ben Morgan and Gareth Evans have both been ruled out of the clash but Gloucester welcome back top points-scorer Greig Laidlaw and scrum rock John Afoa.
• Kingsholm will be rocking with a capacity crowd.
• Don't worry about Mr Wigglesworth causing any more controversy, Greg Garner is today's referee.
  Kick-off is at 5.30pm and if you can't make it the game is live on BT Sport.

Shopping fever is set to be at its highest before Christmas as dozens of High Street chains are set to slash the prices of dozens of products.

More than £2.7billion was spent by over-eager shoppers who dragged themselves out of bed at the crack of dawn to get the best Boxing Day sale deals last year.

But many of the best bargains may well have been snapped by December 26 this year as many retailers look set to start sales on Christmas Eve, with many already underway.

Still looking for last minute gifts for loved ones? The Telegraph has reported a number of offers already underway:

John Lewis is currently offering up to 50pc off on selected furniture, womenswear, and 30pc off some hampers. (Last online orders on December 22 for next-day delivery – £6.95)

Debenhams is offering up to half price on electricals, womenswear, jewellery, toys, kidswear and perfume. (Last online orders on December 23 for next-day delivery – £4.99)

Currys is giving £100 cashback on all Apple Macbooks, discounts of up to £500 on selected large screen TV's and up to £200 off large kitchen appliances. (Last online orders on December 23 for next-day delivery – £4.99)

House of Fraser is offering up to 50pc off toys, 40pc off women's coats and 40pc off men's knitware. (Last online orders on December 22 for next-day delivery – £6)

Amazon is slashing £10 off the price of its Kindle range, as well as offering up to 50pc off toys and games and up to £100 off some digital cameras. (Last online orders on December 23 for next-day delivery – £8.99)

Asos is currently running a sale offering goods for up to 50pc less. (Last online orders on December 23 for next-day delivery – £7.95) 

A new Christmas craze is sweeping Irish pubs, but will it catch on in Gloucester?

This is the season to be merry and festive revellers are celebrating it in their very own way – a pub crawl based on the carol Twelve Days of Christmas.

Dressed in jumpers adorned with sequin Santa Claus' and reindeers, young drinkers are taking a new phenomenon to Ireland's watering holes. They embark on a journey entitled the Twelve Pubs of Christmas which are all visited in only one night.

The BBC has reported on this new craze; a route is set and rules necessary for all drinking shenanigans are agreed on.

A search online brings up some rules currently being used:

• Left-handed pub - drink only with your left hand
• No swearing pub - no swearing
• Silent pub - no speaking
• Swapsies pub - swap shoes with someone in your group
• I love my brick pub - you say a Father Ted phrase every time you drink
• Moving-a-bit-of-furniture-from-one-pub-to-the-next pub

Tenants in Quedgeley have had new roofs and other improvements completed on their homes in time for Christmas.

More than 22 sheltered housing bungalows in St James Close have been re-roofed and fascias, gutters and downpipes have been replaced in low maintenance plastic.

Other work includes the removal of redundant chimney stacks and defective flat roofs on communal stores which have been replaced with long lasting glass reinforced plastic.

Resident Ian Rigby said: "It was nice to have the roofs done and that the roofer has done a good job with very little disruption to us."

The work was undertaken by the Mears Group as part of Gloucester City Homes planned improvement programme and took three months to complete.

Similar projects being undertaken or planned for several of the GCH sites around Gloucester.

Community scheme manager, Carol Lewis, said "It's great that the work has been done and completed so efficiently and in time for Christmas too."

All nursery staff should be first aid trained, according to Gloucester MP Richard Graham.

Speaking during a debate in Parliament last week, the Conservative politician called for a review on paediatric training.

The debate was triggered by a petition signed by more than 100,000 calling for paediatric first aid training to be made a legal requirement for everyone working in a nursery following the death of a baby in Greater Manchester.

Nine-month-old Mille Thompson fatally choked on her lunch at a nursery in October 2012.

Mr Graham said: "I believe that every parent in Gloucester would have wanted me to be there and speak in a debate that clearly demonstrates people power and has applicability across the country to all of us who are parents and to everyone who puts their children, with trust, into a nursery school.

"The number of children in child care is rising and it's important that parents feel happy with care that their children are being given.

