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20 4 MAR – 10 MAR 2011 Issue 248

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A trip for
Helen’s Can nature your whole
amazing provide all class to make
challenge 6 our energy? 19 McFly 14 smoothies 21

PRIME
MINISTER
ANSWERS
YOUR
QUESTIONS
by editor Nicky Cox

THE Prime Minister has been answering questions from

First News readers about the issues that matter most to you.
You quiz him about bullying, university fees, the Olympic Games,
“I really want this Government to get
terrorism, what he thinks about the Royal Wedding and, even, what he
likes to cook!
Turn to page 4 and 5 for the full interview.
to grips with bullying in our schools.”
Inc./GAME FREAK inc. TM, ® and the Nintendo DS logo
© 2011 Pokémon. © 1995–2011 Nintendo/Creatures

OUT
are trademarks of Nintendo. © 2011 Nintendo

TODAY!
Turn to p16-17 for more details or see www.pokemonblackwhite.co.uk
 2 FirstNews Issue 248 4 MAR – 10 MAR 2011

FIRST NEWS HEADLINES For more headline news, pictures and videos go to www.firstnews.co.uk/news

Time to free
Young Protestors in Libya call
for their leader to go

offenders

Libya
need help
YOUNG people who are
released from police
custody need more help
and support, according to a

Getty
children’s charity.

The charity Barnardo’s think that

the Government would save a lot
of money if more was done to
support young offenders once they
were released.
In 2009-2010 more than 4,000
young offenders were sent to
Barnardo’s after leaving custody.
Some of the offenders are as young
as 13 and the charity are concerned
that they get caught in a cycle of
re-offending. They believe a lot of
money could be saved if the young
offenders had somewhere safe to go
and live after being released. Many
young offenders end up suffering
from depression or are sent back
to families who cannot cope with
their needs.
The Government has said that
they will encourage all councils to do
more to help.
BRitaiN and other world governments were making plans to send warplanes to Libya, as First News went to press.
They want to end Colonel Muammar
Gaddafi’s 42-year rule of Libya.
The North African dictator has ruled
the country for all this time with no
democracy. There is no president, no
political parties and no trade unions.
Colonel Gaddafi has done exactly
what he wants, ordering the murder of
people who have got in his way.
Now his people have turned on him
and the rest of the world wants to
help them.
The Libyan leader was desperately
trying to cling to power this week
amid protests from his people who
want him to go.
British Prime Minister David
Cameron told MPs the removal of
Colonel Gaddafi was “a priority”.
British people are being evacuated
out of the country.
The Prime Minister said: “My
message to Colonel Gaddafi is simple
– go now.”
World leaders are trying to impose
a no fly zone over Libya so that fighter
jets can shoot down any Libyan
aircraft that Coloner Gaddafi is using
CHECK IT OUT
www.firstnews.co.uk
for the latest on Libya
to bomb his own people.
The Americans said they were
moving armed forces in the
region close to Libya in case they
were needed.
However, as First News went to
press, Colonel Gaddafi was still
claiming that “all my people love me”.
David Cameron told the House of
Commons in London: “We need to do
the preparation and the planning
now because no-one can be sure
what Colonel Gaddafi will do to his
Colonel Gaddafi
own people.”

Search for earthquake End of pen and paper exams

survivors
MORE than 140 people have
haNdwRittEN exam
papers may be a thing
of the past, says the
been confirmed as dead, with head of England’s exam
hundreds more still missing watchdog.
after the earthquake that hit
Isabel Nisbet, the chief executive
Christchurch, New Zealand, of the Office of Qualifications and
last month. Examinations Regulation (Ofqual)
As First News went to press rescue operations were still underway, but as days believes that young people
pass it is getting more and more unlikely that any more survivors will be pulled out educated in a digital world should
of the rubble. be tested digitally.
Aftershocks from the earthquake and severe weather have made rescue missions At the moment only a small
difficult, with more windstorms forecast. number of existing exams can be
The first funerals for people killed in the taken on computers with most
quake have started to take place, while many exam papers being handwritten. Two exam boards ink increasingly differs from the way in which
more people are continuing to leave the city as think digital exams would be a positive move but youngsters learn.”
aftershocks continue. lots of head teachers are worried about the lack of
The magnitude-6.3 earthquake is being called resources available to make this change. What do you think? Would you like to take
“New Zealand’s single most tragic event” by Ms Nisbet said: “Our school exams run the risk exams online or do you prefer hand written
John Key, the Prime Minister. of becoming invalid, as their medium of pen and tests? Vote online at www.firstnews.co.uk
FirstNews Issue 248 4 MAR – 10 MAR 2011 3

FIRST NEWS HEADLINES For more headline news, pictures and videos go to www.firstnews.co.uk/news

Humanoid robot King of the Oscars EDITOR’S

wins marathon
thE world’s first full-length marathon for two-legged
robots has been held in Osaka, Japan.
The winner, Robovie-PC
(pictured below right) beat
Robovie-PC Lite over the finish
line by just one second.
The race took over two
days, and involved the knee-
high robots making 423
laps of an indoor track.
They race at a speed of
approximately 0.77km/h.
One android only
managed one lap of the track,
while another two were still
racing as First News went
to press.
The race was held as a test
of durability, with operators
allowed to change the android’s
batteries but not help them up
if they fell.
BRitiSh actor Colin Firth has won Best actor at this
year’s Oscars for his role as King George Vi in the film
the Kings Speech.
The actor had been favourite
to win the award since
nominations were announced.
The film was also voted Best
Picture, Best Original Screenplay
and its director, Tom Hooper,
won Best Director.
Other big winners
at the glitzy ceremony
in Los Angeles include
The Social Network
which picked up three
awards and Inception
which picked up four.
Pregnant actress
Natalie Portman won
the award for Best
Actress for Black Swan
and paid tribute to
the other actresses
nominated in her
category.
Toy Story 3 was
voted the Best
Animation.
The Oscars are also known
as the Academy Awards and
are considered one of the most
prestigious awards to win in the
film industry.
Best actor Colin Firth
COMMENT
Editor Nicky Cox MBE
at First News, we are really proud that
we are able to give a voice to the young
people of Britain. Yes, that’s you!
And, this week, we took your voices right to
the top with the Prime Minister, David Cameron,
listening to your concerns and answering your
questions on the issues that matter most to
you. Among other things, Mr Cameron was very
clear that he wants to make sure that every child
is taught in a way that works for them as an
individual. I was so happy to hear that because
that message fits in so well with the First News
My Way! campaign. The aim of My Way! is to stop
any schoolchild feeling stupid because they are
struggling. One in five children has some sort of
learning challenge which means that their brain
works in a different way and they need different
kinds of help – to be taught in their own way.
Today a fantastic new art gadget, called uDraw,
is launching. It works with the Nintendo Wii
and is a great new way to draw and to discover
your creativity. uDraw will be sponsoring the My
Way! campaign for the next two years which is
absolutely brilliant news. It means that we can
continue to publish your My Way! stories in First
News and we will be able to visit more of you
in your schools. And, we’ll be launching the My
Way! Awards in June at Downing Street. More
about that soon...

A street child sleeps in

her “bed” in India THIS WEEK
IN HISTORY
On 9 March 1973, the people of Northern
Ireland voted overwhelmingly to remain
within the United Kingdom.

BAD WEEK FOR...

Tunisian Prime
Minister
Mohammed
Ghannouchi has
resigned as Prime
Minister of Tunisia
after last month’s
uprising against
former President
Aine al-Abidine
Ben Ali.

