Children as young as 11 are drinking the equivalent of 15 shots of vodka a week. An NHS survey of children between 11 and 15 last year found that one in six - an estimated 550,000 - said they had drunk alcohol in the previous week.. Critics have blamed the Government for failing to tackle supermarkets who reduce alcohol to 'pocket money prices'. - Daily Mail
The British Beer & Pub Association has revealed that a record 52 pubs close in Britain every week, but not everyone is crying into their pint. An insolvency expert told the Diary that many pubs are being converted into dentists', vets' and doctors' surgeries - The Independent
The economy shrank much more than expected in the second quarter to record a record annual decline, official figures show. The dire figures have raised fears that the country may take longer to emerge from the worst economic downturn since the second world war than previously thought. GDP tumbled by 0.8 per cent in the second quarter meaning the country has been mired in recession for five consecutive quarters - The Times
Gin and tonic can calm the nerves after a tough day - but it's the slice of lemon that does the trick. Scientists say linalool, a chemical compound behind the distinctive scent and found in substances from lavender to tea, holds the key - Daily Express
Tens of thousands of sun-seekers will head off on holiday today as the first weekend of the summer getaway begins. With more people opting for a traditional British holiday thanks to the economic downturn many are praying for a long, hot summer at home. And while they may get their wish this month, the country is set to swelter in a heatwave next month that could even see the hottest day on record - Daily Mail