"Now it's about the timing of the review.

"I will also be writing to South Western Ambulance Services to find out if they carry paediatric equipment which is can be key in life or death situations.

"It's not the end, but it is the end of the beginning. "Changing the law because of Millie is now a possibility, and perhaps more than that."

Mille's parents received more than 102,000 signatures in their online campaign to change the law and make it compulsory for all nursery staff to be trained in paediatric first aid.

At the inquest into Mille's death, South Manchester coroner John Pollard returned a verdict of misadventure and said no-one was to blame.

Amy Hook, deputy manager at The Secret Garden Children's Day Centre, in Eastgate Street, said: "I completely agree that it should be a legal requirement for all nursery staff to be first aid trained.

"We have only been open for a year and yet half of our 14 members of staff are first aid trained and the others will be trained next year.

"Gloucestershire County Council provide free training for three people each financial year so there is no reason why nurseries in the county shouldn't aim to have all of their staff first aid trained.

"The more people you have on site who are trained the better.

"It means you don't have to worry about a member of staff calling in sick or taking the children on a trip."

Gloucester mourned the 148 children and adults who were killed by Taliban gunmen at a Pakistani school with a poignant candlelit vigil at the city's park last night.

Emotional parents, which children as young as 10, paid their respects to the innocent victims of the massacre at the Peshawar Army School in what was the terrorist's group most deadly attack.

Candles were lit by families in the park's bandstand which was adorned by banners pledging to never forget the 132 children and 16 adults who were slaughtered last Tuesday.

One Pakistani mother Friah Malik, from Tredworth, said people in Gloucester and across the world have been left "shocked and saddened by the disgusting people" responsible for the attacks.

"We are a big community here and we have all decided to participate and show our sadness by attending this event," she said. "This is a huge human loss.

"We want to come together to show we are thinking of these children and we have children of our own and this has broken our hearts," Mrs Malik added.

The attack by depraved terrorists has caused international outrage and many who attended the event want to see the Pakistani Government strengthened in a bid to overcome terrorism which blights their homeland.

Rabia Sahzad, who lives close to the park, is originally from Peshawar and said one of her friends was at the school at the time of the attack but managed to escape unharmed.

She said: "Thankfully he is safe. He hid in a toilet with two of his friends and locked the door. We were texting him but he was not responding. But later that night he told us he was safe.

"I just feel so angry and we can't do anything. People of our religion do not kill children."

Dozens who attended the vigil said such acts are "ruining the religion of Islam" and some say they were not surprised that executions have resumed following the attacks.

Maria Khan, from Barton, said her family was reduced to tears when the attack was reported and has described the culprits as "wild animals".

Event organiser Sadia Hameed said the massacre has had an impact on people of all cultures and says this is not just a Muslim issue, but a humanitarian one.

"In the face of tragedy it would be a shame and an embarrassment not to do anything," she said.

The dozens of children who attended the vigil understand the gravity of the attacks and spoke with compassion about the impact it has had on their lives. Many believe international issues should be taught to children at a younger age.

Safa Siddiq, 10, from Barton, said: "My uncle went to that school. I feel very depressed and melancholy about the attack and I am furious about what they have done. They should not be killing innocent people who have their wholes live ahead of them."

Pakistan reportedly hanged two convicted terrorists last night after lifting a moratorium on the death penalty in the wake of the attack.

Gunmen wore suicide vests during the massacre which has prompted demands for Pakistan to be tougher with the Taliban.

British prehistory could be rewritten following a remarkable discovery during an archaeological dig at Stonehenge.

The remnants of an untouched and ancient encampment around 6,000 years old has been unearthed close to the monument near Salisbury in Wiltshire.

Professor Tim Darvill, a Bournemouth University archaeologist and Stonehenge expert, was quoted by Huffington Post saying: "This is the most important discovery in over 60 years."

He also said in an email to the Huffington Post that the discovery overturns previous theories that "Stonehenge was built in a landscape that was not heavily used before about 3000 B.C."

While scientists are overjoyed by the discovery, they are also concerned about Government plans for a new tunnel which could be built beneath the site.

The discovery was made during a dig at Blick Mead, a site about 1.5 miles from Stonehenge. Researchers found charcoal dating back to 4,000 B.C. and evidence of "possible structures," according to a statement released by the university. They also unearthed burnt flint and tools, as well as the remains of aurochs--ancient cattle that served as food for ancient hunter-gatherers.

