A COMPLETE squadron of one of the Territorial Army’s SAS units has been sent to southern Afghanistan to help prepare for the arrival of about 3,000 British troops. The use of a full TA squadron of 50-60 men for the first time since the Malaya emergency in the early 1950s reflects how stretched Britain’s special forces are in Iraq. The squadron will operate beside the regular SAS.

Cannabis to remain on low-risk list

CANNABIS is to keep its listing as a low-risk drug. The Home Office downgraded the drug to class C in 2004, meaning it has a low risk of addiction and few long-term health hazards. The government’s Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs found that although there was evidence linking cannabis and mental illness, it was not strong enough to justify raising its classification.

Police-related road deaths rise 20%

THERE has been a 20% rise in the numbers of people killed in road accidents involving police cars. The Independent Police Complaints Commission said 44 people had died in England and Wales over the past year. This is an increase of eight on the previous year and more than 2½ times the 17 recorded in 2000-1. The commission said 106 people had died during or after contact with police in the past year.

Crash kills boy

A BOY aged 13 was killed last night when he was hit by a car in Crawley, West Sussex. The accident happened outside a leisure centre. The teenager was taken to hospital but died shortly afterwards. Police-related road deaths rise 20%

Sell-out Robbie

MORE than 1m tickets for a tour by the singer Robbie Williams were sold in three hours after they went on sale at 8am yesterday. All five concerts in London sold out along with those in Brussels, Vienna and Amsterdam.

£3.1bn quake aid

THE total amount of aid that international donors have promised to help Pakistan recover from last month’s devastating earthquake has risen to £3.1 billion, after the UK increased its contribution to £100m.

Gardener’s reward

A 93-YEAR-OLD gardener who has tended the same allotment for more than 50 years has been given the land rent free. Lincoln city council decided to reward George Foster for his dedication.

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