More aid for the poor

MORE money will be given by Britain to the world’s poorest people over the next four years, after the
GOOD WEEK FOR...
uK
advertisers
A ban on
results of a review ordered by the international development Secretary andrew Mitchell. product
British aid will be stopped to 16 countries The aid money is one of the few budgets spend less money. placement on
after the review showed that they are no that is not being affected by Government Mr Mitchell has spoken out to say: British TV has
longer considered to be in poverty. cuts. The amount given to countries abroad “The reason why, at this time of dreadful
been lifted. This means advertisers can
India will continue to receive £280 as aid will rise to £11 billion by 2015. economic inheritance, we made it clear
million a year for the next four years. Other Lots of people think that it is unfair to that we won’t balance the books at the
now pay to have their products used
countries that will benefit from the UK’s spend so much money helping people expense of the poorest people in the in TV shows like X Factor and Britain’s
aid include Yemen and Somalia, which will abroad when there are lots of areas in the world, is because it is morally right to do Got Talent. This is already common
help the countries crack down on terrorism. UK that are being forced to make cuts and so.” practice in America.
4 FirstNews Issue 248
FIRST NEWS GIVES YOUNG PEOPLE A VOICE
Prime Minister
David Cameron
answers your
questions
THe Prime Minister has taken time out of his busy schedule running the country to answer questions from
First News readers. So, this was your chance to ask David Cameron about the issues that matter most to you…
AMY, 12
Are you looking forward to
Prince William’s wedding to
Kate Middleton?
I certainly am. I think it will be a
great and happy occasion, and an
opportunity for us all to celebrate.
I camped out on The Mall the
night before Prince Charles
and Diana’s wedding and loved
watching the procession go by. I
wouldn’t recommend everyone
does that, not least because it
would get very crowded, but
hope that you will all be using the
opportunity of the public holiday
to do something to celebrate the
occasion in April.
HeATHY, 10
When you were elected
in May, what was the first
thought that came into
your head?
What a huge responsibility this
is – and that I hope I don’t let
anyone down.
FIRsT NeWs ReADeR, 11
Will bullying punishments
get any worse, other than
kids being sent off the
playground or having their
parents come to school?
And CINDY, 9
What is being done about
serious bullying?
I really want this Government
to get to grips with bullying in
our schools. It makes so many
children’s lives a misery. The
biggest single step we can take
is to give teachers more power
than they have now. When I speak
to teachers, and in particular
headteachers, they often say
4 – 10 MAR 2011
they don’t feel they can properly
punish the worst-behaved kids.
We’re changing that. We’re giving
teachers much greater control in
the classroom, with more power
to discipline bullies, and even
search them for any weapons they
might be carrying.
FIRsT NeWs ReADeR, 14
What is your vision for the
education of children in
this country?
I want every child to have the
best education in the world. I
want them to not just learn the
basics; I want them to be inspired
by learning. And, importantly,
I want each child to have an
education that suits their needs.
Everyone is different; we all have
different needs, abilities and
interests – and I want schools
to cater for them. That’s one of
the reasons why we’re making a
really big change. We’re letting
suitable organisations – whether
that’s teachers, a parents group
or charity – set up a school.
More schools mean more choice
and more children getting the
education they want and need.
OLIVIA AARONsON
Do you feel that there is
a significant threat from
terrorist attacks and what
plans have you made to
combat it?
The threats we face are serious
– and the Government is doing all
it can to protect people, whether
that’s tracking the terrorists who
want to do us harm or building a
stronger society so people don’t
turn to terrorism in the first place.
And, of course, we can all do our
bit by being alert and looking out
for any suspicious bags on trains
and buses.
JADe, 13
How will British children
benefit from the 2012
Olympic Games?
This is a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity to make sure they
do. So we’ve announced a
new inclusive School Games
programme which every school
will be invited to sign up to. I hope
this series of annual events will
excite children across the country
and inspire them to get involved
in sport. We’re aiming for the
first School Games final to take
place in the Olympic Stadium in
2012, giving young people an
opportunity to feel the power
of competing in a world class
“I really
want this
Government
to get to
grips with
bullying in
our schools.”
stadium. We are determined that
hosting the 2012 Games will allow
us to harness the UK’s passion for
sport and increase participation,
particularly by young people.
TOBY, 14
How did you feel after all
the World Cup efforts from
you, David Beckham and
Prince William when we
only got one vote from
FIFA?
Hugely disappointed, to be
honest. The England 2018 team
put together a fantastic bid and
I honestly believe there was
nothing more that we could have
done. But I congratulated Russia
on being selected and wish them
luck for hosting the tournament.
TeRRI, 11
I am a member of the
charity Young Carers. What
are you going to do about
the lack of money for us.
The support group for kids
is shutting down and we
need that support.
The first thing to say is how
much I appreciate the work of
young carers. A survey carried out
by the BBC last year found one in
12 schoolchildren had some sort
of caring responsibilities. These
people are often unsung heroes
– juggling caring responsibilities
with their schoolwork and a social
life. In return, the Government
is trying to do all we can to help
carers, in particular by putting
a lot more funding into health
services to give them the breaks
they need.
Your question, though, was
FirstNews Issue 248 4 – 10 MAR 2011
FIRST NEWS GIVES YOUNG PEOPLE A VOICE
about money for your support
group. Although I don’t know
the details of your specific case,
there is no doubt that everyone
is having to make cuts at the
moment – central government
and local councils too – as we try
to get to grips with the massive
hole we have in the public
finances. But what I‘ve said to
local councils is they really should
cut their bureaucracies and
their top pay before they turn to
voluntary bodies and charities.
That is the approach we are
following in central government.
Despite these difficult times,
we’ve actually found new ways to
help – including through a new
Big Society Bank and, to make
it easier before this new money
starts to flow, a ‘Transition Fund’ to
help voluntary groups grasp new
opportunities that open up.
FIRsT NeWs ReADeR, 15
How will the ‘Big Society’
work in poorer communities
in Britain? I live in a village
where lots of people
volunteer and look out for
each other but I am not sure
that this will work in larger
and poorer communities.
In fact it’s in precisely these
communities that the old approach
– of everything being controlled
from the centre – has been the
greatest failure. So one of the
reasons I’m so passionate about
the Big Society is that it’s in these
areas where a new approach
could make the biggest difference.
Empowering people to improve
the lives of their communities –
not only through volunteering,
but also by giving them a greater
say over the public services they
receive and the decisions which
are taken – works wherever people
live. This is because the people
who live in an area are more likely
to know about the area, and are
more likely to care about their area,
than officials living miles away.
Let me give you an example.
Balsall Heath in Birmingham was
once a place full of crime and
drugs. Now it’s a great place to
live. And the change happened
because local people decided
they’d had enough and took a
stand to drive out crime and clean
up their neighbourhood, with
residents groups, street stewards
and the like working in partnership
with the police and council. The
Big Society is about learning the
lessons from this and applying
them elsewhere too. That doesn’t
mean sitting back and hoping –
we are actively trying to make it
happen. For example, we are going
to be training 5,000 community
organisers to help bring about
social action in areas where it is
needed most. And we are setting
up a Community First fund
which will support the growth of
community groups in areas with
significant deprivation.
FIRsT NeWs WeBsITe
MeMBeR, 10
Do you think we should put
up the age limit for smoking
and drinking? And how can
we have more protection
for schoolgirls as there
are loads of weird people
out there?
The age limit for cigarettes
already went up a couple of
years ago to 18 and I don’t think
it should go higher. I do think,
however, we should protect
children from smoking. One way
a lot of teenagers get cigarettes
is from vending machines, so we
are banning them from being sold
in these machines later this year.
When it comes to alcohol, again, I
think people are old enough at 18
to make their own decisions. But
we have got to do more to stop
underage drinking. For example,
we are doubling the fine for those
shopkeepers who sell alcohol to
young teenagers.
You’re right about protecting
children. One particularly
important thing we’ve seen in
recent months is more help for
children and young people using
social networking sites, like the
ClickCEOP app for Facebook. It’s
vital we spread the word on this,
so children and teenagers can
report any suspicious behaviour
and get the help, advice and
support they need.
RAY, 12
You increased VAT to 20%
but it has an effect on many
things I buy everywhere,
including at school. What
are you willing to do about
things that children buy?
This was a really tough decision.
Believe me I don’t like putting
up taxes. But this country is
massively in debt, so we have
to do something about it. The
biggest part of the answer is
cutting spending. But we also need
to get more money in, and that,
unfortunately, means increasing
some taxes.
However, not everything
children need has VAT added to it.
For instance, no one pays any VAT
on children’s clothing or books.
AYesHA, 11
Will university fees decrease
considering the number
of protestors you got? If
not, what will happen to
people who can’t afford the
fees? Will they not have a
university education?
I think there’s been a lot of
misunderstanding about our plans.
No one will have to pay any fees
up front – not a penny. The only
time people will pay anything
back is when they graduate, have
a job and earn over £21,000. That
is much better than the present
system, when people start paying
back if they earn just £15,000.
Under the new system everyone
will pay less per month than they
do now – and the less well-off
will pay almost two thirds less per
month than now.
We’re also launching a National
Scholarship Programme which,
by 2014, will help support around
100,000 students from the poorest
families – every year.
So, no student should be put off
going to university by the thought
that they can’t afford the fees. This
is really important. I want more
people from a wider variety of
backgrounds to get into our best
universities, and that will only
happen if people understand the
measures we are taking to help
those on the lowest incomes.
“We’re aiming
for the first School
Games final to
take place in the
Olympic Stadium
in 2012”
eVe
We had lots of snow this
year, last year and it is
thought that, in the future,
we will have much more
snow around winter. Is
the Government going to
provide solutions to the
snow because the country
seems to collapse (trains
stop running, no grit on
the roads) whenever we
have snow?
I wouldn’t say Britain collapses
when there’s snow, but I do agree
we should do all we can to make
our response better. We’ve not
traditionally spent as much on
snow protection measures as
some countries with much colder
winters, because the measures
wouldn’t be used as often. You’re
right, though, to say we’ve now
had a couple of years of problems
with snow. In fact, this winter was
the coldest for over a century, and
countries elsewhere in Europe
had similar problems. But we’ve
certainly got to do all we can
to be as well prepared as
5
Read more at www.firstnews.co.uk/news
possible. For instance, we currently eradicate small pox and bring
have more than a million tonnes polio to the edge of extinction.
of salt stored across the country, Last year alone we brought food
nearly four times as much as we to 13 million people on the brink
had a year ago. of famine, vaccinated four million
children against measles and
provided clean water to 2.5 million
JuLIeN, 16
How do you decide how people. These are amazing figures,
and show what a difference we can
much aid to give to people make – both through voluntary
living in desperate need in giving and through taxpayer
poverty around the world,
funding.
compared to how much you
LARA, 11
spend on people in the UK?
It’s a good question, and one of What’s your favourite meal?
the great things about our politics I love to cook, and my favourite
in recent years is that all three
main parties now pretty much
recipe at the moment is Italian
sausage meat Pasta. My kids
agree on the answer. We’ve all
made a promise to achieve the
love pancakes, and I really enjoy
cooking them on a Sunday
target the United Nations set for morning.
spending on aid – 0.7% of UK gross
national income. Despite these
difficult financial times, we
are going to keep that
promise. We’re one of
the countries leading
the way on this. I
think that says a
huge amount
about our
country and
the values we
stand for.
Of course,
it’s a small
proportion of
our budget
compared to
what we spend
here in the UK,
but well-spent
aid can achieve
miracles. The
need is huge:
more than a
billion people
around the world
try to survive on less
than a dollar a day.
UK taxpayers have
already helped
 6 FirstNews Issue 248 4 – 10 Mar 2011

THE NEWS IN PICTURES For more pictures and videos go to www.firstnews.co.uk/news-in-pictures

24 february COlOmbia:
Children in Colombia are being encouraged
to swap catapults for conservation in an february lONdON, uK: Woodland creatures gathered for a special screening of
educational initiative designed to protect Walt Disney’s classic film, Bambi, at the British Film Institute this weekend. To celebrate Bambi’s
the country’s numerous endangered birds, first ever release on high definition Blu-ray, arthur the deer, Thumper the rabbit and their
including the Yellow-eared Parrot. handlers took a trip to the South Bank to watch the film at a special screening.