The researchers plan further analysis on the artefacts but say they're worried the tunnel construction could damage the site and get in the way of their work.

"Blick Mead could explain what archaeologists have been searching for for centuries--an answer to the story of Stonehenge's past," David Jaques, the University of Buckingham archaeologist who discovered the encampment, told The Guardian. "But our only chance to find out about the earliest chapter of Britain's history could be wrecked if the tunnel goes ahead."

Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones, is located eight miles north of Salisbury, England in Wiltshire. It has been listed as a World Heritage Site since 1986.

The remnants of an untouched and ancient encampment around 6,000 years old has been unearthed close to the monument near Salisbury in Wiltshire.

Professor Tim Darvill, a Bournemouth University archaeologist and Stonehenge expert, was quoted by Huffington Post saying: "This is the most important discovery in over 60 years."

He also said in an email to the Huffington Post that the discovery overturns previous theories that "Stonehenge was built in a landscape that was not heavily used before about 3000 B.C."

While scientists are overjoyed by the discovery, they are also concerned about Government plans for a new tunnel which could be built beneath the site.

The discovery was made during a dig at Blick Mead, a site about one-and-a-half miles from Stonehenge. Researchers found charcoal dating back to 4,000 B.C. and evidence of "possible structures," according to a statement released by the university. They also unearthed burnt flint and tools, as well as the remains of aurochs - ancient cattle that served as food for ancient hunter-gatherers.

The researchers plan further analysis on the artefacts but say they're worried the tunnel construction could damage the site and get in the way of their work.

"Blick Mead could explain what archaeologists have been searching for for centuries--an answer to the story of Stonehenge's past," David Jaques, the University of Buckingham archaeologist who discovered the encampment, told The Guardian. "But our only chance to find out about the earliest chapter of Britain's history could be wrecked if the tunnel goes ahead."

Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones, is located eight miles north of Salisbury, England in Wiltshire. It has been listed as a World Heritage Site since 1986.

If you think you're spending more on Christmas now than you did in yesteryear, then think again.

While the price of some gifts may appear to rise year on year, the baby boomers among us will know that the cost of some has in fact fallen over the past 30 years.

Do you remember scoffing at the £599 price tag for a Ferguson VHS recorder?

Advances in technology and China now being seen as a manufacturing superpower have apparently slashed production costs.

In 1982 ET was the most popular film and Renée and Renato had the Christmas No 1 and Boots was recommending a Braun hand-blender with mixing bowl for over £9.95.

According to the Office for National Statistics, prices are now 3.11 times higher now than in Christmas 1982 adjusted for inflation as measured by the Retail Prices Index. That would make the blender worth £31 today, but this year the equivalent model costs £17.99 in Currys, the Guardian reports.

Late 1982 was a difficult time in the UK. Unemployment was running at more than 10 per cent and some serious money was needed to buy the most desirable presents.

One of the most expensive 'must haves' was a Ferguson VHS video recorder "offering video programmability and stereo capability" for £599 – equal to £1,863 today. With the average weekly wage in 1982 only £136.50, the video player cost a month's pay. Today a Panasonic DVD recorder costs about £250, about half the average weekly wage of £483, while a simple DVD player can be less than £30.

In the early 1980s, China was only just opening up to business, and although manufacturing jobs were already being lost in the UK, Ferguson's products were still made in Britain.

Paul O'Donnell, of the Manufacturing and Technologies Association, told the Guardian: "The big trend over the last 30 years has been the globalisation of manufacturing. Production that would have been done in the UK, Europe or North America has moved to the far east. That started taking prices down and it really got turbo-charged in the 90s."

Christmas celebrations for people with special needs have been rescued, thanks to the generosity of Gloucester folk.

Callous thieves stole frozen sausage rolls, plastic cutlery, paper plates and even gifts which had been stored for a party at Jamats Activity Centre last month.

But staff at the London Road venue have been overwhelmed by the kindness of locals who replenished their stocks so the annual shindig could take place as planned today.

Manager Don Pope, who has run the centre with his wife, Joan, since 2010, said: "To be honest we were absolutely gutted at the time. We were in shock.

