More than 200 academics have signed an open letter criticising controversial new research suggesting a link between violent video games and aggression.

The findings were released by the American Psychological Association.
It set up a taskforce that reviewed hundreds of studies and papers published between 2005 and 2013.
The American Psychological Association concluded while there was "no single risk factor" to blame for aggression, violent video games did contribute.
"The research demonstrates a consistent relation between violent video game use and increases in aggressive behaviour, aggressive cognitions and aggressive affect, and decreases in pro-social behaviour, empathy and sensitivity to aggression," said the report.
"It is the accumulation of risk factors that tends to lead to aggressive or violent behaviour. The research reviewed here demonstrates that violent video game use is one such risk factor."
However, a large group of academics said they felt the methodology of the research was deeply flawed as a significant part of material included in the study had not been subjected to peer review.
"I fully acknowledge that exposure to repeated violence may have short-term effects - you would be a fool to deny that - but the long-term consequences of crime and actual violent behaviour, there is just no evidence linking violent video games with that," Dr Mark Coulson, associate professor of psychology at Middlesex University and one of the signatories of the letter told the BBC.
"If you play three hours of Call of Duty you might feel a little bit pumped, but you are not going to go out and mug someone."
The question about whether violent games inspire violent behaviour "in real life" is a subject that strongly divides opinion.
The playing of violent video games is often cited as a factor in motivating shockingly violent youth crimes such as high school shootings in the US.
One of the students who carried out the Columbine High School massacre in 1999 used a gun he called "Arlene" - allegedly after a character in a novel inspired by the computer game Doom.
However, most people who played graphically violent games (such as Call of Duty, Hitman, Mortal Kombat) did not resort to violence - and most video games were not violent, said Dr Richard Wilson from trade body Tiga.
"I wouldn't rubbish the [APA] report, but think it is important to look beyond the headline," he said.
"Although there are adult games, there are also adult films, books, TV shows... the content should be, and is, regulated to ensure children and minors do not play inappropriate material."
The taskforce said more research was now needed to establish whether violent games did lead to violent criminal behaviour.
However, the group of 230 academics from universities around the world wrote in its open letter to the APA youth violence in the US and around the world was currently "at a 40-year low".
"This decline in societal violence is in conflict with claims that violent video games and interactive media are important public health concerns," they wrote.
"The statistical data are simply not bearing out this concern and should not be ignored."
A study released by the Oxford Internet Institute last year suggested frustration at being unable to play a game was more likely to bring out aggressive behaviour than the content of the game itself.
"We focused on the motives of people who play electronic games and found players have a psychological need to come out on top when playing," said Dr Andrew Przybylski at the time.
"If players feel thwarted by the controls or the design of the game, they can wind up feeling aggressive.
"This need to master the game was far more significant than whether the game contained violent material."
In Europe, games are given age-related ratings in accordance with the Pan-European Game Information (Pegi) system.
There are five age ratings - three, seven, 12, 16 and 18.
The problem is that violence is hard to classify.
A Pegi 18 certificate may contain scenes of "gross violence", says the website.
"Gross violence is the most difficult to define since it can be very subjective in many cases, but in general terms it can be classed as the depictions of violence that would make the viewer feel a sense of revulsion," it says.
The APA is calling for extra in-game controls in addition to the current ratings.
"This is censorship by another route," said Dr Coulson.
"The worry I have is that any soft-coded censorship will be immediately subverted.
"The people playing these games are more competent than the people acting as gatekeepers.
"It's kind of putting forward a solution to a problem I don't think exists."
The APA taskforce used meta-analysis - combining the results of lots of studies in order to look for patterns and correlations, rather than carrying out any new research itself.
It conducted a comprehensive review of academic work around the subject, some of which dated back to 2005.
"While there is some variation among the individual studies, a strong and consistent general pattern has emerged from many years of research that provides confidence in our general conclusions," said task force chairman Mark Appelbaum.
However, this approach was criticised by the group of experts, which said such correlations sometimes had other explanations.
For example, boys were more likely to play video games than girls but they were also more likely to be aggressive in general.
Dr Coulson also cautioned about work included in the study that may not have been subject to peer review, where it is critiqued by the wider academic community.
"Obviously there is a lot of stuff out there that doesn't get into peer review journals," he said.
"If you look at all the literature in this area you are bound to get a sensationalist conclusion."


