Red tape 'driving teachers out of schools'

Tories claim millions of pounds are wasted on training teachers who later leave the profession because of bureaucracy

Briton and captors deny Iran involvement

Peter Moore’s kidnap account strengthens the Foreign Office view that there is no evidence of direct Iranian involvement

Bitterness of old year spills over into new

Britain’s assertion that it has ‘no evidence’ that the hostage Peter Moore was held for a time in Iran cut no ice in Tehran

Searching for the wriggle room

Lingerie firm La Senza may well go down in history as the shop that got caught in the Noughties knicker crossfire

The 2010 quiz

2009 has been and gone. Test your knowledge on this year's forthcoming events, on subjects ranging from economics to fashion

Private sector defies the gloom on recovery

Analysts surprised at resurgence of Scotland’s manufacturing industries and bullish predictions for new year. Plus, two Times writers consider...

First footing with frozen feet

Revellers defy snow, ice and cancellations as Scotland greets new year

COMMENT: Straw should get out more

The Justice Secretary’s remarks on police laziness fail to address the real problem of modern policing: unnecessary form-filling

P.D. James attacks BBC chief over salaries

The crime writer and former BBC governor confronts the director-general over ageism and 'extraordinarily large' salaries

York Minster window saved from fire

The 'irreplaceable' 15th-century window from York Minister was being restored in minster’s stone yard when the blaze broke out

Avalanche victim taught at top public school

Rupert Rosedale, head of outdoor activities at Marlborough College, had been training to become a mountain guide

Iran accused over kidnap as picture released

Former US commander in Iraq General Petraeus says he is 'certain' Peter Moore was held captive on Iranian territory

Australia steals Kiwi New Year thunder

Sydney started celebrations three hours early with fireworks display for children - at same time as main Auckland show

Rise in under-6s excluded for violence

Primary schools and nurseries hand out more than 2,600 exclusions – 14 a day – to three, four and five-year-olds

Petraeus 'certain' UK hostage was held in Iran

Claim by former US commander comes amid reports that Revolutionary Guard was involved in Peter Moore kidnap

Politicians go without New Year's honours

After year of scandal none of the 121 MPs stepping down next year are mentioned in list while Status Quo honoured

The £3,000 house (it's falling into the sea)

Painter buys home in hope of turning demise into piece of art