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Man Charged With Murders Of Mother And Son

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 20 April 2013 | 12.25

A man has been charged with the murders of a mother and son who were found with multiple stab wounds at their home in Bolton-le-Sands near Preston.

Paul Chadwick, 34, of Lowlands Road, Bolton-le-Sands, has been remanded to appear before Preston Magistrates on Saturday.

The Crown Prosecution Service had authorised Lancashire Constabulary to charge Chadwick with two counts of murder.

Police discovered the bodies of Lisa Clay, 40, and her six-year-old son Joseph Chadwick at their home address in Lowlands Road on Tuesday, April 9.

Double death inquiry The house where Lisa Clay and her son Joseph Chadwick were found

A post mortem examination by a Home Office pathologist revealed that both died from multiple stab wounds.

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of murder at the scene and airlifted to the Royal Preston Hospital with serious stab wounds.

Police were called to the pebble-dashed dormer bungalow in the village of Bolton-le-Sands by a concerned relative.

Anybody with information is urged to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


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Prince Harry To Race To South Pole

Prince Harry has announced he will take part in a race to the South Pole with a team of wounded British servicemen and women.

The 28-year-old will take on teams from the United States and the Commonwealth in the 208-mile (335km) Walking With The Wounded South Pole Allied Challenge in November and December this year.

Speaking at a conference in London at which the teams were announced, Prince Harry said: "It just remains for me to say to Soldier On Canada, Soldiers To Summits from the US and Soldier On Australia - welcome to the party.

"As a member of the British team, I will have a brew ready for you when you join us at the Pole."

Harry, who took part in the charity's trek to the North Pole in 2011 and is the event's patron, confirmed he will be competing as part of Team Glenfiddich.

He missed out on a bid to conquer Mount Everest with the group last year because of his military commitments and he withdrew early from the successful North Pole expedition to attend his brother's wedding.

Britain's Prince Harry gestures during t The prince had to drop out of a previous trek to the North Pole

He said of the South Pole race: "The format may be different. The scale is certainly different.

"But the aim remains the same - to enable our wounded to do what they and all other servicemen and women do better than anyone else I know - meet a challenge head-on and overcome it and inspire others to do the same.

"Ladies and gentlemen, these men and women have given their all in the cause of freedom, in our cause.

"That they should once again step into the breach - this time facing down the extreme physical and mental challenges of trekking to the South Pole - just underlines their remarkable qualities."

Harry, who is known as Captain Wales in the Army, will race in Team Glenfiddich with Sergeant Duncan Slater, 34, who lost both his legs in a blast in Afghanistan in 2009; Major Kate Philp, 34, who lost her left leg after a bomb blast in 2008; Captain Guy Disney, 31, who lost his right leg in a rocket attack in 2009; and Captain Ibrar Ali, who lost his right arm in a roadside bomb in 2007.


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Gove Wants An End To Long School Holidays

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 19 April 2013 | 12.25

England's schoolchildren should have shorter holidays and spend more time in the classroom, Michael Gove has declared.

The Education Secretary called for longer school days and term times, warning that the current system is out of date and fit for the agricultural economy of the 19th century.

Mr Gove said pupils are at a "significant handicap" compared to youngsters in East Asian nations, who benefit from extra tuition and support from teachers.

"We've noticed in Hong Kong and Singapore and other East Asian nations that expectations of mathematical knowledge or of scientific knowledge at every stage are more demanding than in this country," he told a Spectator conference in central London.

"In order to reach those levels of achievement a higher level of effort is expected on behalf of students, parents and teachers.

"School days are longer, school holidays are shorter. The expectation is that to succeed, hard work is at the heart of everything."

Michael Gove Michael Gove also wants longer school days

Mr Gove added: "If we look at the length of the school day in England, the length of the summer holiday and we compare it to the extra tuition and support children are receiving elsewhere then we are fighting, or running, in this global race in a way which ensures we already start with a significant handicap."

He later said that he wanted to see schools introduce a longer day for pupils, which he pointed out was already happening in some of the best British schools.

Mr Gove said the Government's changes to teachers' pay, terms and conditions would mean they could be paid more for taking on extra duties.

This would allow headteachers to organise their staff "in a way to get more out of young people", he claimed.

"It may be that there are one or two legislative or bureaucratic obstacles that prevent all schools from moving in this direction but I think it's consistent with the pressures of a modern society," he said.

He insisted that changes to term times and the school day would be "family friendly".