"The people here are not materialistic but they do like to have a party. They were getting excited about it and then somebody took that away from them so you can imagine how they felt.

"But people have since been coming in with donations; serviettes and everything we lost has been replaced by kind-hearted people. I would like to thank them for that."

Months of planning had gone into the party and around £5,000 worth of food, drink and other items were stolen by thieves who are believed to have climbed onto the roof before smashing their way through the ceiling to access the centre.

Staff were left heatbroken by the raid after presents donated by businesses for Santa to hand out were also pinched.

But the party went ahead as planned with around 150 guests and singer Riccardo Orefice entertained with Elvis Presley and Motown classics.

"The guys had a whale of a time," said Don, who hosted the party with his seven staff members this afternoon.

"But we don't know whether people saw us coming in with all the food but we did have a car full and it was a coincidence it was gone the following day."

Jamats Activity Centre provides a fun, relaxed and friendly environment for adults over the age of 16 with special needs.

It gives members the opportunity to take part in a variety of life skills, learning, creative and social activities.

Don and Joan opened the centre after finding that there weren't enough opportunities for their eldest son James, 28, who has severe autism and learning difficulties, after he left education. Their second son Matthew is 24 and Jamat is named after them both.

Tesco's recycling centre in Quedgeley is apparently already overwhelmed by the strain of Christmas.

While staff members work to fill the shelves as quickly as customers load their trolleys, it appears the waste packaging is not being removed at the same pace.

A shopper at the Bristol Road supermarket took these pictures today which show the extent of the backlog of waste – as well as the store's stance on pesky fly-tippers.

The woman said: "And this is the scene before Christmas; ho, ho, ho."

Gloucester take on local rivals in a mouth-watering West Country derby tonight. The Cherry and Whites have not beaten Bath in their last three attempts but there is plenty of optimism at Kingsholm.

Follow all of the action below:

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Gloucester 16 Bath 39

Bath flexed their forward muscle to take West Country derby spoils as Gloucester were blown away at Kingsholm.

There was no lack of effort or endeavour from the Cherry and Whites but they were unable to break their rivals' immense defence.

Bath soaked up everything Gloucester had to throw at them and had the forward power to match.

They gained the upper hand at the scrum and benefited from the officiating of Greg Garner throughout with George Ford slotting six penalties.

Garner also awarded a penalty try after Bath eased over the try-line with a juggernaut rolling maul before Matt Garvey added a second.

Dan Robson sniped down the blind-side to give the Cherry and Whites the faintest glimmer of hope but it vanished just as quickly as Garvey grabbed his second to secure Bath's biggest win at Kingsholm in league history.

The defeat was Gloucester's fourth in a row to their age-old rivals, the first time that has happened since 2001.

There was none of the controversy of last year's encounter, which saw Tim Wigglesworth brand two red cards and five, yellow, but Garner left the Shed equally incensed.

In truth it had little effect on the result, the difference was Bath's power and ruthless efficiency.

Gloucester welcomed back Greig Laidlaw, Tom Palmer, John Afoa and Sione Kalamafoni for the clash but they were without number eight Ben Morgan and his deputy Gareth Evans and their ball carrying presence was dearly missed.

Matt Banahan clattered Billy Twelvetrees with a bone-crunching tackle in the opening exchanges at Kingsholm but it did not knock Gloucester off their stride.
They opened the scoring on two minutes thanks to the boot of Laidlaw after Bath went off their feet at the breakdown.

Bath responded through George Ford on seven minutes but Gloucester were dominating territory and possession.
They went through a staggering 28 phases but were unable to make the decisive breakthrough with Richard Hibbard ignoring an overlap to go on a rampaging charge.
Bath's defence remained strong and Hook squandered a drop-goal before Laidlaw was also off target with a long-range penalty.
But he made amends as Gloucester forced a penalty from a scrum following a comical knock-on from Ford.
Ford however was equally proficient with the boot and he leveled the scores once again before nudging the visitors into the lead with two more penalties.
Finally Gloucester had the benefit of one of the referee's decisions at the scrum but they were unable to take advantage with Twlevetrees' effort from distance falling narrowly short.
As half-time approached Laidlaw added his third penalty to cut the deficit to 12-9 but Ford had the final word as he restored Bath's six-point advantage.
Gloucester were dealt a blow at the break with John Afoa withdrawn and replaced by Sila Puafisi.
Again they made a bright start to the half with Jonny May and Ross Moriarty prominent but Bath continued to soak up the pressure.
They weathered the Cherry and White storm and almost capitalised as Jonathan Joseph launched a counter-attack.
Twelvetrees raced back to save the day and was penalised for failing to release the tackled player but Ford was unable to punish the indiscretion.
Ford however quickly redeemed himself and Gloucester were dealt a further blow when Puafisi was sent to the sin-bin for persistent infringements at the scrum. From there it was virtually one way traffic.