28 february lONdON, uK: Helen Skelton became the first person

to high-wire walk between the chimneys of Battersea Power Station, in aid of red
Nose Day 2011. The daredevil Blue Peter presenter took just 11 minutes to complete
the 150-metre stretch of wire across one of London’s most famous landmarks.

CHECK IT OUT
www.firstnews.co.uk
for the video of Helen’s walk

28 february
GaNGNeuNG, SOuTH
KOrea: Kimberley
Hew-Low and Cameron
28 february lONdON uK: a group of young women have ‘a bit of a do’ for Oxfam Hemmert of australia
at St Pancras International and enjoy a screening of Dirty Dancing. Oxfam is calling compete in the Ice Dance
on women across the UK to get together with their female friends in March to celebrate Free during day one of the
women’s achievements for the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day (8 March, 2011) 2011 World Junior Figure
and raise money to support their work with women living in poverty. Skating Championships.
FirstNews Issue 248 4 – 10 MaR 2011
OUR STORIES
anglesey
First Royal appearance
Prince William and Kate
Middleton carried out their first
ever official engagement together
at Trearddur Bay on anglesey. The
couple were at a RnLI lifeboat
dedication ceremony where they
both sang the Welsh anthem.
Prince William made a speech
and Kate opened a bottle of
celebratory champagne and
poured it over the boat. Both the
Prince and Kate asked for their
first joint engagment to be on the
island, where they rent a home.
norfolk
River repair
Work has begun to clean up the
River nar and restore it to its
natural state. Old weirs will be
removed to reduce the build up of
silt in the river and improve water
flow. The project aims to restore
pools, meanders and gravel areas
in the channel as well as recreate
habitat where eels, brown trout,
sea trout, water voles, rare
dragonflies and otters can live.
london
Skyscraper fox
a fox has been found living at the
top of the UK’s tallest building.
The animal is believed to have
climbed to the top of the Shard
building in London Bridge via
a stairwell. He may have been
surviving on scraps of food left
over by builders working on the
new building. The fox, who has
been nicknamed Romeo, was
captured and taken to a nearby
animal shelter to be checked over.
after getting the all clear he was
released back into south London.
THE WEEK IN NUMBERS
100 clowns from around
the world will be entertaining
crowds at Butlins in Bognor Regis
this weekend as part of a specially
themed Circus Circus break.
8 year-old jonjo Heuerman
from Kent is planning to walk 23
miles across London to raise money
for charity.
For more home news, pictures and videos go to www.firstnews.co.uk/news
Home News
scotland edinburgh
Bedbug worries Slam dunk teen
a rise in the number of bedbug a teenager from Scotland has been
cases found in Scotland could rescued from a basketball hoop
become a major public health after trying to slam dunk herself
issue. Experts are worried about through it. The 14-year-old tried to
the rise in numbers and are drop through the hoop feet first
blaming more people travelling but got stuck. Firefighters were
abroad and unknowingly bringing
the pests back with them. People
called to come and rescue her.
are being urged to look out for an
almond type smell in their bed as a
sign of infestation.
10 fire stations from around the
UK have sent teams of firefighters
to new Zealand to help with the
aftermath of the earthquake.
100 year-old Shingle Street
coastguard station in Suffolk has
been decommissioned after 100
years of continuous service.
7
FAST WEATHER
FACTS FACT FIL
E
oxfordshire
Big bun fight
Sweden has its driest weather in
a traditional bun fight will go
ahead at abingdon County Hall March, when an average of just
2.54cm of rainfall occurs across
Museum to mark the wedding of
Prince William and Kate Middleton. 10 days.
Thousands of currant buns will be
thrown from the roof in a tradition
that dates back to the coronation
of George III in 1761. There was
THE
some doubt as to whether the
event would take place as there
WEEK’S
is scaffolding around the building
while renovations are taking place.
WEATHER
with Jonathan Powell
From Friday 4 to Thursday 10
March 2011
Week In general
Sunshine and showers.
Frost at times.
FrIday 4 march
Scotland/n Ireland –
Dry, sunny spells. Day
9c/48f night 1c/34f. Light north
westerly.
England/Wales –
Scattered showers. Day
12c/54f night 3c/37f.
Light north westerly.
saturday 5 march
Scotland/n Ireland –
Dry, sunny spells. Day
8c/46f night 0c/32f. Light north
westerly.
England/Wales –
Sunshine and showers.
Day 10c/50f night
2c/36f. Light north westerly.
sunday 6 march
Scotland/n Ireland –
Sunshine and showers.
Day 9c/48f night 0c/32f. Light
north westerly.
England/Wales – Sunshine
and showers. Day 11c/52f night
2c/36f. Light north westerly.
rest oF the Week
Similar pattern
6 million trees will be planted across
the UK as part of the Queen’s Diamond
jubilee celebrations in 2012. The first tree
was planted in Hampshire this week.
10,000 pounds worth of
toy model cars have been stolen from a
home in Surrey. The collection of Bburago
cars took over 30 years to assemble.
 8 FirstNews Issue 248 4 – 10 MAR 2011

ANIMAL NEWS For more animal news, pictures and videos go to www.firstnews.co.uk/news

New type
of whale?
A NEW hybrid of minke
whale may have been found.
The whale is believed to be a
cross between two types of minke
whale; an Antarctic minke and a
northern minke.
The whale was caught in the
northeastern Atlantic in 2007.
It is only now that its DNA has
been found by a geneticist who
was analysing whale DNA and
discovered the surprising results.
The two species of minke whale
never normally meet, because their
migration routines take them in
opposite directions. Until now.
Further research has uncovered

Rescued!
various stories from fishermen
who claim to have caught or seen
unusual minke whales over the last
15 years. Could it be a new species
developing? Or just a few individual
whales that are flukes of nature?

THESE baby badgers could be the cutest things we’ve seen in a very long time!
Weighing just 56g each (that’s less than known as setts, until they are three months old. at Secret World Wildlife Rescue in Somerset
four spoons of sugar) the week-old cubs were While it is very sad that the cubs have become where they will eventually be released back
rescued from floods in Wales last week. The separated from their mum, it gives vets a into the wild.
tiny cubs were found abandoned in a barrel, chance to learn more about the animals at this Pauline Kidner, founder of Secret World,
where experts think their mother left them to early stage in their development. says: “They’re the first of the year and it is a
keep them safe. The cubs have been named Lavender, nice message for everyone that spring is just
Baby badgers don’t usually leave their homes, Saffron and Nutmeg and are being cared for around the corner.”

Not so stupid
PEOPLE often make jokes
about how stupid sheep are,
Disappearing?
but new research shows they MYSTERIOUS wolverines
may be more intelligent than may vanish from mainland
we think. America due to climate
Researchers at the University of change, according to
Cambridge discovered that Welsh scientists.
mountain sheep have brainpower
The fierce animals are only
that equals rodents and monkeys.
found in cold climates, and are
Tests found that the sheep can map
rarely seen anywhere that gets
the area they live in, and some may
warmer than 22°C.
even be able to plan ahead.
Warmer summers and the decline
The studies were done as part of
in spring snow in the US may cause
research into Huntington’s Disease.
the species to struggle to survive
in Wyoming, Idaho, Montana and
Washington State – the areas they
are currently found.
There is a lot of concern about
the future of the wolverine and
some states are thinking about
reintroducing them in an effort to

You named cub!

try and conserve the species.

