What the papers say - June 26, 2007

Hundreds of people were evacuated from their homes in Yorkshire today because of fears that a dam could burst after torrential rain caused devastation and chaos across Britain. Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council urged residents living near Ulley Dam in South Yorkshire to leave their houses after an expert warned there was a "significant risk" the dam walls could fail after abnormally heavy rain - The Times​

Ultimate Leisure, the bar and nightclub operator, has struck its largest deal to date with an agreement to buy Living Ventures, owner of the Living Room chain, from the Restaurant Group and other investors for £28m. Mark Jones, Ultimate's executive chairman, has been looking to turn the company from a regional to a national player and to strengthen the company's food business. Food accounts for more than a third of Living Room's sales - The Financial Times​

Chromogenex, the laser technology specialist, has launched an advanced system to help people give up smoking ahead of the ban on July 1. The Aim-listed company said the system used a beam of light that stimulates the release of endorphins by the body. Endorphins might help to suppress physical cravings, according to Chromogenex - The Financial Times​

Boots is not a cat with which to stand toe to toe. It is not that this domestic feline is particularly ferocious, but with 26 toes - eight more than normal - it is always likely to win paws down. His owner, Caroline Suter, 35, runs the Standard Inn in Plymouth. And it seems Boots has been a big hit with the pub's regulars. "All the customers love Boots, despite the fact that he sometimes disturbs the Tuesday pool league by jumping on the table and trying to pot the balls," said Caroline - The Telegraph​

Pub operator Mitchells & Butlers is today expected to say that Tony Hughes, the highly regarded managing director of its restaurants division, will be retiring from the business later this year. Mr Hughes, 59, has played a pivotal role in repositioning the pubs group as a food-led business, overseeing the catering operations at key M&B brands such as Vintage Inns, Browns, Toby, Harvester and All Bar One - Daily Mail​