A shopkeeper who claimed he was threatened with legal action after calling his shop Singhsbury's has changed its name to Morrisinghs.

Jel Singh Nagra's shop had no name for five years after he said Sainsbury's complained, The Northern Echo reported.
He has now put up a new sign naming his store Morrisinghs, in a bid to put his village of West Allotment, North Tyneside, "on the map".
A spokesman for Morrisons said the supermarket "did not mind".
"Mr Nagra and his customers obviously have good taste so we wish him well," he added.
Mr Nagra, who commutes 50 miles from Stockton to the shop in Benton Road, spent £350 on the new sign which he said was "a talking point".
"It is just a bit of banter and fun - it's not like we get passing trade - we are not stealing customers from supermarkets," he added.
"Originally when I was away on my honeymoon in 2012, I got a letter saying that Sainsbury's was threatening to take me to court.
"My family saw the letter and took the sign down because they were so worried. My customers kept saying I needed another sign so here it is and it's a bit cheeky."
The shop had already been called Singhsbury's for two years when Mr Nagra took it over from a family member in 2011.
Sainsbury's has been contacted for a comment.


Germany has "drastically reduced" internet surveillance for the US National Security Agency (NSA), reports from Germany say.

Claims that the German intelligence agency, the BND, had helped the NSA spy on European politicians, institutions and firms triggered outrage in Germany.
The BND adopted new rules requiring "clear justification" for each search.
As the NSA is not providing this, the BND has effectively stopped handing over internet surveillance data.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has come under pressure over the revelations, and has offered to give evidence to MPs.
A member of the parliamentary committee investigating the scandal, Green MP Konstantin von Notz, described the latest move as "a drastic step", but one that came much too late - as the problems had been known since 2013, he said.
Mr von Notz was present on Wednesday evening when the chancellor's Chief of Staff, Peter Altmaier, spoke to MPs in a closed hearing on the BND's work.
According to the Sueddeutsche Zeitung (in German), the monitoring station at Bad Aibling in Bavaria ceased providing internet surveillance data to the NSA earlier this week, after new rules - agreed with Mrs Merkel's office - were implemented.
The BND has worked with the US for years, but as this scandal has unfolded it has become clear that the targets went far beyond potential terrorist threats - and beyond the scope of the 2002 agreement between the two countries on which the co-operation is based.
The issue of surveillance is particularly significant in Germany because of its citizens' experiences of life under dictatorships - being watched by the Gestapo in the Nazi era, and then by the Stasi in Communist east Germany.


The UK's trading standards services have been "cut to the bone", making it tougher to ensure that household products are safe.

A director of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute said that local authorities are forced to make a "wicked" choice between what services they provide because of austerity.
Adam Scorer was speaking after it emerged that the Grenfell Tower fire started in a Hotpoint fridge-freezer.
Some 79 people are feared dead.
He told 5 Live's Wake Up to Money that while councils were responsible for trading standards, there was no central system to relay information about products to the public.
"Consumers should be confident that most products are safe, but we do know that the regime is as strong as its weakest link," Mr Scorer said.
"We don't have a central organisation of technical resources, we don't have core funding where we can be sure of who is going to be around to do this testing, and we don't have the right level of strategic communication to make sure that risks are placed on the system, flags are alerted and people are able to go in and do the right level of investigation of all the products that are concerned."
Former Business Secretary Sir Vince Cable told the programme that trading standards were a problem area because they were not a statutory obligation of local government.
"There are some things local government is required to do - trading standards not so," he said. "So when local councils are under financial pressure it is something they can cut back on."
Although the Department of Business provides Â£15m annually for national trading standards activities, the vast majority of services are funded by local authorities. The departments were once known as Weights and Measures.
Sir Vince suggested imposing an obligation on local authorities to strengthen trading standards, adding: "Or you could give them some financial support, which I think is what we should be probably doing, to have some ring-fenced money that supports what is currently a declining service."
He was Business Secretary when former BBC presenter Lynn Faulds-Wood was commissioned to investigate product safety. She claims the government ignored her report.
"I think Lynn Faulds-Wood's concern is she made recommendations that were very modest and did not entail public cost, [but] even they have not been acted on and that was where she is enormously frustrated."
Sir Vince added: "There is a tendency at the moment to look at whether the costs are to business rather than whether the costs are to society as a whole."
A Department for Business spokesperson said: "Funding and prioritisation for trading standards are decisions for local authorities - accountable to local communities and the people they serve. Government recognises that consumer protection goes beyond local authority boundaries, which is why we provide Â£15m per year for coordinated Trading Standards activity in the UK."