HOW cute and relaxed do these red pandas look at the their home in Paignton Zoo!
The red panda cub, Raymundo, pictured and are classed as Vulnerable by the International
cuddled up with his mum was named by users of Union for the Conservation of Nature.
www.firstnews.co.uk and he looks pretty content Raymundo was born last July, alongside his
with his new name. sister Macy, bringing the total of red pandas at
Red pandas are facing extinction in the wild Paignton Zoo to four!
FirstNews Issue 248 4 – 10 MaR 2011
GLOBAL STORIES
SNIPPETS
an attempt to make the
world’s biggest pizza in
Melbourne, australia, has
come to an end after rain
made the dough too soggy.
usA
Stinky sewers
San Francisco is investing millions
of dollars in a three-year supply
of bleach to treat the foul stench
coming from its sewers. To save
water, low-flow toilets have to be
used in the city, but some say
that this does not flush the
sewers properly. Officials say the
policy saves 90 million litres of
water each year.
Getty
Bolivia
Landslide escape
Hundreds of homes have been
destroyed by a landslide in La Paz.
Luckily, officials had evacuated
the area first. Landslides are
common on the steep slopes
of the city, but this has been
described as one of the city’s
worst. no-one died, although five
people were killed nearby when a
river swept a minibus away.
Getty
A KID’S WORLD
Name: Martha Talavera Age: 15 Lives: Nicaragua
NiCArAguA is one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere having survived decades of civil war and an
unpredictable climate prone to hurricanes.
The country relies heavily on export
production for its national income, with
coffee being its chief export.
Following changes to the International
Coffee agreement in 1989, the coffee price
was subject to international fluctuations and
income fell for many producers.
World News
Canada
Deadly spray
Transport officials in Ontario have
admitted that the dangerous
chemical agent Orange was used
on local highways. agent Orange
strips leaves from plants and
trees, and was famously used in
the Vietnam War, where it was
responsible for many deaths,
illnesses and birth defects.
Brazil
Party disaster
at least 17 people have been killed
by a live power cable that fell
onto a crowd of people. a crowd
was enjoying a street party in
Bandeira do Sul when the accident
happened. Some witnesses blamed
the incident on fireworks or a truck
catching the cable.
Martha is the niece of Gustavo adolfo
Talavera, a coffee farmer and one of
the founding members of Soppexcca, a
producer’s collective, supported by Christian
aid.
The collective helps the farmers get a better
price for their coffee and improve living
9
For more world news, pictures and videos go to www.firstnews.co.uk/news
China
Death penalty debate
Officials say that 13 criminal
offences will no longer
be punishable by death.
Campaigners say that this does
Italy Russia not go far enough, as the offences
were mostly rare economic
PM on trial Massive fraud
crimes. There are still dozens of
offences that can lead to a death
sentence and China is thought
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi an official has been jailed for
to execute more people than any
will have to appear in court, as the 11 years for fraud, after selling
other country in the world.
first of several cases against him four fighter planes for £3 each.
has started. a law granting the PM although the planes were stripped
immunity from criminal trials has of weapons and engines, they were
been successfully challenged, so a still worth £2.5m each. The official
fraud case relating to Berlusconi’s also helped to steal 30,000 tonnes
media empire has begun again. of oil and is said to have cost Russia
over £43m.
Getty
Indonesia
Long eruption
Scientists think that Lusi, the
world’s largest mud volcano,
could continue to erupt for
another 26 years. It first erupted
in 2006 and has buried over seven
square kilometres of land. Homes
and schools have been destroyed
and thousands of people have
been forced to move. Scientists
think that drilling in the area
caused the volcano to erupt.
Ivory Coast Australia
Getty
Ceasefire broken Call for croc hunt
a six-year ceasefire has been
broken and United nations (Un)
Officials want to allow crocodile
hunting in the Top End. Crocs are
SNIPPETS
investigators have been shot at in protected by law, but many people Tests are happening now for
the Ivory Coast. Laurent Gbagbo feel that growing numbers of crocs the biggest rat cull in history.
lost the recent election but refuses leads to more attacks on humans. Rats on South Georgia island
to give up power, which has led to Do you think it should be allowed? in the atlantic are endangering
tension. The Un says the country is Take part in our poll at www.
many species of birds there.
at risk of a huge civil war. firstnews.co.uk now.
Find out more about Christian Aid www.christianaid.org.uk
conditions for the whole community.
Marta explains: “Before Soppexcca was set
up, we didn’t have a school, the lessons were
held in my uncle’s front yard. When it rained
we used to get soaked.
“now we have a school, but for many years I
went to school in the open.”
10 FirstNews issue 248 4 – 10 mar 2011

SCHOOL NEWS For more news crew, pictures and videos go to www.firstnews.co.uk/news

Mountain rescue Hearts for Haiti

OvEr the last few weeks we have been following the work of the Llanberis CaN you believe that it has been over a year since the Haiti earthquake?
Mountain rescue team. Every year, over 100 walkers and climbers get
Jack Forster and Daniel Keating, Strawberry Fields Primary School
into difficulties on the Snowdonia Mountains and have to be rescued.
Miriam Harmens, Hannah eickmann & emily Owen, Ysgol Gynradd Llandegfan School This term the children in Years 3
and 4 at Strawberry Fields Primary
The most common accident is to slip and sustain School have been studying earthquakes
an ankle or leg injury but there are fatalities too. and natural disasters. We were very
The team, who are all volunteers, work closely interested in the article which featured
with the raF Search and rescue Squadron, based in First News and decided to raise
on anglesey, and have attended rescues with money for the continuing mayhem
Prince William, who sometimes pilots one of the in Haiti.
rescue Sea-King helicopters. We decided to have a Hearts for
The police and ambulance services also help out Haiti Day on 11 February 2011 and
very often in an emergency. another valuable raised more than £80 for children’s
member of the team is Teal, a black Labrador charities in Haiti.
search dog. recently, Teal visited our school with her handler rob Booth , to tell us about We sold heart shaped biscuits, jelly,
the work of the Llanberis Mountain rescue Team.Teal helps the team by finding lost lollipops, cakes and some fantastic
and injured people especially at night or in stormy, snowy, misty or foggy conditions. promises to our parents and carers
rob says: “The dog’s sense of smell is ten times stronger than a human’s. Dogs help after school.
us to save a great deal of time and effort and we can reach casualties much quicker. There were some unusual promises.
This is important in life and death incidents.” For instance, Ebonnie promised to
Just before the end of the presentation rob’s phone bleeped and he and Teal had to always clean out her hamster, Sandy.
leave immediately to attend a call out – someone was having difficulties up on the Jack promised to get up in the morning
Snowdonia mountains. when asked first time and Daniel Jack and Daniel with their
heart shaped biscuits
The team say that the best time of year to climb Snowdon is in the summer on a dry, promised to always vacuum the house
calm day. “But it’s always important to be careful not to underestimate the trickiness of every Friday.
climbing and walking on the mountains – on any day of the year,” says Simon Patton. Overall it was a great day and it made us very, very proud of our work. We hope this will
We had a great day, thanks to the Mountain rescue Team and Teal. make a change to Haiti and that they will live happy lives once again.

YOUR SCHOOL IN FIRST NEWS We want to hear what your school is up to

Are you doing something sponsored for charity? Starting your own school newspaper? Or putting on a show?
Send your report (including pictures) to the address on page 14 or email newsdesk@firstnews.co.uk. If we print your story we’ll send you a copy of the paper and an exclusive First News
certificate to be presented to you in assembly! Don’t forget to include your name, age, and your school’s name and address. (Please note: by writing to First News you give consent to
First News printing details and photographs of those involved in the report.)

SUBSCRIBE TO FIRST NEWS www.firstnews.co.uk/subscribe

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Call 0844 8267 338 visit www.firstnews.co.uk/subscribe Please quote FN248 when ordering
FirstNews Issue 248 4 – 10 mar 2011 AdverTisemenT feATure 11

AtteNtION football fans! this is your chance to win

the best day of work experience ever!

In npower’s fantastic ‘What’s

Your Goal?’ competition, lucky
winners from all over the UK will
get the chance to spend a day with
a professional who works in the
beautiful game.
There are 11 places up for grabs,
with 11 different football experts.
Whether you fancy your chances as a
top sports photographer or referee,
or are more interested in the business
side of a club, there’s a role suited
to everyone.
anyone in Years 7-11 can enter
and the competition will give you
valuable experience of filling out a
real job application and explaining
why you’re the perfect girl or boy for
the role.
The competition is open now, so
get cracking on your entries! Kevin Keegan, a former England player and manager, shows
off the 11 roles that are up for grabs in the competition

“We’re looking for an extra-special set of skills, ones that students can’t always
get across in school exams and tests; the strength of character to be a referee; the
assertiveness of a coach who needs to keep their team in check when the pressure
is on; and the quick but caring quality of a team’s sports therapist.” – Kevin Keegan

e
AND WeN'rG
FILmI tV!
thIS FOr meet the
expert!
ONe of the top names in football that you could
choose to work with is Queens Park Rangers
manager Neil Warnock.

Neil’s team is currently top of the life of a manager, as well as getting

npower Championship and the
experience he’s gained in management
over the last 30 years is something that
money can’t buy.
man management and a winning
mentality are just two of the things
that Neil says a top manager needs. by
following him for a day, you’ll be able
to see what goes into the day-to-day
You could be learning from
QPR boss Neil Warnock
some valuable insights into the world
of football.
but if management isn’t your thing,
don’t forget that there are ten other
roles that you could focus on, such as a
sports therapist, TV presenter, journalist
or kit manager. See the website for the
full list and more details of how
to enter.

To enter, see www.npower.com/whatsyourgoal or show this page to your teacher

12 FirstNews Issue 248 4 – 10 mar 2011

WIN SIgNEd Spy dog & Spy

pup BookS!
THE NEWS CREW Repor
ter

BeaCheS up and down Britain are in terrible

danger. a greedy trickster is polluting the seas Never say Never
Premiere..
– soon there’ll be nowhere safe to swim.
But when Spud discovers a mysterious underground
secret, only he and Star can save the day – and
the seaside!

Spud – he’s scatty and accident- ON 16 February 2011, I went to the premiere of Justin Bieber’s movie
prone – but good with the Never Say Never.
gadgets.

Star – she’s super smart and by Livvy Copeman

ready to pounce . . . I got to walk on the purple carpet, meet celebrities and just
have fun. When we got to our seats there was popcorn in
Together they’re Spy Pups, boxes with Justin Bieber’s picture on the side and purple 3D
following hot in the paw prints glasses.
of Spy Dog mum Lara. Jon Chu and Scooter Braun introduced it and Justin
To celebrate the release of Spy Pups: Danger Island we have a full set Bieber himself gave a little speech – I could not stop
of all the Spy Dogs and Spy Pups books signed by the author, andrew screaming.
Cope and Lara for one lucky winner. Plus four runners-up will each win When the movie actually started I was shocked. I had
a signed set of three Spy Dog books and four Spy Pup books. extremely high expectations, but this movie beat them by
To be in with a chance of winning, just answer this question. miles and I’m not just saying that because I am one of his
biggest fans.
who is the Spy Dog mum? Spy Pups: Danger Island is on sale now. It shows you what it
a) Lara b) Tara c) kara Spy Dog is a World Book Day book really is like to have 86
shows to do as well as
Discover even more about Lara, Spud and Star at www.spydog451.co.uk schoolwork and he got ill!
It made me really think, not only about how hard
Justin works, but all of the team behind him. Also it
ENTER MARK YOuR eNTRY SPY
www.firstnews.co.uk/competitions or turn
made me think about what I want to do.

NoW!
The thing that got me the most was he really is just
to page 14. The closing date is 17 March 2011. a normal teenage boy living his dream. You hear him
saying that in interviews but in this film you really
can see it.
I would definitely recommend it to anyone and not
just teenage girls. I’m so excited about seeing it again

WHAT’S IN THE SHopS? with my friends.