"I think it's the case that the structure of the school term and the school day were designed at a time when we had an agricultural economy," he said.

"Half-term in October, when I was at school in Aberdeen it was called 'tattie holiday' because it was the period when children went into the fields to pick potatoes.

"It was also fixed on a world where a majority of mums stayed home. That world no longer exists and we can't afford to have an education system that essentially its hours were set in the 19th century."


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Kate Middleton: More Patronages For Duchess

By Paul Harrison, Royal Correspondent

The Duchess of Cambridge's workload is expected to nearly double in the coming months as she becomes a mother for the first time.

Kate is taking on a further three patronages, taking her total to seven.

Announcing the news, St James' Palace said: "The Duchess will, over the coming months, undertake both private and public visits across the UK to these organisations."

Kate, who is now more than six months pregnant, has chosen Place2Be, SportsAid and the Natural History Museum to add to the four patronages she already has.

The Duchess is seen with an obvious baby bump as she speaks to trustees of a rehab clinic, Hope House. The Duchess and her baby bump during a charity visit to a rehab centre

A Palace aide told Sky News Kate's inspiration for choosing Place2Be came from an increased understanding of the need to intervene early with children who experience problems.

"Through her other patronages like Action on Addiction, The Duchess of Cambridge realises early intervention is key for vulnerable children," explained the aide.

The Duchess' experiences as an ambassador for the London 2012 games and her love of sport inspired her second choice, SportsAid, which helps the Olympians and Paralympians of tomorrow by offering funding that helps young athletes focus on competitions.

She is also giving her backing to the Natural History Museum.

"The Duchess of Cambridge visited the museum a number of times as a child. She's an avid supporter", explained St James' Palace.

The Duchess was an Olympic ambassador for London 2012. Kate was an Olympic ambassador

"One of the key things she's interested in, along with Princes William and Harry, is protecting the natural world for future generations."

As her new patronages prepare to experience the new level of exposure which comes with Kate, they ready themselves too for other benefits.

Benita Refson, chief executive of Place2Be, said: "What I hope this will do is help people understand and recognise how vital it is to support any charity or any work that's going on with mental health.

"Along with that we hope will also come the support we need to sustain the services and reach more children across the country."

The Duchess is already Patron of Action on Addiction and the National Portrait Gallery and is Royal Patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices and The Art Room.

Compared to the Queen, who has more than 600 patronages, and the Duke of Edinburgh, who has 700, Kate's seven may seem few in number.

But she is adding to the list which shows an intent to return to work soon after her baby is born.


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Alps Coach Crash: Dead British Driver Named

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 18 April 2013 | 12.25

A British coach driver who died after a crash in the French Alps has been named by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Maurice Wrightson, 64, from County Durham was ferrying 52 Britons back to the UK following the end of the ski season when the bus crashed near Alpe d'Huez.

British bus driver killed in Alps crash A crane lifts the charred wreckage

Police suspect there was a problem with the vehicle's brakes that caused it to veer off the road and smash into rocks before bursting into flames.

UK travel organisation Abta said the passengers, who are staff at a Brighton-based ski company, are now on their way home.

It has since been said that Mr Wrightson, who worked for Stanley-based firm Classic Coaches, alerted his passengers to the imminent crash which allowed them to prepare to escape.

British bus driver killed in Alps crash The bus is thought to have had brake problems

Several passengers leapt from the burning wreckage out of windows. At least four people were said to have been seriously injured, with those hurt being treated in local hospitals.

A helicopter was sent to the scene where firefighters battled to put out the fire.

A local police spokesman said: "The driver seems to have lost control on a steep bend in the road and his vehicle crashed into rocks.

British bus driver killed in Alps crash Firefighters sift through the wreckage

"It burst into flames but everyone is now out. Some passengers escaped by jumping out the windows."

TGM group which owns Classic Coaches confirmed in a statement: "Classic is a North East based company and the coach was being driven by a North East based driver."

:: More from Sky News Tyne And Wear


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'Severe' Blaze Hits Birmingham Paper Mill

Around 100 firefighters are tackling a "severe" fire at a paper mill in Birmingham.

More than 15 fire engines and their crews are tackling the blaze at the Smurfit Kappa plant in the Nechells area of the city.

The site in Mount Street is a recycled packaging mill, according to the company website.

A fire service spokesman said the fire was in "a very large outside storage area, containing cardboard bales".

According to its website Smurfit Kappa is one of the leading producers of paper-based packaging in the world with more than 41,000 employees in 32 countries.