Officers are facing disciplinary action over claims a prisoner had sex during a hospital visit, the BBC has learned.

The Ministry of Justice said a number of prison staff were being investigated.
An HMP Chelmsford inmate's girlfriend told The Sun they were allowed into a shower room at Broomfield Hospital where they had sex.
Chelmsford MP Sir Simon Burns raised concerns about the issue in September and said there should be sackings.
In a letter to Sir Simon, the prisons minister Andrew Selous said a full investigation had been conducted.
"A number of prison officers will be required to attend a disciplinary hearing which will consider the appropriate action that should be taken against them," he said.
"Explicit instructions are also being put in place at the prison that make clear to staff the expected standards of supervision that are required during the time a prisoner is at a hospital.
"I hope this letter has been able to reassure you that, whilst it appears that there was an unfortunate lapse in supervision on this occasion, steps are being taken to robustly address the matter and avoid any such repetition."
Sir Simon said: "It was a very unfortunate incident which was totally unacceptable.
"I welcome the update from the minister and the assurances that measures have been put in place to ensure this does not happen again."


Vigils have been held across the UK in memory of the 49 people killed in a shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando.

Events took place in various cities on Monday to show solidarity and support for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people worldwide.
Hundreds gathered in Glasgow's George Square, while Soho in London was packed with people paying their respects.
US authorities say gunman Omar Mateen pledged allegiance to so-called Islamic State shortly before Sunday's attack.
Meanwhile, UK police are reviewing security for large-scale public events following the killings.
Home Secretary Theresa May told MPs it was right to examine security for forthcoming Gay Pride celebrations but said there were no plans for events to be cancelled.
At the scene: Soho pays tribute
Live updates: Orlando shootings
How attacks unfolded
Who was Omar Mateen?
Some 600 people gathered in Glasgow's George Square, where floral tributes and lit candles were placed. A rainbow flag was flown at half mast on Glasgow City Chambers.
Organiser Ciara McGuire said: "We're from Free Pride which is an LGBT community group in Glasgow and we just felt we needed a place where people could come and be around friends, and show solidarity with the people in Orlando as well."
In London, huge crowds gathered in Old Compton Street, at the heart of the capital's gay community.
The normally lively street fell silent at 19:00 BST as a sign of respect, after which 49 balloons - one for each person killed - were released into the air.
The BBC's Rebecca Cafe, in Soho, said: "Some hugged those close to them while others bowed their heads in memory of those who died in Orlando, and also in other attacks on gay communities around the world.
"It was billed as being a two-minute silence, but it went on for far longer. Afterwards, people cheered and clapped before chanting: 'We're here, we're queer, we will not live in fear'."
Jennifer Dean, from Bromley, south-east London, said she just had to come to the vigil.
"I had to attend here and be counted and to show support, and let Orlando know that they're not alone," she said.
"I've experienced hatred and it was an attack on friends."
Nicholas Hall, an American who is studying in London, used to live in Miami and knew people who had witnessed the shooting.
"I had many acquaintances in the Pulse nightclub, four of five of my friends and a lot of people they knew," he said.
"Seeing the victims' ages, in their 20s, 30s - my age - brought it much closer to home."
The vigil was attended by a number of politicians, including the new London mayor, Sadiq Khan, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Education Secretary Nicky Morgan. The US ambassador to the UK, Matthew Barzun, was also there.
Old Compton Street is home to many gay bars, including the Admiral Duncan, where three people were killed and many more injured in a nailbomb attack in 1999.
Vigils were also held in Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff, Brighton, Leeds and Nottingham, with more planned in the coming weeks.
In Manchester, hundreds of people held hands and linked arms in silence on Canal Street, the hub of the city's gay village while a lone voice sang Amazing Grace.
The crowd was addressed by Manchester's first openly-gay Lord Mayor Carl Austin-Behan and actor Julie Hesmondhalgh who played transgender character Hayley Cropper in the ITV soap Coronation Street.
The attack at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida is the deadliest mass shooting in recent US history. It ended when police shot Mateen dead. It also left 53 people injured.
Responding to an urgent question in the Commons, Mrs May said she was not aware of any British nationals being caught up in the shootings.
The "utterly evil" attack had been "designed to spread fear", she said, adding: "We will not tolerate such bigotry and violence".
The UK has some of the toughest gun laws in the world, she said.
MPs held a minute's silence in the Commons in memory of the Orlando victims.
Mrs May also said seven UK terror plots had been disrupted in the last 18 months, all inspired by so-called Islamic State, with the overall threat level remaining at severe.
The Metropolitan Police said it had increased patrols in "prime locations", as well as continuing to work "closely and engage with the LGBT community".
There is "no intelligence to suggest an increased risk in London", the force added in a statement.
On Saturday, 25 June, Pride in London hold their annual parade and related events for the LGBT community.
Downing Street said Prime Minister David Cameron had written to US President Barack Obama "to underline our shock here and our support for the US people as they deal with this incident".
A Number 10 spokeswoman said the PM was being regularly briefed on the situation.
A spokeswoman for the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) said police forces across the country would be reviewing security around events in their areas.


