Other News In Brief

British Tourists Killed In Hot Air Balloon Accident

Three Britsh tourists have died and another is in hospital when a hot air balloon exploded and crashed near Luxor in Egypt.

It is thought that some 19 people have been killed, including French, Hong Kong and Japanese citizens, but some accounts differ on the nationalities.

A Briton and a pilot are thought to have survived.

The balloon was 1,000 ft (300m) up when it exploded, caught fire and plunged on to agricultural fields west of Luxor.

Two UK citizens died at the scene and one in hospital later.

Frozen Burger Sales Fall 43%

The horsemeat scandal has lead to a 43% drop in sales of frozen burgers and 13% fall in frozen ready meals, new data has shown.

However, it also shows the supermarkets worst-hit by the revelations have not lost customers.

The fall in burger sales was recorded during the four weeks to the end of 17 February, according to Kantar Worldpanel, which suggested the decline had affected shoppers' individual habits rather than where they shop.

New Medal To Honour Arctic Convoy Veterans

A new medal and award has been developed to honour veterans who served on Arctic convoys and in Bomber Command during World War II.

A design for the new Arctic Star medal and Bomber Command clasp, the Ministry of Defence has said.

The honours could be sent out to veterans and their families as soon as next month, with surviving veterans and widows being the first to receive the awards.

The families of those who served will also be able to apply.

(H/GK)