Catch Justin Bieber’s Never Say Never The Family
Show Special, Sky Movies, Sunday @ 2.20pm.

Building fun
ReD noSe Day T-ShiRTS
T.k.Maxx FRoM £5.99
THESE rather cool T-shirts have once again been
manufactured in africa with the cotton being
sourced from Fairtrade certified, organic farmers.
These Vivienne Westwood designed T-shirts come WhAT a day for LEGO® fans!
in a range of sizes and styles, plus at least £2.50 Lucasarts held an event for a lucky few,
from the sale of each one goes to Comic relief. to get a sneak preview of the new LEGO
Star Wars III: The Clone Wars game, but
we would also get the chance to build a
GiGGLeR
LEGO Clone Trooper, designed specially
www.ReDnoSeDay.CoM £3.00
CHECK out the Giggler! When gently bashed or thrown, for the occasion.
this furry red ball will let out an infectious giggle that’ll
have you laughing too! and at least £1.80 will be by Robert Lynn
laughing its way over to Comic relief for every one sold.
When we arrived, there was a room with Xboxes to play the new LEGO Star Wars III:
The Clone Wars game on, a big table laid out with bags of LEGO and instructions to
build our very own LEGO Clone Trooper and another table with piles of cakes! Duncan
ReD noSeS
Titmarsh, the LEGO master builder, had put together the Clone Trooper design and, best
oxFaM £1.00 eaCh of all, we got to keep it once we had finished. The only problem was to decide what to do
LOOK at Honkus, Chucklechomp and Captain first – play the game or start building?
Conk, the newest addition to the mischievous After making the legs, I decided to try the new game. I’ve got the other Star Wars
family of red Noses. Each one comes with their LEGO games at home and I am a big fan, but the new one is even better. What is really
own mini monster joke book and at least 70p cool is when it splits the screen when two players move away
from the sale of every nose will go to Comic from each other and that you can select different levels
relief. from any point in the game. I would have played for ages,
but I was really keen to finish the model. Luckily, Dad had
noSe ThaT GRowS carried on building while I had been playing the game.
SainSBuRy’S £2.00 I’m definitely buying the new game when it comes out
GrOW your own tomato plant with The Nose that and, in the meantime, I’ve got the Clone Trooper to remind
Grows. This pot, complete with compost, plant food me what a great trip it was.
and seeds, means you can grow nature’s very own
red Noses. For every plant you buy 85p will find its LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars game will be available on
way over to Comic relief. Nintendo® Wii™, Nintendo DS™, Nintendo 3DS™, Xbox® 360,
PlayStation® 3, PSP® and Windows PC from 25 march
FirstNews Issue 248 4 – 10 mar 2011 13

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS TV, FILM, MUSIC AND THEATRE!

with Serena Lacey

SHHH!
JUSTIN BIEBER
Pop singer Justin bieber
has cut his trademark locks
and is auctioning off the
remains of his hair for charity.
The 17-year-old revealed he’d
had the same hairstyle for
three years and was fed up of
it getting in his eyes.
RADIO ONE
DJ Chris moyles will try to
break the record for the longest
show on radio 1 in aid of Comic
relief. Chris and Comedy Dave
will attempt to stay awake
for more than 37 hours from
6:30am on Wednesday 16
march.
PARADE
Parade, the hottest new
girlband on the block, are
thrilled after their debut single
Louder was chosen for a TV
advert. rimmel London
picked Louder to be the tune
in their new ads for rimmel’s
Glam eyes eyeshadows.
See the video for Louder online
at www.firstnews.co.uk
Spooky school
BRITISH actress Jade Ramsey lives in America, but returned to the UK to star
in Nickelodeon’s brand new show House of Anubis. We caught up with Jade
to find out why the show is so spooky and what she misses about the UK!
Tell us about your character in House
of Anubis…
Patricia is the wild one and quite rebellious.
Her best friend, Joy, is missing and she won’t
give up to find her. She’s a very loyal friend.
She’s independent and determined. If she
thinks something is right, then she really
seeks it out. She is willing to do anything, and
go off where other characters may not. She
also has a very vulnerable side, which is really
fun to play.
Your character isn’t very welcoming at the
start. Why do you think that is?
Her best friend has gone missing and this new
girl is in her bedroom unpacking, so she just
assumes that she has something to do with it.
also, none of her classmates or teachers are
paying attention to her. as it gets more into
the series though, more people understand
why she’s like that.
Do you share any similarities?
I’m pretty independent and determined, so
my friends would probably think those points
are similar. and, at school, I would always
stand up for what I believed in.
What is so mysterious about the House
of Anubis?
The teachers and the weird things in the
house…I don’t want to give anything away
but there are a lot of exciting things that make
you wish your school was like that!
Is it a mystery we will ever solve?
Yes, I think people can. It’s a really good
aspect of the show. You get to watch the
characters and think maybe it’s this or maybe
it’s that. I love to watch it with my friends and
see what they think and where they think it is
going. It’s really fun to see that.
The school is quite spooky. Have you ever
had a spooky experience yourself?
my friends always try to scare me. One time, I
was going to the bathroom and one of them
was in the shower and jumped out. I was
freaking out. I obviously didn’t expect it and I
was screaming!
What would you do if you saw a ghost?
I would probably scream and not be able to
sleep for a long time. I’d be quite scared!
The show is set in a
boarding school. Did you
all stay together during
filming?
We did actually stay
together in apartments
and had roommates. We
kind of felt like we were
living the show because
we would all go to the
set together and then go
home together. I think I’d
like to test out a boarding
school for a week. It was
fun, though, to pretend
that I was at boarding school.
You’ve been living in America. Was it fun
to be working back in the UK?
Yes, I was so happy. I love america but I did
miss england and going to places that were
more familiar to me. Just the road signs and
supermarkets are so familiar, and I loved that!
my favourite cereal is Cocoa Shreddies and
they don’t have them in america!
What is it like living in the US?
I think it’s really fun. When I first moved to
america, I didn’t have any friends, so that was
really hard. but now, I have so many friends.
There are so many things to do, and it’s so
warm! I really do like going back to england
though, when I can.
What makes House of Anubis different
from other shows?
It’s a mystery show and darker than other kids’
shows. and there’s a cliffhanger at the end of
each episode, so it’s not like a new episode every
time. It’s continuous and you’re waiting to see
what’s going to happen next. It’s still very funny,
but also very dark and mysterious, too.
Catch Jade in House of Anubis on
Nickelodeon, weeknights at 5pm.
See www.firstnews.co.uk/discover for an
interview with Nathalie Ramos who plays
Nina in the show.

sci fi female!
Glee star Dianna Agron has admitted it was fun to take a break from her
TOP TELLY!
waLking high
This week watch in awe as the fearless Helen
huge egg
The legendary
nature presenter
heads to
role in Glee to film her new sci-fi action movie I Am Number Four. madagascar to
Skelton takes part in another incredible
The actress told us: “It was a lot of fun to try something search for clues
challenge for Comic relief. Helen’s High
new, but I knew I was going back to Glee after we about one of
Wire bootcamp and Helen’s High Wire Walk
finished filming I am Number four. It was only a brief his favourite
blue Peter, bbC1, monday 7 and Tuesday 8
change for me, but it was great to step into a whole new possessions
@ 4.30pm.
world. I had so much fun.” – a giant egg!
In the film Dianna plays Sarah, a photography student SurpriSe in Store attenborough
who soon falls for the mysterious John (played by alex There’s a sneaky surprise in store for the ice and the Giant egg,
Pettyfer) a teenager trying to hide his real identity. skaters this week. Tune in to find out more! bbC1, Sunday @
The film has also been given the 3D treatment, making Dancing on Ice, ITV1, Sunday @ 6.00pm. 5.20pm.
I am Number four is in cinemas now.
the action (and explosions) that bit more impressive. Watch it on the biggest screen in the
for a full interview with Dianna see www.firstnews.co.uk. UK at www.bfi. org.uk/imax