West Midlands Police said high winds were hampering efforts to extinguish the fire, which started just after 10pm on Wednesday.

A helicopter was being used to see if the fire had spread to other parts of the industrial estate the paper mill is located on.

A tweet from the police said: "Motorway officers are also monitoring fire due to proximity to M6. No traffic problems at this stage." 


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Npower: Energy Firm Denies Tax Avoidance

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 17 April 2013 | 12.25

Npower has admitted it has not paid corporation tax in the UK for three years - just months after increasing prices by around 9%.

The company made the admission to the Energy and Climate Change select committee - but its boss said they had invested billions in new power stations and wind technology.

Chief Executive Paul Massara said: "Effectively we have invested £5bn in the last five years building power plants, creating jobs, creating employment and helping to keep the lights on.

"If we had not made that investment we would not have the deductibility that we would be allowed. That is a simple accounting UK rule."

Npower reported a 34% rise in profits to £413m last year.

The admission came as the "big six" energy companies were questioned by MPs over topics including profits and how they treat their customers.

A company statement added: "Looking at RWE npower specifically, our investment programme since 2008 has amounted to almost £3bn, which means we have seen a large increase in tax relief.

"This is in no way tax avoidance, and all of our business is taxable in the UK. We've not paid corporation tax because we've been investing hundreds of millions to keep the UK's lights on."

Prime Minister David Cameron's official spokesman said: "I wouldn't comment on an individual taxpayer.

"More broadly, the Prime Minister's view is that it is important that companies pay the tax that is due."


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Lowestoft: Death Fall Mum 'Cared Too Much'

A heavily pregnant woman who fell to her death before her three young children were found dead was "a beautiful, intelligent girl".

Fiona Anderson Found Dead In Lowestoft Fiona Anderson had suffered from mental illness

Fiona Anderson, 23, has been formally identified after she suffered fatal head injuries at a multi-storey car park on Monday morning.

Officers investigating the incident later found the children - named by neighbours as Levina, three, Addy, two, and 11-month-old baby Kyden - at their home in Lowestoft, Suffolk.

In a statement issued by Suffolk police, Ms Anderson's mother Kerry, father Michael and sisters, Claire and Laura, said she "cared passionately" but had suffered with mental illness from a young age.

Levina Levina

They said: "Fiona was a beautiful, intelligent girl and a loving and caring person, but she had suffered from mental illness since she was young and we believe she was driven to her actions yesterday.

"This was not our Fiona - she was not herself. She cared passionately about others but often brought stress on herself by caring too much.

"She was gentle but ended up under too much pressure.

Addy Addy

"As a family we were close but she would often push us away, keen to do her own thing and not to listen when we offered support. Life was sometimes overwhelming for her.

"She was really popular but just didn't believe she was and had forgotten there were people there that could help her.

"We wish more had been done to recognise her mental health problems, which could be masked by her intelligence and creativity. She would often make costumes for the children, who she loved very much."

Kyden Kyden

The family added that Ms Anderson would be remembered as a "girlie girl" who was also a very private person.

Post-mortem examinations have failed to ascertain how the children died and further tests will be carried out, police said.

Neighbours said Ms Anderson was eight months pregnant with a baby girl she had planned on calling Evalie.

CCTV footage shows Fiona Anderson CCTV images show Fiona Anderson shortly before her death

She was seen entering the car park in Battery Green Road, Lowestoft, shortly before 8am on Monday, Suffolk police said.

CCTV footage showed Ms Anderson walking around Lowestoft holding a teddy bear shortly before she was found.

Detective Superintendent John Brocklebank said the force was "conducting a meticulous investigation" into the tragedy.

The IPCC said it was awaiting details of the case from Suffolk police.


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Lowestoft: Pregnant Mum And Kids Found Dead

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 16 April 2013 | 12.25

A pregnant woman fell to her death at a car park in Lowestoft before police discovered the bodies of her three young children.

Lowestoft Bodies Of Mum And Children Discovered Tributes left for the children

Suffolk Police said they were called out at 8am on Monday to the death of a woman in her 20s who suffered head injuries at a car park in Gordon Road.

Officers investigating the incident later found the children - believed to be aged three, two and 11 months - at a Victorian terraced house in London Road South.

Lowestoft Bodies Of Mum And Children Discovered A police officer arranges the teddies left at the house

Outside the house a number of teddy bears had been left as tributes together with flower bouquets.