The visitors wasted no time in taking advantage of Gloucester's predicament, kicking to the corner and launching a rolling maul which resulted in a penalty try.

Ford added the extras and less than 10 minutes later Garvey crashed over to consign Gloucester to defeat with the fly-half again on target.

Robson sniped down an empty blindside to score with just ten minutes remaining and Hook nailed the touchline conversion to give his side a slim chance of victory.

But Bath continued to strangle the life out of the hosts and after exerting a sustained period of pressure, Garvey picked up the ball from his bootlaces for a try in injury-time.

Gloucester Rugby: Steve McColl (David Halaifonua 53); Charlie Sharples, Henry Purdy (Mark Atkinson 50), Billy Twelvetrees (capt), Jonny May; James Hook, Greig Laidlaw (Dan Robson69); Yann Thomas (Nick Wood 45), Richard Hibbard (Darren Dawidiuk 66), John Afoa (Sila Puafisi ht); Tom Savage, Tom Palmer (James Hudson 64); Sione Kalamafoni, Matt Kvesic, Ross Moriarty (Elliott Stooke 65)

Try - D Robson; Con – J Hook; Pens – G Laidlaw (3)

Bath Rugby: Anthony Watson; Semesa Rokoduguni (Sam Burgess 69), Jonathan Joseph, Kyle Eastmond (Ollie Devoto 53), Matt Banahan; George Ford, Chris Cook (Micky Young 54); Paul James, Ross Batty (Rob Webber 50), David Wilson (Henry Thomas 53), Stuart Hooper ( c ) (Matt Garvey 61), Dominic Day, Alafoti Fa'osiliva (Carl Fearns 45), Francois Louw, Leroy Houston

Tries – Penalty, M Garvey (2); Cons – G Ford (3); Pens – G Ford (6)

Referee: G Garner
Attendance: 16,000

The body of a 60-year-old man has been discovered in a canal near Stroud.

The man, believed to be from the local area, was found in the Gloucester to Sharpness canal between Sandfield Bridge and Fretherne Bridge near Saul.

According to the BBC police were called to the area at 2.30am on Saturday after reports a man had gone missing after a night out.

A spokesman for the police confirmed the death was not being treated as suspicious.

Mark Wright and partner Karen Hauer have become the first pair to be voted out of the Strictly Come Dancing final this evening.

The reality TV star and Essex boy never stopped smiling throughout the competition and was widely believed to be the most improved dancer throughout the competition.

His departure leaves Caroline Flack and partner Pasha Kovalev; Frankie Bridge and Kevin Clifton and Simon Webbe and Kristina Rihanoff bidding for the Strictly glitterball title.

TV presenter Caroline Flack has won the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing glitterball after a spectacular final to a glitter-filled series.

With partner, Pasha Kovalev, the couple won the Strictly glitterball in one of the closest finals of the Saturday night hit show.

The pair scored an amazing 120 out of 120 from the judges in their dances, being the first couple in Strictly history to do so.

But the decision lay with the public vote and not the experts this week.

She said: "It's changed my life completely. I feel confident, I realise there are different things that I want to do. It's just been such a positive experience."

Pasha added: "I always knew Caroline had potential and we slowly worked it towards the 40. I was surprised, it was amazing."

And the Strictly Come Dancing Champions 2014 are Caroline and Pasha. #SCDFinalpic.twitter.com/mcwQODXrvn

— BBC One (@BBCOne) December 20, 2014

It even left judge Craig "speechless".

They beat off competition from Frankie Bridge and Kevin Clifton, Simon Webbe and Kristina Rihanoff and Mark Wright and Karen Hauer to take the sparkling and sequined prize this evening.