Fifa has brought forward a reconciliation meeting for Cameroon football stakeholders to 10 July in Guinea, as football's world body aims to settle internal problems within the Cameroon Federation (Fecafoot.)

Cameroon were banned from global football in July 2013 before the establishment of a Fifa-approved Normalisation Committee led by Joseph Owona.
Tombi A Roko Sidiki and his executive committee then assumed office after elections held in September 2015.
Despite Sidiki's election receiving the approval of both Fifa and the Cameroon government, there have been several challenges to his administration.
Most recently, Cameroonian club Etoile Filante de Garoua argued that Fecafoot had no authority to send a team to the Confederations Cup in Russia, an argument Fifa dismissed.
However, Fifa has acknowledged there is a problem within the Cameroon football family and is taking measures to resolve the problem for good.
In March, the Association of Amateur Football Clubs in Cameroon were notified that Veron Mosengo-Omba, Fifa's director of African and Caribbean Member Associations, would be discussing the issue with Fecafoot.
His visit was due to take place in August having been postponed from June, but in a letter to stakeholders dated 23 June 2017, Veron Mosongo-Omba confirmed the date has been brought forward to 10 July.
"It is important to stress that Fifa has the obligation to promote amicable relations within member associations" he wrote.
"Fifa considers its role to settle internal disputes capable of jeopardizing the interest of football in line with its statutory tasks and autonomy of member associations."
Cameroon is set to host the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and internal squabbles - if not resolved - may see the prestigious competition withdrawn.


Moussa Dembele scored twice against Hamilton Academical to give Celtic a 21st straight Premiership victory.