For more entertainment news, pictures and videos go to www.firstnews.co.uk/news

 14 FirstNews issue 248 4 – 10 MAR 2011
THE BIG INTERVIEW
The Piers Morgan interview...
Princess Jasmine is beautiful
THeir new single is called That’s the Truth, so we sat down with McFly to ask them all sorts of probing
questions. Keep reading to find out all about their new tour, who stole sweets, who was banned from school
trips and which cartoon characters they fancy…
Hey boys, your new single is called
That’s The Truth. Tell us about the song…
Tom: I have no idea what the song’s about.
Danny: We weren’t really sure about the
song at first, but when we wrote the chorus
it turned into something big. And it sort of
grew. Now it’s our new single.
Tom: It’s actually one of the few songs we
have that isn’t personal to us. It could relate
to someone.
You’re going on tour again!
Harry: We are! We’re starting in Paris
and Brussels.
Tom: And then we start the UK tour. We
haven’t yet worked out the set list but we
know all the new songs we are going to
play. We made a list of all the other potential
songs and we had a list of about 30!
What would we find on your tour bus?
Tom: We always have Powerade, Redbull
and water. We have a mixed nuts selection.
And a fruit bowl. We used to have a cheese
board and wine but you don’t really want
that before you go on stage.
Harry: For me it has to be Diet Coke and
smoothies. I like the healthy stuff otherwise
you don’t feel very good.
What song do you like doing on stage?
Danny: I like doing whatever the single is.
It’s a test to see how we do.
Tom: Shine A Light is actually really good to
do too. We hope Taio Cruz will come along
to Wembley. He did the Jingle Bell Ball with
us. He’s really busy doing his own stuff and
touring the world. But we really hope so.
Have you ever had any major slip-ups
while on stage?
Danny: Yes, I’m always messing up.
Tom: Every show one of us will mess up
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once or twice. When the first album came
out, Harry had a massive freak out moment
and started drumming at double time. It
was really bizarre and we had to stop. We
had another one at Shepherd’s Bush in
London where Danny forgot the words so
he pretended he had to sneeze. Then he
came over and said: “What are the lyrics?”
What’s the best thing about being in
McFly?
Dougie: The shows, definitely.
Danny: The creativity within each other.
Tom: Being in the studio is good and being
on stage on tour. We’ve done maybe 11
or 12 tours now. Normally we tour every
year but we didn’t tour in 2009 or 2010. We
haven’t played the arenas for so long, it’s so
nice to be back.
Advertising Nina Chaudhry, Anisha Unzia, Leanne Walker
Partnership Marketing Director Lindsaye Fox
Publisher, First News Explorer Susan Downey
Founders Piers Morgan, Nicky Cox, Sarah and Steve Thomson
All material in this newspaper is © 2011 First News and Newsbridge Limited and cannot be used without written
permission. First News is published by Newsbridge Limited, Shand House, 14-20 Shand St, London SE1 2ES. Printed
by BGP Limited, Chaucer Business Park, Launton Road, Bicester, OX26 4QZ. Distributed by Advantage, Associated
Newspapers, Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, Northcliffe House, Kensington, W8 5TT. Tel 0207 938 6000.
For more interviews and clips go to www.firstnews.co.uk/discover
Your single is called That’s the Truth so
now we want some truths out of you! What
was the naughtiest thing you did
at school?
Dougie: I was banned from going on school
McFly
trips after I got a bit noisy on one once. But
it was okay because I joined McFly soon
after that.
Who’s the messiest band member?
All: Dougie, although he’s only messy in his
own space. Like he’ll tidy up after dinner
and stuff but if you open the door to his
bedroom it’s a mess. It’s normally clean
clothes – usually ones he’s tried on and just
thrown on his floor.
What’s the worst prank you’ve played?
Danny: We played a prank on our guitar
technician, Neil. I stuck a Sharpie pen in
a banana and asked him: “Have you ever
heard of the Not To Scratch Game?” I
explained that I had to tickle him with a
banana and he had to try not to scratch.
Tom: He basically put permanent marker
over his entire face.
Have you ever fancied a cartoon
character?
Harry: Princess Jasmine from Aladdin is very
beautiful.
Dougie: Oh, Belle from Beauty and the
Danny: I was a part of the famous Tuck Shop
Beast is pretty hot.
Van Raid. Basically one day the tuck shop
van came in and he was in the grounds
McFly’s new single That’s The Truth
unloading stuff for the tuck shop. Usually he
is out 6 March and their UK tour starts 12
would come when we were off. So someone
March. For dates and tickets check out
shouted: “Tuck shop van” and we all legged
www.livenation.co.uk
it in and everyone was grabbing sweets.
It’s famous in our school history but I got
Check out McFly on our website
singled out to stand up in assembly and I
www.firstnews.co.uk
got two weeks of detention.
the first news team
Editor Nicky Cox FirstNews
Deputy Editor Gabrielle Utton COMPeTiTiONs
Entertainment Editor Serena Lacey You can enter First News competitions in one of two ways. 1. Go
to www.firstnews.co.uk/competitions and follow the instructions.
Writer Ian Eddy 2. Write to us at ‘competition name’ (eg. Holiday), Shand House,
Editorial Assistant Kirsty Macdonald 14-20 Shand St, London SE1 2ES.
Please note: First News will not share your personal details with
Intern Ben Pulsford third parties. First News will only use your details to contact the
Design Manager Richard Robson competition winners.
Website Editor Nicola Williams First News competitions are open to aged 16-and-under residents
Accounts Assistant Kelane Henderson
of the UK & Republic of Ireland, except employees of First News,
Newsbridge Ltd, BGP and any associated companies and their
families. Winners will be the first correct entries drawn after the
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For more information on these exceptional charities, log on to our website www.firstnews.co.uk
FirstNews Issue 248 4 – 10 mar 2011 15

CRAZY BUT TRUE For more crazy news, pictures and videos go to www.firstnews.co.uk/news

RECORD OF
THE WEEK
Largest rice baLL mosaic
The largest rice ball
mosaic measured

Army
52.63m2 (172ft
8.04in) and was
made by Shizen To
Kenko O mamorukai and 500 students from
the mifune Junior High School in mifune,
Kumamoto, Japan, on 17 November 2010 in
celebration of Guinness World records Day.

holidays!
For info on this record and hundreds more,
go to www.guinnessworldrecords.com

QUICK CHUCKLES
Q: What is the difference between a guitar
hoLidaYmakers in romania are looking forward to getting a taste of life in the army by spending the and a fish? a: You can’t tuna fish
night in specially converted army tanks on an old military base. Q: What is brown and sticky? a: a stick
The operators of the base have marches, training drills, tank driving and Q: What is black, white and red all over?
by shelley moulden
invested £17 million turning the military shooting practice. a: a newspaper!
site at Orastie into a luxury resort for other rooms have also been made inside email us your jokes to
army fans. secret underground tunnels and visitors Would you like to go on holiday here? newsdesk@firstnews.co.uk
Not only can you sleep in a special tank, can also get a real taste of military life with Tell us at www.firstnews.co.uk. this week, thanks to olivia and Lorcan

Written and illustrated by Paul Palmer

WIN THE CHANCE TO BECOME THE OFFICIAL

BANDAI BEN 10 TOY REVIEWER FOR 2011!
ben 10 Ultimate alien continues the story of ben
en 10 one year after defeating Vilgax, when he has finally revealed his secret identity to
the world. there is a whole host of new toys to play with too.
This exciting new range includes the Disc alien
Ultimatrix and the new alien Creation Chamber
Laboratory where you can create your own unique aliens.
There is also a collection of new 10cm figures which come
with a disc alien to use with the Ulitmatrix to unlock lights
and sounds, and 15cm figures that come with their own
battle action!
How would you like the chance to test and review the
complete collection of Ben 10 toys for 2011? Well here’s
your chance. First News have teamed up with Bandai to find
the ultimate Ben 10 fan. Do you have what it takes to be
awarded the job of Official Ben 10 Toy reviewer for Bandai
2011? The lucky winner will receive, during 2011, all the
new Ben 10 toys as they are released plus a Flip cam for you
to video your reviews on. and, as if that wasn’t enough, all
your reviews will appear on www.firstnews.co.uk so that
everyone can see you put the toys through their paces.
all you need to do to be in with a chance of
winning is complete this sentence in no more
than 50 words. i should be the bandai ben 10 toy
reviewer because...
For loads more action and Ben 10 toys visit
www.bandai.co.uk.

ENTER MARK YOuR eNTRY BeN 10

www.firstnews.co.uk/competitions or turn
NOW! to page 14. the closing date is 24 march 2011
 16 FirstNews Issue 248 4 – 10 mAr 2011

ASK ESTHER With

thanks to
For more news, pictures and videos go to www.firstnews.co.uk/news

I’m Esther Rantzen, President of ChildLine, which helps 2,500 children

every week. If there’s something worrying you, please write to me at the
address below.
Fighting friends...
Best friend fears...
Two of my best friends are twins. They argue and fight a lot and are not very nice to
each other. It is not nice to watch and sometimes it can be quite upsetting. Please help.
worried, 11
This must be difficult as you care about both makes you feel upset? It is normal for siblings
I am part of a group of four – two sets of best friends.
of them as your friends. I am wondering if to argue but it is not easy if this is impacting
my best friend’s mum died and she started going off with
you have told your friends that them arguing on your friendship with them. Take care.
one of the other girls. The two of them have now started
being horrible to us and we don’t know what to do. I don’t

Bullying
see the point in living any more. I’ve been friends with her
all my life and I don’t want our friendship to end. Please
help. anonymous.
It sounds like you are feeling really sad about nurse? I am also wondering if you feel that
your situation and this is making things very you could call ChildLine and talk about how
you may have heard a lot about bullying at school. or perhaps you
difficult for you. I am worried that you say you you are feeling free on 0800 1111 or go to or someone you know is being bullied.
do not see the point in living anymore and I www.childline.org.uk. You have done really Bullying is one of the main reasons Bullying can keep happening for days,
am wondering if there is anyone you trust who well to talk about this and I hope that you why children contact ChildLine. If you are weeks or even years, so if you are being
you could talk to about how you are feeling can find someone trustworthy to share your being bullied you are not alone, and you bullied it is important to get help as soon
such as a parent, teacher at school, or school feelings with. don’t have to put up with it. as you can.
Bullying behaviour can include teasing Think about who you can talk to about

I really like him...

someone or calling them names. It could what’s happening. Do you have a friend
mean being hit or pushed, or having or someone in your family you trust?
money or other things taken. Bullying can They might be able to help you to work
also mean being deliberately ignored or out what you want to do next. All schools
left out of a group. have to take bullying seriously by law so, if
I REaLLy like this boy at school. He sits next to me and we are good friends. He is really nice,
Sadly, there may be lots of everyday you feel ready to tell a teacher about what
kind and funny but since I have been in year 5 I have felt different, I have a really big crush on
situations where people are mean to is going on, they should know what to do
him. I really want to know if he fancies me but I don’t just want to walk up and tell him, as I
someone! Bullying is when it keeps about it.
would be really embarrassed. Please help. maya, 10 happening and there is a pattern to And, if you see someone else being
It seems that you have decided that he feels differently. You could always get a the behaviour. bullied, don’t just ignore it. They may
you definitely want to find out how this friend you trust to ask him for you. However, People may bully for all kinds of reasons. not want you to tell someone but, if they
boy feels about you but you don’t know if you don’t want other people involved you It could be the way someone looks, their won’t speak out, you will need to report
how to go about this. It is important that could think about ways to ask him without race or religion but, whatever the reason, the bullying to a teacher. Don’t try to sort
you do something that you feel comfortable talking to him directly such as email or phone. bullying is wrong and there is no excuse. it out on your own.
with as this might be difficult to manage if Good luck.

gAME ZOnE
With Aaron, Josh and Chloe game testers
We’ve been busy with Pokémon and picnics this week, just for you!