Visiting the scene, Mayor of Lowestoft, Nick Webb, said the community was in "absolute shock".

He said: "It is just incomprehensible what has happened here and so difficult to get your head around.

Lowestoft Bodies Of Mum And Children Discovered Police at the scene where the bodies of the children were found

"My heartfelt sympathies go out to the families of those who have lost their loved ones."

Formal identification is expected to take place after post-mortem examinations by a Home Office pathologist at James Paget Hospital in Gorleston conclude.

Police said they were treating the children's deaths as suspicious but added that there was no further threat to the wider community.

Lowestoft map showing location of children's deaths

Detective Superintendent John Brocklebank, from Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team, said: "We are in the early stages of a large investigation into what has happened.

"It is too early to be able to come up with a definitive explanation and we will be keeping an open mind.

"Our priorities now are to establish the circumstances behind the woman's death and how it may be related to the deaths of the three children."


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Thatcher's Body Moved Ahead Of Commons Debate

Baroness Thatcher's body will make its final journey to Parliament later ahead of a potentially bitter debate in the Commons about her legacy.

Respect MP George Galloway and Labour veteran Dennis Skinner objected to Wednesday's PMQs being cancelled so the Prime Minister could attend the funeral.

Their objection means the proposed change in sitting time will now be voted on after a debate lasting up to three hours.

MPs had the chance to pay tribute to Lady Thatcher when Parliament was recalled at the request of David Cameron last week.

Baroness Thatcher Funeral

But Bradford West MP Mr Galloway said he was prevented from making a "disrespectful" contribution and would relish the chance to give his verdict on her time in office.

"This was a wicked and divisive woman who was hated by half of the country and did great damage to a society she said didn't exist," he said.

He also hit out at plans to silence the bells of Big Ben and the Great Clock at Westminster.

"The muffling of the chimes of Big Ben is a step too far and now Mr Cameron will miss Prime Minister's Questions for four weeks. It is unconscionable.

George Galloway MP Mr Galloway is expected to air his views on the former PM

"It was indicated to me that no disrespectful contributions would be tolerated in the debate last week so ... I will have a lot to say."

The decision was taken to silence the famous London landmarks as a mark of respect to the UK's only female prime minister, who died last week aged 87.

The last time the chimes of Westminster's Great Clock were halted in this way was for the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill in 1965.

Lady Thatcher's children issued a statement expressing their gratitude for the decision announced by Commons Speaker John Bercow.

The Bearer Party formed from members of Britain's armed forces, rehearses for the funeral of former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, at St. Paul's Cathedral in the City of London Rehearsals ahead of Baroness Thatcher's funeral

The statement said: "Sir Mark and Carol Thatcher would like to express their appreciation for the great honour accorded to their mother by the announcement this afternoon by the Speaker of the House of Commons that Big Ben and the Great Clock will fall silent during Wednesday's funeral."

There will be a private service for Lady Thatcher at Parliament's Chapel of St Mary Undercroft this afternoon - attended by her family and senior figures from both Houses of Parliament.

The rest of the seats in the historic Chapel have been offered to members and staff of both Houses who knew or worked closely with the former premier or served her in a personal capacity.

After the service, the Chapel will remain open for members of both Houses to pay their respects and the Speaker's Chaplain, the Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin, will maintain a vigil through the night.

Her coffin will leave the Palace of Westminster by hearse tomorrow before being transferred to a gun carriage for the final leg of its journey to St Paul's.


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Newcastle - Sunderland Derby Violence Arrests

Written By Unknown on Senin, 15 April 2013 | 12.25

A total of 29 football fans have been arrested and three police officers hurt after violence following a derby game in Newcastle.

Missiles were thrown at police as a group of Newcastle fans tried to confront Sunderland supporters in Central Station after the home side's 0-3 defeat at St James' Park.

One officer was taken to hospital for treatment, police said.

Video footage of the violence showed fans picking up empty glass bottles from a bin and throwing them towards rows of police.

A burning bin could also be seen lying on its side in the road.

The violence erupted after crowd trouble marred Saturday's FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

A total of 14 men were arrested after fighting broke out in the Millwall fans' area of Wembley during the second half of their 2-0 defeat by Wigan, in disturbing scenes which left youngsters in tears and were witnessed by millions on television.

Scotland Yard said 12 of those held were Millwall supporters and two Wigan fans.

Millwall FA Cup violence Police arrested 14 people after the Millwall vs Wigan FA Cup semi-final

Northumbria Police said they were pelted with missiles during the trouble in Newcastle.