After 1,300 hours of training and performing more than 60 dances, the four celebs put on a twinkling final that did not disappoint in a star-studded night that saw Take That provide entertainment.

All couples performed their showstopping final dance as well as a routine picked by the Strictly judges, Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, Darcey Bussell and Craig Revel Horwood.

"@bbcstrictly: The class of Strictly 2014 just AMAZING! #scdpic.twitter.com/JKiCmgOoND" #fb

— Grant (@viralpoet) December 20, 2014

Pop princess, Frankie Bridge, from The Saturdays has had a remarkable season on Strictly with her score never dipping below 30 out of 40.

She said: "I never thought I'd get this far. It's been really good for me to know that I can go out there and do something on my own."

Dance partner, Kevin Clifton, added: "Frankie picks up the steps but we have to talk about the performance a lot more. She takes a little time to come out of her shell."

During the final she La Bamba-ed her way to the audience's admiration with a samba before a Fred and Ginger style show dance to Get Happy.

Boy band member Simon Webbe from Blue and his partner, Kristina Rihanoff, wowed the audience and judges at Blackpool Tower's ballroom performing a high scoring Argentine Tango.

He said: "It was a massive shock [to reach the final] and I'm really grateful. This experience has been a lifeline. Kristina has believed in me and boosted my confidence."

Kristina added: "It's great to be so excited after seven years on the show. It's been a blast to work with somebody so genuinely interested in my craft."

The couple warmed the audience's heart with the Charleston and a medley of dance that Elvis would be proud of.

The Only Way is Essex star Mark Wright has been a favourite with the public and the most improved dancers of all the finalists.

It's the story of Strictly 2014 via what else? The medium of dance! #scdpic.twitter.com/Fu8yjK1mIQ

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) December 20, 2014

The reality TV star, who didn't stop smiling or crying throughout the competition, was first to go in the finals night – getting the lowest votes from both the public and the judges.

He said: "It's been an up and down rollercoaster journey, from dance-offs, crying and laughing. Never would I have expected to be in the final."

His professional Karen Hauer said: "Mark has blown me away, from not being a performer at all, to now saying 'could we put this move in?'"

During the series, the cheeky chappy survived the bottom two twice before he cha cha cha-ed in the final before nothing could stop him in his show-stopping jived theme last dance.

But he was the first to be booted out of the finals night, only making it through two of the three dances.

And if you can't wait for next year's Strictly – don't panic there's a Christmas special next week, with Sir Bruce making a return to the show.

There are fears the NHS is not coping under the weight of record admittance to it's A&E centres across the country. 

Casualty units are believed to be struggling to manage after 111,062 emergency admission last week, with the highest number ever waiting more than four hours to be seen.

There were 44,153 patients waited more than four hours – double what was waiting the same time last year.

Increasing numbers of flu and norovirus sufferers mean A&E units are overwhelmed already, with the Christmas period still to go.

They included more than 10,000 patients with waits of between four and 12 hours – almost three times as many as in the same week last year.

Ambulance and A&E services were last night braced for the worst night of the year, with drinkers expected to consume twice as much alcohol as usual.

Speaking to the Telegraph Dr Peter Carter, general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing said A&Es were struggling to cope.

"A&E departments across the country face immense pressures and many are buckling under the strain," he said.

"Our health service is running at full capacity and the strain on the system is immense. The fear is that as the festive period gets under way, A&Es are set to get even busier and performance could deteriorate further."

DARREN WEBSTER produced a huge upset at the William Hill World Darts Championship as he dumped out former finalist Simon Whitlock with a 3-1 win in the first round, while Kyle Anderson knocked out Steve Beaton and Gary Anderson survived stubborn qualifier Scott Kirchner on Saturday night.

On generally a good day for Australia, it was their biggest name who became the highest-profile casualty of the tournament so far as Whitlock, the seventh seed for the event, could not live with Webster's superb finishing power as he landed four ton-plus checkouts.

Norwich man Webster averaged 94.24 and hit 11 of 23 doubles, which was the big difference as Whitlock could only manage four doubles from 24 attempts as he suffered a first round exit for the first time in seven PDC World Championship appearances.

Webster's finishing power was evident from the start as he rattled in a 118 checkout in the opening leg of the match, landing treble 20, single 18 and double top to get off the mark.