Top Picnic
Trainer pranks
yogi Bear:The Video game (DS)
Pokémon: Black Version (DS)
yogI, the mischievous bear with a fondness for pic-a-nic
THIs latest game in the series starts off when three Pokémon are left baskets, is on a mission to save Jellystone Park from
for you and your two friends, Cheren and Bianca. being shut down.
Once you’ve chosen Snivy, Tepig or have been added, although you only see This version of down zip-wires.
Oshawott, then your journey begins. As the other 499 when you finish the game. the new movie is Chloe says: “I found this quite boring. It’s a
you attempt to become a top Pokémon There are new connectivity features, like a standard platform straightforward platform game and nothing
Trainer, you’ll encounter a mysterious your Pokémon can ‘dream’ with others game, where you special. The graphics are flat and the game is
character called N and the sneaky over wi-fi. An amazing have to dodge or bash very short and easy to play. I like a challenge!
Team Plasma, who are all trying to split revamp to the series.” police, skunks and But my little sister loved it, so maybe it’s
RATED! pesky squirrels that perfect for a
Pokémon from their Trainers.
The game is packed with over 150 new
Pokémon for you to catch. You’ll find 8/10 hurl nuts at you.
As you explore the
younger audience.”

them all the time as you explore the new park, you’ll find bits
Unova region. The season changes every and pieces that help
month, so things like snowdrifts can help you to make things
you to access high areas in winter. like spring shoes, drills
Aaron and Josh say: “This series gets and skates, that will all
better with every sequel. 150 Pokémon help you in your quest.
As you try to avoid the
pesky ranger Smith, you
RATED!
See www.firstnews.co.uk/bored
for the Pokémon Black Version trailer!
can have some fun doing
belly slides or whizzing 5/10
FirstNews Issue 248 4 – 10 mar 2011 17

A brand new
ADVERtiSEMENt FEAtuRE

adventure!

witH an exciting new region to explore, over 150 new Pokémon to meet, and huge
triple Battles, Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon white Version are set to take the
DS by storm this spring.
Set in the brand new Unova region, your journey with the hectic new Triple Battles, where you send
starts when you receive your first Pokémon from three Pokémon out into the battle at once.
Professor Juniper. Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White
as you attempt to become the best Pokémon Version feature areas unique to both titles, with
Trainer in the land, you’ll come up against the sneaky Pokémon Black Version showcasing the urban Black
Team Plasma, who are trying to take Pokémon away City, while players of Pokémon White Version can
from their Trainers and set them free. visit the White Forest, a place full of nature.

With over 150 new Pokémon to catch and train,
Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version
are full of goodies, even for Pokémon experts. No
matter how many previous games you’ve played,
everyone will need to develop new tactics to cope
out now!
The graphics have been improved and the seasons
now change to give a playing experience that feels
just like real life! So unless you explore each area in
different seasons, you’ll never see all of the Pokémon
in their different forms and get access to special areas! © 2011 Pokémon. © 1995–2011 Nintendo/Creatures inc./GAME FREAK inc. tM, ® and the Nintendo DS
logo are trademarks of Nintendo. © 2011 Nintendo

Head to www.pokemonblackwhite.co.uk now for more info and to see some of the brand new Pokémon!
 18 FirstNews Issue 248 4 – 10 MAR 2011

SCIENCE For more science news, pictures and videos go to www.firstnews.co.uk/discover

A ball
Kicking king

Spike Walker/Wellcome Images

A New species of dinosaur
has been given the name
‘thunder thighs’ because of

of
its powerful leg muscles.
The new species was among
bones found in a quarry in Utah,
USA. Writing in Acta Palaeontologica
Polonica, the scientists describe
how the creature’s huge ilium (hip

light
bone) would have allowed very big
muscles to attach to it. Its name,
Brontomerus mcintoshi, comes
from the Greek for ‘thunder,’ ‘thigh’
and John McIntosh, a respected
dinosaur expert.
Brontomerus would have used its
strong thighs to fight off rivals and
possibly predators. Its front legs
were also strong, leading experts to
say that ‘thunder thighs’ was more
athletic than other sauropods, such
as Diplodocus or Brachiosaurus,
CHECK IT OUT
and that its legs gave it a kind of www.firstnews.co.uk Ruby-tailed wasps can be found in the UK.
“dinosaur four-wheel drive”. for a gallery of the best pics They do have a stinging organ, but don’t
have any venom and are harmless
See www.firstnews.co.uk/discover
to see a report about the discovery.
lAsT week we had some amazing science pictures for you, but this week we’ve got some even better ones.
This stunning image of a ruby-tailed wasp won four awards this year. He found the wasp Although he uses advanced equipment
is our favourite from the Wellcome Image himself and had to put it in his freezer for a now, Spike’s first pictures were created by
Awards 2011. The judges say that the awards few seconds to calm it down enough to be using a cooker bulb to project an image from
are intended to recognise images that both photographed. The underside of the wasp is his first microscope onto photographic paper
Francisco Gascó

increase our understanding of scientific ideas concave (curves inwards), which allows it to that was held in the lid of a biscuit tin.
and are beautiful to look at. curl up into a ball like this whenever it feels Take a look at www.firstnews.co.uk/discover
A reconstruction of
‘thunder thighs’ fighting The man who took the image, Spike Walker, threatened by something. to see more amazing images from the awards.
off a predator

GREEN NEWS For more green news, pictures and videos go to www.firstnews.co.uk/discover
with Gabrielle Utton

Amazing eco-house What’s in season?

HAve you tried purple food?
BRITAIN’s richest man hopes to create the ultimate eco-pad which leaves no carbon If you haven’t, this is the month to try it! Purple-sprouting broccoli and
footprint at all! beetroot are both super tasty and good for you, plus they brighten up
a plate of greens. Beetroot, in particular, can be eaten in lots of different
Lakshmi Mittal wants to splash out a massive £30 million to build a ten-bedroom
ways. You can juice it for a healthy drink, roast it, include it in a salad,
environmentally-friendly country estate in Surrey.
pickle it, eat it in a stew or enjoy it in soup!
The tycoon hopes to build a home that is self-sufficient in energy
and uses outdoor temperature differences to create natural air-
conditioning. So, his estate will grow enough wood to feed giant
biomass fuel burners which will provide heating
and hot water for the house. Solar panels will turn
sunlight into electricity and, in the summer, natural Parsnips Chicory
cool air from the estate’s wooded areas will be
drawn into special courtyards by underground
tubes. A special environmentally-friendly
anaerobic digester plant will also be used to
break down sewage and waste water and reed
beds will act as a filter in their treatment. Leeks Kale

Apart from being eco-friendly, the

mansion will also feature indoor and
outdoor swimming pools, tennis
courts and even a special underground For £30 million Lakshmi
Mittal’s house will
art gallery. probably be a bit grander
than this one! Purple-sprouting broccoli Beetroot

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

What do you do to help fight climate change? How do you get your friends, family and school to do
their bit too? Tell us and First News readers. Log on to www.firstnews.co.uk/discover, or write to Spinach Rhubarb
newsdesk@firstnews.co.uk, or the address on page 14.
FirstNews Issue 248 4 – 10 MAR 2011 19

SPECIAL REPORT For more special reports, pictures and videos go to www.firstnews.co.uk/discover
by Juliet Davenport for Good Energy

Nature power
Is it possible to have all our energy provided by nature by 2050?

Where does our energy come the waves and tides in the sea.
from today?
A target to aim for
Right now, most of our energy comes from brown
energy sources; fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. Fossil At Good Energy we have a set a target that
fuels are taken out of the ground and then burnt in large 100% of our energy in this country can be made
power stations to create electricity. But the problem is by renewables by 2050. It just needs everyone to
that when we burn fossil fuels they produce greenhouse think about how we can make our electricity in a
gases, which is bad for our environment. Traditional fossil different way. More and more people are realising
fuels are getting harder and harder to find and will run that they don’t need to rely on big power generators
out eventually. We have to import them from other far off and companies to get their power; in fact you can
countries, relying on them to give us our energy – and this generate your own. Last year, more people installed
makes the fuel very expensive! But what can we do? their own mini renewable generators in the UK than
ever before, for example putting solar panels on
the roof of their house or even their school. When
Where can energy come from it’s not possible to make your own, lots of people
in the future? are switching their energy supplies away from big,
brown-power companies – and have moved to
The good news is that there is a cleaner way of
suppliers that are able to supply 100% renewable
producing electricity and we can do this by using natural
energy now.
resources like the sun, the wind, rivers and the sea. This is
‘renewable’ energy. Putting solar panels onto our roof can target, we all need to think about where our energy comes
from and how every bit of energy we use has an impact on
capture the power of the sun to make electricity, and solar Electric cars and clever the environment we live in. The more people think about
thermal panels use the sun’s energy to heat up water. We
can use the power of the wind to turn turbines that make
washing machines it, the less energy they are likely to use.
electricity, from big wind farms with tall turbines to Renewable energy generates the most when it’s windy
having your own small turbine in your back garden, if it’s or if there’s a lot of sun – so it’s not always easy to predict A house powered
by solar panels
windy enough! It is also possible to use water to generate when it’ll be available. In the future we’ll need to use
energy, when it’s moving in a river, or from the power of power when it’s there so we’ll need more clever electronics
to do this – such as
washing machines
that can turn on
automatically when
it’s really windy or
raining lots. New
electric cars are
able to be powered
on renewable
electricity too.
Instead of stopping
at the petrol station
and spluttering out
lots of emissions
from the exhaust,
electric cars can
be plugged in
overnight and are
as green as the
electricity you put in
For more information visit to them!
Solar panels use the sun’s So, to hit our
rays to make electricity www.goodenergy.co.uk
renewable energy