A force spokeswoman said: "The most serious incident involved a group of Newcastle fans in Central Station attempting to confront Sunderland supporters, but they were intercepted by officers from British Transport Police.

"During this incident missiles were thrown at the officers, which resulted in three injuries to officers - one of them requiring assessment at hospital."

Officers said they received reports of minor incidents, including the release of smoke canisters, before and during the match.

It is believed that Newcastle fans were also involved in a series of sporadic incidents of disorder in the city centre following the match, a force spokeswoman said.

Chief Superintendent Steve Neill, of Northumbria Police, said: "The vast majority of fans were well behaved today and enjoyed the Tyne-Wear derby for the great occasion that it is.

"Disappointingly, there was some disorder involving what appear to be Newcastle United supporters following the match in the city centre, including an incident at Central Station.

"Disruptive behaviour of any kind is not tolerated. Inquiries will take place into these incidents and action will be taken against all those involved."


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Woman Killed In Fire Engine Crash In Dorset

A woman has been killed and her two passengers seriously injured after her car collided with a fire engine that was going to the scene of another fatal road accident.

The woman died in the head-on crash just half a mile from where a man was killed after his car struck a tree on Sunday.

The fire engine was making its way to the first crash when the second one occurred, Dorset Police said.

The two passengers in the woman's car were airlifted to Southampton General Hospital with serious injuries.

Emergency services were first called at 7.50am after the vehicle left the A35 near Poole and collided with a tree.

The male driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

A spokeswoman for Dorset Police said: "At 8.10am there was a report received of a second road traffic collision, close to the first collision, but on the B3075.

"This involved a car that was in collision with a fire engine.

"One of the occupants of the car was sadly pronounced dead at the scene and the other two occupants of the car were taken by air ambulance to the Southampton General Hospital where they are being treated for serious injuries."

An investigation has been launched in to both fatal collisions and witnesses are asked to contact Dorset Police.


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Millwall Fighting: Arrests After Fans Clash

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 14 April 2013 | 12.25

Ten people have been arrested after violence broke out among Millwall fans during the FA Cup semi-final against Wigan.

During the second half of their 2-0 loss to Wigan on Saturday, around 20 Millwall fans began fighting with each other behind the goal at Wembley Stadium.

The disturbing scenes, which witnessed by millions on television, left some fans bloodied and youngsters in tears.

Millwall fans brawl at Wembley Skirmishes began towards the end of the game

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "Ten people have been arrested following sporadic disorder among fans in the Millwall supporters' area at Wembley.

"Investigations into the circumstances of the incidents are continuing."

Millwall v Wigan Athletic - FA Cup Semi Final Some fans were left bloodied by the violence

Alex Horne, general secretary of the FA, said: "The Metropolitan Police and the FA are investigating scenes of sporadic violence and disorder in the Millwall FC end at the FA Cup semi-final.

"The FA and Wembley Stadium will work with police and representatives of Millwall FC to review all events.

The violence was described as 'sporadic' Millwall promised to ban those involved

"We will look to ensure those involved are identified and we would call for criminal charges and a football banning order to be brought against them.

"The FA deplores the scenes which have taken place, which are unacceptable. Everything will be done to take action against those involved."

Millwall have long had an unwanted reputation for hooliganism and Saturday's scenes were a throwback to the 1980s.

It is unclear what sparked the violence It is unclear what sparked the clashes

The club's chief executive Andy Ambler said it would do all it could to find those responsible.

"Our position is clear. Anyone associated with our club found guilty of violent behaviour will be banned indefinitely from Millwall matches in addition to any punishment they receive from the authorities," he said.

"Having worked so hard to show the positive side of our club both on and off the field, we cannot allow the actions of a mindless minority to undermine that.

Millwall lost the match 2-0 The match ended 2-0 to Wigan Athletic

"At this stage we are still in the process of establishing the full details of what happened in a section of the ground during the second half.

"When we have those facts at our disposal and the police have completed their investigations we may be in a position to comment further." 

Millwall chairman John Berylson, who flew in from the United States for the game, said: "There are always a few idiots. That's not our fan-base and we don't even know who those people are. We will be investigating."

Police move in as fans clash Police moved in after the violence started

And the team's captain Danny Shittu added: "Today was meant to be a good day out at Wembley. I'm disappointed by it.

"It's sad to hear about these things happening on a day like today. Things like that shouldn't be going on, It should be a great day for both sides."

