Workers from France's five largest unions have begun strike action against President Nicolas Sarkozy's plans to reform public-sector pensions.

Bus, train and air transport were disrupted across the country, though workers stuck to a commitment to offer a minimum service.

Unions say they expect up to half a million people to attend a march in Paris later in the day.

Ferry links with the UK remained badly disrupted by separate disputes.

Fishermen lifted their blockade of Channel ports, which caused ferry traffic to grind to a halt on Wednesday, but a separate action by dock workers meant sailings were restricted and there were huge lorry tailbacks on both sides of the Channel.

Chaos limited

The southern port city of Marseille was repor

A former senior police officer has been appointed to drive forward protection for NHS staff in Wales from violence.

David Francis, a former south Wales deputy chief constable, will act as a "champion" to help implement such measures as police patrols.

There will also be more CCTV and staff training after a report by the assembly government made the recommendations, which are being costed.

Unions praised the assembly government for accepting the recommendations.

The new role for Mr Francis, who is the chair of Cwm Taf NHS Trust, will see him lead on the development of a publicity strategy to ensure NHS staff know what is being done to address the issue, said Health Minister Edwina Hart.

More than 20 NHS staff in Wales complain of physical o

Manchester United's victorious players are preparing to return to England with the Champions League trophy after their thrilling win over Chelsea in Moscow.

The United squad celebrated the penalty shoot-out win well into the early hours at a party in their hotel.

BBC sports news correspondent James Pearce said the party had gone on until 1000 local time, and the team's return has been put back by at least an hour.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have already begun their trip back to Gatwick airport.

In a dramatic final, Manchester United took the lead through Ronaldo before Frank Lampard equalised.

It went down to penalties, with John Terry missing the chance to win it for Chelsea before Edwin van der Sar saved Nicolas Anelka's spot-kick to take the trophy.

Rural households are now more likely to have a broadband connection than residents of towns, says Ofcom.

The regulator's regional communications market report shows that 59% of rural households have broadband compared to 57% of urban homes.

It is the first time that the country has overtaken the town, according to the report.

Four years ago urban dwellers were twice as likely to have broadband as those living in the country.

Digital Britain in figures

Ed Richards, Ofcom's chief executive, said: "Our report highlights a closing of the geographical digital divide in the UK. Rural households are today as well connected to broadband as their urban neighbours."

The report also reveals big differences in tak

Suspected souvenir hunters broke into Stonehenge and vandalised the ancient monument, English Heritage said.

A small chip the size of a 10p piece was taken from the side of the Heel Stone with a screwdriver and hammer.

English Heritage said further damage was prevented by security guards who spotted the two men at the 5,000-year-old site in Wiltshire.

Police believe the men could be the same two people caught on CCTV acting suspiciously a few days earlier.