What people are saying about www.firstnews.co.uk!

charky2000 (Age 10) There are so many reasons why you
should come and join us on the First News website.
1. You can make new friends
2. You can post articles and comments about things that
interest you
3. Most importantly, we all HAVE FUN!!!
So, what are you waiting for?
naturegirl (Age 9) www.firstnews.co.uk is great and
friendly and it gets you reading and writing!
hannii (Age 9) www.firstnews.co.uk is amazing! I have
made loads of friends!
rhianna9 (Age 9) I think the First News website is good
because it develops children’s newspaper writing and gives
children their say. It is also very fun for all members as there
is lots to do.
medlars (Age 12) I LOVE FIRST NEWS because you can talk
to people who have a different life to yours, and who like the
same kind of things you like!
20 FirstNews Issue 248 4 –10 MAR 2011 Advertisement feAture

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Q1 Which new show does Jade
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Q2 Who won the Best Actor award
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Q3 What do solar panels use the
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L G A I O
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LAst WeeK’s ANsWeRs: U L A R R Y G U
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Mar 4) Potato 5) Miley Cyrus 6) Giant Crab 7) Andrew Garfield 8) R I 6 7 8 2 4 9 1 5 3
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 22 FirstNews issue 248 4 – 10 MAR 2011

THE BOOK CORNER MY WAY CAMPAIGN

Book reviews LuLu and the Brontosaurus

www. redhouse.co.uk

Judith Viorst FIrST nEWS has been running a campaign for a year called My Way! It’s
about getting people to understand that everybody learns in their own
reviewed by Caroline Westwood, 7
way. For some people school is easy but, for others, it might be harder.
LuLu is a rather spoilt little girl and is used to The important thing we want everybody to understand is that the way
getting what she wants. So when she decides that a brontosaurus is the you learn has nothing to do with how smart you are. Around six children
ideal pet, she sets off into the deep, dark wood to find one. upon her in each class have learning challenges but that doesn’t mean that they
encounter with the brontosaurus Mr B, however, it turns out not everything won’t be fantastically successful in whatever they choose to do. As My
will go her way. For Mr B has his own plan and he thinks a little girl like Lulu
Way! champion Henry Winkler says: “Every child has brilliance inside
would make a perfect pet. I loved the humour of the book and the fact there’s a funny twist on
every page. Even the end was not quite the end. Thoroughly recommended for young readers them. Their job is to dig it out and give it to the world.”
who want to read about the theme of friendship but like the occasional laugh!
Here is Charlotte’s story.........
My name is Charlotte Riley, I’m 10-years- big races between
hooey higgins and the Big Boat race old and my problem is sport. sets of four children in
steVe Voake Now I know what you’re thinking and each class.
it’s a bit bonkers but trust me some I thought that If I
reviewed by Amit Pandya, 8 people may have the same problem. could change my style
I have never been very good at sport and try to get better and do well in the
THIS hilarious book is all about the adventures of Hooey, Twig and Will who and, because I thought I wasn’t good, I race, I might start to like sport.
enter the Shrimpton-on-Sea boat race but disaster strikes and the gang of never tried to be good for several reasons: I started to train by running and doing
friends have to work hard to overcome their problems. Boat race aside, the I might get laughed at by people in my sport more and it definitely worked!
best part is when Miss Trouston and Grandma try to play Pro Wrestling on class, I might look really silly, I might unfortunately I was put with the three
the Nintendo Wii, but the body slams prove too tiring and the pair soon give up. The book is do something wrong by accident and fastest girls in my class but, after all that
very funny, interesting and exciting and the illustrations make the story come alive. someone could get angry with me. hard work, I came joint second with
I would recommend this book to Horrid Henry fans and adventure readers, and give it a score But all this changed last year when we my friend.
of 9 out of 10. had our sports day at school. It shows that if you stick at something
At the end of the games we always have and try your hardest you can succeed!
For more book reviews and clips
go to www.firstnews.co.uk/bored Want to share your story? Find out
how online at www.firstnews.co.uk
and click on My Way!

READING CHAMPIONS
EvEryonE knows a reading Champion – they’re people who inspire
WIN lEGO® CITY POlICE SETS!
others to get reading. Each week one of our champions tells you a bit
about their favourite reads and what they think makes reading ®
THE LEGo CITy Police are on patrol for
so appealing. all emergencies. From pesky pickpockets
name: Betty G Birney to badly-behaved burglars, the CITy law
enforcement team is on the case.
Betty is the author of the World Book Day At the hub of all the activity is the imposing
£1 book Humphrey’s Tiny Tales: My Treasure Police Station. This new version is bigger and better
Hunt Trouble. than ever with state-of-the-art police equipment

LEGo and the LEGo logo are trademarks of the LEGo Group. ©2011 The LEGo Group
and technology for the smooth running of this
Favourite reads: “When I was a child my sister most important of emergency services.
and I would go to the library and bring home Packed full of cool LEGO goodies including
armloads of books. It’s so difficult to pick six minifigures, a police car, van, bike, prison cell
my favourites, but I loved the Little House and handcuffs. There’s even wanted posters and
books, the Mary Poppins series, the Doctor a crowbar to help the jailbird escape down the
Doolittle books, Nancy Drew, Stuart Little and drainpipe to carry out dastardly deeds!
Charlotte’s Web. I still re-read my favourite Help keep LEGO CITY safe with the Mobile Police
children’s books on a regular basis. unit. Sitting in the control centre, the detective
If I could be a storybook character I think alerts the police officer that the robber is escaping
I’d most like to be Nancy Drew, because she in a sports car with a bar of gold. Make chase on
was brave and smart and got to have fabulous adventures in a time when that wasn’t the police motorcycle and put him in the mobile
common for girls when I was growing up. station’s prison!
As a reader, you have to bring your own imagination to the book, which makes you We have five LEGO CITY Police sets which
part of the process. Because of that, there’s a stronger personal connection to a book include the Police Station and Mobile Police unit
than, say, a television programme. up for grabs.
My all time favourite book is very difficult to choose for a reader like me, but I’d put Which of these is a well known detective?
Great Expectations up there for a highly satisfactory read. To be in with a chance a) Sherlock Holmes b) Sherdoor Holmes
I supposed you can live without reading; many people do. But reading enriches your of winning, just answer c) Sherkey Holmes
life immeasurably. Books educate, entertain and most of all widen your own personal this question:
experience. You can never be bored as long as there are books to read. And I find people www.city.lego.uk
who are easily bored to be boring!”

Do you think you would make a good reading Champion?

ENTER Mark your entry Police
www.firstnews.co.uk/competitions or turn
Ask your school to sign up today. www.readingchampions.org.uk NOW! to page 14. The closing date is 17 March 2011.
Demon_resized_365x285.indd 1 28/02/2011 14:48
24 FirstNews Issue 248 4 – 10 mAr 2011

SPORT CRAZY BUT TRUE GREEN

with Army Amazing

Ian Eddy 24 holidays 15
eco-house 18

City’s wait is over

?

Did you
know
Birmingham and Arsenal
have now won the Carling
Cup/League Cup twice each.
Arsenal won it in 1987 and
1993, winning both finals 2-1.
Getty
Birmingham’s players, including man of the match
Ben Foster (far right), celebrate after the final whistle
birmingham City have claimed their first
major trophy since 1963, after beating
arsenal in the Carling Cup final.

by ian eddy

An amateurish mix-up between Laurent Koscielny

and Wojciech Szczesny allowed Birmingham’s Obafemi
martins to tap in the winning goal in the 89th minute,
making it 2-1 to Birmingham.
City’s goalkeeper Ben Foster made a string of
impressive saves in the second half to keep Arsenal out
and improved his chances of being selected for the
England team again.
“Apart from the birth of my two children, that was
the greatest feeling of my life,” said Foster.
The last major trophy that Birmingham won came
in this same competition, when it was still called the
League Cup. They went into this final as underdogs, and
had been beaten 3-0 by Arsenal earlier in the season.
Birmingham boss Alex mcLeish won trophies galore
with rangers, but said that winning this final with a
small club like Birmingham is his “greatest achievement”.
Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, didn’t want to
blame his players, but was disappointed with the way
Getty

that the winning goal fell so easily to martins. Ben Foster

also recognised how easy the winning goal had been:
Obafemi Martins celebrates making it 2-1, while Arsenal ’keeper Wojciech “I think I could have scored that!” he said.
Szczesny and central defender Laurent Koscielny slump on the turf

Early start Cole in air

rifle incident
for Scotland
Getty

Chelsea defender ashley Cole is to be

investigated by police, after shooting a Ashley Cole in action
the scottish Premier league will kick off student with an air rifle. recently against Everton
earlier than ever next season. Cole reportedly took the powerful .22 rifle into
Getty

Officials revealed this week that the new SPL season
would kick off on 23 July. One of the main reasons is
that it could help teams playing in Europe to be better
prepared and in form before big matches.
It is also intended to cut down on the number of
midweek matches that have to be played in the cold
winter months.
Maurice Edu (bottom) fights
off Georgios Samaras in the
recent Old Firm clash
a dressing room at the club’s training ground in Cobham.
Apparently not realising that the rifle was loaded, he
pointed it at Tom Cowan, a university student on a year’s
placement, and it went off, hitting Cowan in the side.
Cowan received treatment from the club’s medical
staff, but his father is said to be furious and wants to
know what action Chelsea will take against Cole.