Wigan's chairman Dave Whelan, whose team will face Manchester City or Chelsea in the final next month, said he was appalled by what he saw.

Fans scuffled with officers Millwall fans were condemned for the fighting

"I can't understand why the Millwall fans would fight each other," he told the BBC.

"I understand if they want to fall out with the visiting team, but why would they fall out amongst themselves? It just gives football a very, very poor reputation."

"We know Millwall are a tough club, their team's tough to play, the supporters are Millwall Millwall Millwall... straight through. But don't fight each other."


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LSE: BBC N Korea Report Put Students At Risk

Visiting Secretive North Korea

Updated: 2:46pm UK, Friday 12 April 2013

Despite the current tensions on the Korean Peninsula, tourists have been able to travel to North Korea.

A Sky News employee has just returned from a four-day trip. Journalists are strictly banned from the county without visas, which are rarely issued, so we are not revealing her name, but here is her story:

I flew from Beijing to Pyongyang. On the flight with me were lots of North Koreans with plenty of excess baggage: TVs, vegetables and meat.

Nothing felt abnormal. There was no feeling of tension.

Only when I arrived at the Demilitarised Zone were we prevented access to some of the buildings because of the current situation.

Throughout the four-day trip, which was organised by a Chinese travel company, we were assigned two North Korean minders.

One of them was more senior than the other. She watched us and watched her colleague too.

They did not want the war but were also determined to fight if the country decided to start a war. They emphasised to us that they believed in the country from their hearts.

We were not allowed to move freely. We could only do tourist things according to the guidance of the tour "guards".

We were not allowed to take photographs in the car or anywhere without the minder's permission. We were told not to photograph anything that looked bad or makes North Korea look bad.

"Don't bring bad impressions out of Pyongyang," they said.

People were very friendly. There was little traffic, so people would stare at our bus wherever we drove.

People there are very aware of the potential war.

Every time we arrived at the places of interest, the tour guides would always ask us in Korean (the minders would translate into Chinese) about the latest situation and our opinions about the situation, particularly our opinions about the US, as they all believe the tensions are the fault of America.

When we asked the minders what would happen if the war breaks out tomorrow, they said: "If the war breaks tomorrow, until midnight tonight, we are still building the socialist constructions."

We also asked them whether they know where Kim Jong-Un lives and works, as we explained to them that in Beijing, all the top leaders work and live in a place called Zhongnanhai. They all said they had no idea.

The two minders liked to sing. One of the songs they sang was apparently written by a South Korean musician to express his admiration toward Kim Jong-Il.

On one of the days we went to Myohyang San, a North Korean mountain. The six of us on the tour were locked in the restaurant because the North Koreans were so afraid that we would wander around.

There is a museum near the mountain, where gifts from foreign countries are displayed. A lot of them came from Japan.

We asked them how could they receive so many gifts from Japan given that North Korea considers the Japanese as enemies. They told us that the Japanese really admire the leaders, so they gave us many gifts.

We stayed in the Yanggakdo International Hotel, where we could watch international TV channels including the BBC, NHK, (Japanese TV), Phoenix (Hong Kong TV) and CCTV (Chinese TV).

The minders live on a specific floor where they only have three North Korean channels to watch. They never ate with us and when we asked what they had eaten, they always refused to tell us.

We were not allowed to use the local currency, and they never showed us their money. We could use Chinese RMB, US dollars or euros.

There were not many opportunities to see any ordinary North Korean people apart from the shopkeepers, tour guides or waitresses in the hotel.

There is a casino on the underground floor of the Yanggakdo International Hotel, where most of the staff members come from Liaoning Province over the northern border in China, and North Koreans are not allowed to enter.

The casino is managed by people from Macau. The staff there told us it was empty because the tensions mean far fewer people are travelling to North Korea.

Staff at the casino are all Chinese. When we asked to go to the casino, one of the minders said to us: "You must be non-communists, because communist members don't go to casinos."

Wherever we go to visit, they always asked us if we think their places or things are pretty. They only wanted to show us the good side of the country.

As soon as we travelled outside the capital city, it felt very like the real North Korea: rural, no tall buildings, only farmland.

We never felt the tension of war on our trip. On the streets, on our tour, in the hotel and even at a school we visited, the students were studying as normal.

The people we spoke to asked us if it was true that living in Beijing is hard. They think living in North Korea is the happiest thing in the world.

It feels as though those North Koreans who have travelled outside the country have never mentioned what the outside world really looks like.


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