Media playback is not supported on this device
The visitors, sitting bottom of the table, had limited the leaders to a Stuart Armstrong strike against the woodwork until Dembele struck.
The French striker curled home a superb shot on the stroke of half-time.
Dembele scored his second after 59 minutes from the penalty spot after Kieran Tierney was brought down by Massimo Donati.
Celtic's 15th consecutive win in all competitions means they retain their 24-point lead over Aberdeen, who beat Ross County.
Accies remain one point behind Inverness Caledonian Thistle, who had lifted themselves off the bottom with Friday's win over Rangers.
Celtic were in command of this game, but that alone was not enough to overcome Hamilton.
The visitors were disciplined, well-organised and spirited, while their hosts lacked the edge and intensity that has distinguished the best of their work this season.
The game became a test of Celtic's patience until Dembele delivered a moment of improvisation and exquisite technique.
Spinning on the ball then dragging it past Massimo Donati, he made room 25 yards from goal then lifted a shot over Hamilton goalkeeper Gary Woods and into the far corner of the net.
It was striking enough for goalkeeper Craig Gordon to wait for his team-mate at the side of the pitch as the players left at half-time and congratulate him.
Dembele almost added a second early in the second half, but his shot from Tierney's cross was deflected wide.
The Celtic full-back still managed to create a goal for Dembele, though, being brought down inside the area for a penalty that the French striker converted calmly.
Not for the first time this season, much of Hamilton's play was solid and dependable.
They set up to contain Celtic and their work was diligent and thorough enough to frustrate the home side.
Darian MacKinnon was typically bullish in central midfield, while Danny Redmond kept trying to prompt counter-attacks from deep positions.
Steven Boyd, a graduate of the club's youth academy, looked promising up front, but mostly Hamilton were trying to maintain their hold on a clean sheet.
Redmond did shoot wide early on and one break upfield ended with MacKinnon playing Dougie Imrie in, but he sliced his shot wide of the goal.
The visitors had a claim for a penalty late on, when Gramoz Kurtaj went down inside the area, but the Hamilton forward was booked for diving instead.
Just before the end, Eamonn Brophy also had a header tipped over by Gordon.
Hamilton were bottom of the table before kick-off and there is no sense of panic at the club, but this was a difficult day for the visitors.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "When teams sit in that deep, it's always difficult. For spells in the first half we closed up our own space a little too much - that was just our positioning really.
"We still have moments where we could find the final pass a little bit better, but right on half-time an absolutely brilliant goal by Moussa. The boy oozes quality, he has wonderful finishing, and I think that was his first one from outside the box, so he's continually working on that.
"His movement was good, he's improving all the time in the setting up of his game. He's always a threat, he wants to score. His contribution was very high.
"Defensively we were outstanding, how quickly we won the ball back. Overall, a very pleasing performance."
Hamilton Academical manager Martin Canning: "We stuck to our task, and we did well, but it takes that moment of quality from Dembele to open the scoring.
"At that point the plan was working to frustrate Celtic, and when we had counterattack opportunities our quality maybe wasn't as good as it could have been. I was really pleased with the players' attitude, they worked hard.
"You can take a lot from it. They've competed with the best team in the country. It's always going to be difficult going toe-to-toe with Celtic because they've got quality players who can hurt you.
"You've got to come here with a plan of keeping your shape and being disciplined and organised. We did that very well and the concentration levels were great. There were positives to take into Tuesday's game against Aberdeen."
Match ends, Celtic 2, Hamilton Academical 0.
Second Half ends, Celtic 2, Hamilton Academical 0.
Corner,  Hamilton Academical. Conceded by Craig Gordon.
Attempt saved. Eamonn Brophy (Hamilton Academical) header from very close range is saved in the top centre of the goal.
Foul by Leigh Griffiths (Celtic).
Dougie Imrie (Hamilton Academical) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Giannis Skondras (Hamilton Academical) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Foul by Giannis Skondras (Hamilton Academical).
Scott Sinclair (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Substitution, Celtic. Callum McGregor replaces Stuart Armstrong.
Attempt blocked. Eamonn Brophy (Hamilton Academical) left footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked.
Corner,  Celtic. Conceded by Giannis Skondras.
Foul by Nir Bitton (Celtic).
Dougie Imrie (Hamilton Academical) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Gramoz Kurtaj (Hamilton Academical) is shown the yellow card.
Gramoz Kurtaj (Hamilton Academical) has gone down, but that's a dive.
Substitution, Hamilton Academical. Eamonn Brophy replaces Rakish Bingham.
Foul by Leigh Griffiths (Celtic).
Scott McMann (Hamilton Academical) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Substitution, Celtic. Leigh Griffiths replaces Moussa Dembele.
Attempt missed. Moussa Dembele (Celtic) right footed shot from the right side of the box is high and wide to the left.
Attempt missed. Moussa Dembele (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses the top right corner.
Substitution, Hamilton Academical. Gramoz Kurtaj replaces Daniel Redmond.
Attempt saved. Gary Mackay-Steven (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner.
Substitution, Hamilton Academical. Greg Docherty replaces Steven Boyd.
Erik Sviatchenko (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Rakish Bingham (Hamilton Academical).
Goal!  Celtic 2, Hamilton Academical 0. Moussa Dembele (Celtic) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the high centre of the goal.
Penalty Celtic. Kieran Tierney draws a foul in the penalty area.
Massimo Donati (Hamilton Academical) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Penalty conceded by Massimo Donati (Hamilton Academical) after a foul in the penalty area.
Foul by Gary Mackay-Steven (Celtic).
Daniel Redmond (Hamilton Academical) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Gary Mackay-Steven (Celtic).
Dougie Imrie (Hamilton Academical) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Corner,  Celtic. Conceded by Michael Devlin.
Attempt blocked. Moussa Dembele (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
Attempt missed. Rakish Bingham (Hamilton Academical) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right.
Scott Sinclair (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Foul by Giannis Skondras (Hamilton Academical).