That was followed by a "Shanghai" 120 finish in the next, and although he just missed out on a 104 checkout in the third leg he returned to finish off the set with his next visit.

Whitlock recovered to win a tight second set in a deciding leg after both men missed set darts, with the Australian initially failing to hit tops for a 76 but finally hitting double five.

A 180 helped Whitlock to win the first leg of the third set, but Webster hit back in the next, taking out 136 thanks to two treble 20s and a double eight.

Whitlock started with a 180 in the leg three, but Webster answered later on to leave himself a 101 outshot that he again finished to move ahead, and with a double eight in the fourth leg he was back in front.

It was all Webster in the fourth set, hitting a 14-darter to kick off, a 180 to help win the second leg and completing the upset win with 70 finished on tops, to set up a second round clash with either Dean Winstanley or Wayne Jones.

"I've been working on my doubles the last couple of weeks because they've been letting me down a bit, but I was just concentrating on taking my time and letting them go, as I can throw that final dart too quick sometimes," said Webster, who had missed match darts against James Wade 12 months ago.

"I'm so happy to have won one on TV, finally! I've been throwing well and averaging 100-plus on the floor all year but up there on the big stage maybe it gets a bit tight in the arm and it's just not happened for me, so I'm so relieved to have finally won one up there.

"I'm only just getting started now, I was a bit nervous up there to start off with but now I can relax into the tournament and who knows what can happen now?"

Kyle Anderson exacted revenge on Steve Beaton with a 3-0 scoreline to progress into the second round of the William Hill World Darts Championship for the first time - avenging his defeat by the same margin to the former Lakeside Champion on his debut in the 2013 event.

The Australian hit the headlines on the first Saturday of last year's event by hitting a nine-darter against Ian White, but he still suffered defeat for the second successive year.

Two years ago Anderson was knocked out on his Alexandra Palace debut after a 3-0 loss to Beaton, but this time the tables were turned as Anderson hit three 180s.

The first set was pretty even, with Beaton edging ahead 2-1 but a 15-darter and a 67 finish levelling for Anderson, who then clinched the vital leg after both men had missed darts to win the set.

Anderson came storming out of the traps in the second set, hitting 180s in three consecutive legs, the first setting up a 68 finish to grab a break of the Beaton throw.

The second 180 led to a 14-darter, but Beaton managed to cling on by hitting 36 on a double nine in leg three, although it only delayed matters as Anderson hit double four at the third time of asking to win the set 3-1.

The third set proved a one-sided affair as Anderson claimed all three legs, landing tops, double 16 for a 70 finish and double five as he sealed his place in round two against Andy Hamilton.

"It feels brilliant, two years of hard work has paid off," said Anderson. "I didn't play as well as I can, but to play well enough to get through is brilliant, it's great being in round two.

"Maybe I thought a bit too much about 2012 when I played Steve last time. I was a bit nervous at the start, but after the first set I managed to settle down."

On his second round clash with Hamilton, Anderson added: "I'll just prepare the same as this game, you've got to prepare to go out and play against any player, whether it's Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen or anyone like that. Andy's a big name and it'll be tough but I'll be prepared."

Terry Jenkins hit the ground running in his bid to win the William Hill World Darts Championship title as he averaged 98.73 and hit five 180s in his 3-1 victory over Australian left hander John Weber.

Jenkins started off brilliantly with a 12-dart leg which included a 140 and a 180 and culminated in a 121 finish to give him a storming start to the match.

Weber responded but Jenkins could not be stopped, hitting a second 180 in the third leg before taking out 80 at the first attempt, followed by a third 180 as he clinched the set with a 107 average.

The Australian hit back though as Jenkins dropped off in his doubling, but he hit another 180 to set up a 36 finish before grabbing a fifth of the match only to see Weber pinch the leg with a brilliant 128 checkout.

A 180 for a fired-up Weber gave him the second set to level the match, but that would only force Jenkins to respond again and push on, as he claimed the next six legs without reply.

The third set came quickly and clinically despite not being of the greatest quality, but in the fourth set he upped his game as he kicked it off with two 140s and a 170 in setting up a 15-darter.

Two more 140s led to a 13-darter, and he finished the game off with a 14-darter capped by an 80 checkout to book a tie with another Australian, Laurence Ryder, after Christmas.

