German composer Mendelssohn is commemorated with an English Heritage blue plaque at the place he stayed on several visits to London at the peak of his fame.

A man who threw a plastic beer bottle on to the track at the start of the men's Olympic 100m final is given an eight-week community order.

Burma's government and ethnic Kachin rebels reach a deal that could pave the way for an end to their conflict.

John Kerry begins his first day as US secretary of state, joking he has "big heels to fill" and pledging the safety of staff will be his priority.

John Kerry begins his first day as US secretary of state, joking he has "big heels to fill" and pledging the safety of staff will be his priority.

A British charity is teaching Colombians to locate and safely detonate landmines in their neighbourhoods.

Shot Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai describes how a fund has been set up in her name to help all children get an education.

Are we witnessing the birth of a new religion?

Commerzbank, Germany's second biggest lender, says it will post a net loss of 720m euros (£621m) for the fourth quarter.

Commerzbank, Germany's second biggest lender, says it will post a net loss of 720m euros (£621m) for the fourth quarter.

Gay marriage is "the right thing to do" Culture Secretary Maria Miller says, following a rift in the Conservative Party over the plans.

Belgian child killer Marc Dutroux asks for early release from a life jail sentence imposed for the kidnap and rape of six girls and three murders.

Belgian child killer Marc Dutroux asks for early release from a life jail sentence imposed for the kidnap and rape of six girls and three murders.

Thousands of Cambodians gather in the capital for the cremation of former King Norodom Sihanouk, three months after he died in Beijing.

A skeleton found beneath a Leicester car park is confirmed by archaeologists as that of English king Richard III.

A skeleton found beneath a Leicester car park is confirmed by archaeologists as that of English king Richard III.

French jets bomb rebel bases and depots in northern Mali in an effort to cut supply lines, as the US vice-president calls for an African-led force there.

French jets bomb rebel bases and depots in northern Mali in an effort to cut supply lines, as the US vice-president calls for an African-led force there.

South Africa increases the basic daily wage of farm workers by 52% following a violent strike in the wine-producing Western Cape region.

The leaders of Afghanistan and Pakistan, in talks in the UK, agree to work towards a peace deal for Afghanistan in six months.