Tracey Neville believes she is the right person to coach England on a permanent basis after leading them to a bronze medal at the Netball World Cup.

Anna Mayes was dismissed as head coach in March and Neville, 38, was brought in from domestic Superleague side Manchester Thunder to coach the national team in Sydney.
"I've had great support throughout this campaign," she told BBC Sport.
"I feel like I have the knowledge to take this country forward."
She added: "Going forward, whether it's with me or with another coach, I'll be 100% behind these girls."
Neville was appointed after England's disappointing fourth-place finish at the Commonwealth Games in 2014.
Under her leadership the Roses won six of their eight games at the World Cup, and claimed bronze after beating 66-44 Jamaica on Sunday.
She had to deal with the sudden death of her father, Neville Neville, at the start of the tournament but opted to stay in Sydney to see out the competition.
England netball chief executive Joanne Adams told the BBC there is "no doubt" in her mind that Neville is right for the job, but they will let her take a break before making a decision on her future.
"I came into this job late, off the back of a Manchester Thunder season, so I feel like I've been on a rollercoaster," added Neville, who is the sister of former Manchester United footballers Gary and Phil Neville.
"It's now time to go away to go away and accept what has happened.
"The public support I've had and my family have had has been unreal. I just wish he was here to share this moment with me."


The body of the US DJ, Casey Kasem, is to be moved to Oslo, according to reports in the Norwegian newspaper VG.

A government official told the paper an application had been made to bury Kasem's remains in the city.
His body was moved by his wife, Jean, to Montreal in Canada after he died, aged 82, in the US state of Washington in June.
Kasem's children from a previous marriage say his remains are being kept from them by their stepmother.
The DJ's wife and children have been in dispute over his body since his death.
Kasem's daughter, Kerri, has accused Mrs Kasem of abusing her father before he died.
Kerri Kasem wants a full autopsy to be performed on the body.
The abuse allegations are being investigated by police in Santa Monica, where Kasem had been in hospital before his death.
Kerri Kasem's spokesman, Danny Deraney, told Billboard it was not clear what Jean Kasem planned to do with her husband's remains.
"We just know that she wants to keep Casey away from family and friends and by the looks of it, [is] hiding from law enforcement," he said.
If Kasem is finally laid to rest in Norway, it will be the end of a journey for the man who was the voice of Shaggy in the TV animation, Scooby Doo.
In May, Kasem - who had been suffering from dementia - was taken by his wife from Santa Monica to Las Vegas and then to Washington state, where they were tracked down by a private investigator working for Kasem's children.
After Kasem's death his body was then moved to Montreal, despite a court order designed to prevent his remains being removed from a funeral home in Tacoma.
Now it appears Oslo may be the DJ's final stop.
But Kasem's son, Mike, said his father had no connection to Norway.
"I don't know if Jean has any ties to Oslo. She certainly has never mentioned it in the last 35 years," he told Billboard.
"Everyone keeps asking for motives as to why Jean acts how she acts. I don't have an answer."
Kasem began his career in the 1950s and found fame with the chart programme.
He famously ended his broadcasts with his signature sign-off: "Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars."