"I played really well, there was only that second set - actually just one leg in that set - that just set me back a bit," said Jenkins. "Otherwise I played nicely, I was hitting a lot of 140s up there and playing consistently it was just the odd double here and there i need to tighten up on.

"I didn't really know what to expect from the match, I hadn't played him before."

Former finalist Gary Anderson overcame an awkward challenge from preliminary round winner Scott Kirchner to grab a 3-1 victory and book a second round clash with Jelle Klaasen at Alexandra Palace.

Kirchner made short work of his preliminary round game against New Zealand's Mark McGrath with a whitewash win, and he took that form into his first round game with Anderson, who seemed to struggle with the American's pace of play and landed just nine of 38 attempts.

The averages were almost identical at just over 86, and Anderson hit three 180s and 15 140s but those missed doubles almost cost him dear as Kirchner saw an opportunity to win set three for a 2-1 lead go astray.

The Scot did manage to take the opening set, which went the distance after Kirchner took out 92 in two darts when Anderson failed to make the most of hitting a 180 and 140 to start the fourth leg.

Anderson rallied to produce a 14-dart leg in the decider, capped off with a double ten, and he could breathe a little easier after a testing start to his World Championship campaign.

A 180 from Kirchner started the second set, which he turned into a 14-dart leg, and he followed that up by bagging the second as well courtesy of double top for a 13-dart finish.

Anderson was sat on tops in the next to stay in the set, but Kirchner took out 66 to deny him the chance and level the match at a set apiece.

Anderson took the first two legs of set three, on double ten and tops, to regain his tough on the doubles, but a 180 from Kirchner in the next forced more missed doubles as the American landed double seven to hit back.

Anderson hit the 180 in the next, but was again punished for missed set darts as Kirchner levelled, before the DARTSLIVE Superdarts champion gave himself a dart for the set in the decider - just missing double 11 for a 124 finish to allow the number four set to post double five to regain the advantage.

A 69 finish put Kirchner ahead in the fourth set, but he missed a double 16 for the next leg, which Anderson took when he went all the way down to double one. That let-off proved to be enough for Anderson, who followed up with a 72 finish to take the third leg.

With the finish line in sight, Anderson then completed a hard-fought victory by hitting double 18 in the fourth leg to book his place against Jelle Klaasen in the second round after Christmas.

"It was a struggle and I couldn't get my pace right, so I was just glad to get over the finish line to be honest," admitted Anderson. "I couldn't get into a rhythm and Scott played well - he hit the big scores and I think there were a few legs where he missed doubles, and he could have taken the lead.

"The first round is always the hardest, but playing Jelle will suit me because he plays quicker. I know Jelle's game back-to-front and it will be a good pace."

The first round continues on Sunday with another exciting double session of action at Alexandra Palace.

Former Players Championship Finals winners Paul Nicholson and Kevin Painter are in action in the afternoon session, with former Lakeside Champion Mark Webster taking on Ron Meulenkamp and Dean Winstanley facing Wayne Jones.

Number six seed James Wade, a three-time World Championship semi-finalist, takes on Jamie Lewis in the evening session, while world number eight Dave Chisnall takes on Ryan De Vreede, with Kim Huybrechts and Ian White also in action.

WILLIAM HILL WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP
Preliminary & First Rounds
Saturday December 20
Evening Session
Steve Beaton (21) 0-3 Kyle Anderson
Mark McGrath 0-4 Scott Kirchner (P)
Terry Jenkins (16) 3-1 John Weber
Simon Whitlock (7) 1-3 Darren Webster
Gary Anderson (4) 3-1 Scott Kirchner

Sunday December 21
Afternoon Session (12.30pm)
Paul Nicholson (25) v Benito van de Pas
Boris Koltsov v Haruki Muramatsu (P)
Mark Webster (31) v Ron Meulenkamp
Dean Winstanley (26) v Wayne Jones
Kevin Painter (20) v Boris Koltsov/Haruki Muramatsu

Evening Session (7pm)
Kim Huybrechts (18) v Michael Mansell
Jani Haavisto v John Michael (P)
Dave Chisnall (8) v Ryan De Vreede
James Wade (6) v Jamie Lewis
Ian White (15) v Jani Haavisto/John Michael