Lyle Taylor and Sean Rigg goals helped AFC Wimbledon to victory as they condemned Barnet to their second defeat away from home in four days.

Striker Taylor met a George Francomb pass to give the hosts a seventh-minute lead from close range.
Francomb was then denied from the penalty spot by Max Crocombe after Michael Nelson's foul on Adebayo Azeez.
Rigg came off the bench to ensure all three points in stoppage time as Barnet pushed forward in search of a leveller.
AFC Wimbledon manager Neal Ardley told BBC London 94.9:
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"I'm proud. It was an ugly game of football. It's hard when they put four up against you. You have to defend resiliently.
"They were tired. It's not an excuse. They were at the end of a long week, but they stuck with it, they defended for their lives.
"And, for the first 25 minutes we were excellent. We got it down, we passed, we moved, we were the footballing team."
Barnet manager Martin Allen told BBC London 94.9:
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"It was a disappointing performance. I don't think we really deserved anything.
"After what has been a good week for us, performance wise at Plymouth and last Saturday, we were second best all over the pitch.
"Not very often that I have to say we weren't quite at the races, but we were average."


The Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that bus drivers must do more to accommodate wheelchair users.

The ruling came after wheelchair user Doug Paulley was refused entry to a FirstGroup bus in 2012 when a mother with a pushchair refused to move.
We asked bus passengers and drivers what they think.
Nicole Thomas nearly lost her place on a bus to a wheelchair user in Leeds when travelling with her three-week old baby in 2014.
"A man in a wheelchair was at the bus stop and I heard him say to the bus driver 'tell her to get off' even though I think there was room for both of us.
"The driver said he would not kick a girl off the bus and eventually the bus left the man at the stop.
"The ruling is really unfair. Pushchairs need to be on buses too - this is just stigmatising parents. We have equal need.
"Now I'm really not looking forward to getting the bus.
"If a wheelchair user wants the space, how am I supposed to fold down the pram with a two-year old, a baby and all the shopping?"
Flash Bristow was knocked out of her wheelchair on a bus in Cambridgeshire in 2005 after a woman refused to move her buggy from the bay that had a pole designed to protect wheelchairs.
"When the bus turned a corner, my wheelchair tipped sideways and I fell on to the floor.
"It was horrible - I'd only just gained the confidence to travel alone in my wheelchair and then this accident happened.
"Now I take minicabs from my house in Leytonstone to Stratford railway station which, at Â£5 each way, adds up.
"I can only travel by bus if I'm with a friend or I pay for a personal carer, but it's still awkward.
"When I get on the bus, I have to call out to ask people to move. I try to be upbeat, but I feel fed up and in pain.
"Unlike a parent with a buggy, I don't have any choice - my chair doesn't fold".
John Howard drives buses in Penzance, Cornwall:
"We do what we can to accommodate people but sometimes the bus is full.
"I would feel uncomfortable forcing a person with a buggy to get off.
"If a parent boards the bus with a buggy and a disabled person wants to use the same bay, I would prefer to let whoever boarded first use the space.
"It's not fair to leave it to the bus driver. Where is the person with the buggy going to sit?
"Whichever way, the bus driver is the bad guy. We are the ones at the wheel."
Dominic Lund-Conlon, a transport professional and a wheelchair user in Essex, says the decision by the Supreme Court does not solve the question of how to ensure everyone can travel on buses:
"We have had the judgement now but what is missing is how to enforce it.
"The transport industry needs to work out how to get everyone to the end of their journey and still be happy.
"I have had negative experiences on public transport, but they were resolved after talking to passengers.
"Better signage is needed to remind passengers about the purpose of wheelchair bays, as well improved design of buses to give sufficient space to both buggies and wheelchairs.
"Other solutions include improved training for bus drivers and education for passengers about how to assist fellow travellers.
"The ruling is a step forward, but we need to make clear who is responsible for enforcement."
Produced by Georgina Rannard, BBC UGC & Social news team


A pioneer of medical technologies that have benefited millions of people has become the latest winner of the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering.

Professor Robert Langer of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has won the £1m award for his development of drug-release systems, tissue building and microchip implants.
The Queen Elizabeth Prize, designed to become a "Nobel" for engineering, was set up with cross-party backing and industry support to celebrate innovators with global impact.
Prof Langer's work has been cited 170,000 times - making him the most cited engineer in history - and he has more than 1,000 patents granted or pending for his inventions.
It is estimated that as many as two billion people have in some way been touched by technologies devised and developed by him and his teams.
The previous winners of the prize - set up to inspire young people to become engineers - were the five pioneers of the Internet and World Wide Web including Sir Tim Berners-Lee.
Prof Langer told the BBC: "I've always wanted to see what I can do to help people have happier, healthier lives. I worked in a hospital for a number of years - I've seen different medical problems and I've thought: What can we do to make things better for people?"
He said he was delighted to win the award because he supported  "the idea of inspiring young people - nothing is more important than that".
In the 1970s, in the face of widespread opposition from the medical and scientific establishment, Prof Langer pioneered the use of materials known as polymers which could gradually release sophisticated medications.
It had been thought that the large molecules involved in treatments for diseases such as cancer and diabetes could not pass through polymers, but Prof Langer found ways to achieve this, allowing the development of devices to release controlled amounts of drugs.
Working with surgeons at Boston Children's Hospital, he developed the first substances that could block the spread of blood vessels in tumours - a process called angiogenesis.
His aim was to target anti-cancer drugs where they were most needed, to avoid harm to the whole body. Among his first inventions were "wafers" containing medication that could be inserted at the right locations, including brain tumours.
Prof Langer is known for bringing together researchers from many different disciplines ranging from chemical engineering - his original field - to patient care.
His design for cardiovascular stents which are coated in drugs has gone on to benefit about 10 million heart patients.
Combining materials science and medicine enabled him to make significant advances in tissue engineering - using synthetic polymers to guide cells into forming a wide range of tissues.
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved this technique for making artificial skin for use on burn victims and people with diabetic skin ulcers. Trials of the growth of new cartilage and spinal cord repair are under way.
More recently Prof Langer has developed implants designed to release specific doses of drugs over a period of years - with the potential for the releases to be controlled remotely by wireless signals.
The first uses of these devices are planned to be for diabetes medication, female contraception and osteoporosis while the provision of malaria drugs and essential minerals are on the horizon too.
On the opposition faced by many of his inventions, Prof Langer said: "Conventional wisdom is not always right and to really invent things, to come up with ideas, you to have examine carefully the basis for that conventional wisdom, and a lot of inventions have come because people say, 'What I've read, isn't right' - and that's part of what we did.
"When I started doing a lot of this work in the 1970s, it probably was considered science fiction, in fact a lot of the people who reviewed our grants said we shouldn't get the funds because it was like fiction.
"But you keep pushing, you keep believing in your ideas and eventually they do become reality."
When asked how he would spend the prize money, Prof Langer said he would leave it to his wife to decide.
He will receive the award from the Queen later this year.
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North Ferriby's first game in English football's fifth tier ended in a goalless draw with Braintree.

Close to 600 people turned out in East Yorkshire to see Steve Housham's men make their National League bow and watched on as the frame of the goal was struck three times.
Danny Clarke had a first-half shot blocked for the Villagers and then Curtis Bateson looked to have given them the lead, only to see his effort bounce out off the bar.
The same two players were involved again just before the break, Clarke denied by Jamie Butler in the Braintree goal after being teed up by Bateson.
Town sub Jake Goodman became the next player to hit the bar, nodding against the woodwork as the game entered its last 20 minutes, which passed without incident other than Ferriby hacking off the line amid a scramble which also saw the ball hit the post.
Report supplied by the Press Association.
Match ends, North Ferriby United 0, Braintree Town 0.
Second Half ends, North Ferriby United 0, Braintree Town 0.
Danny Clarke (North Ferriby United) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Corner,  Braintree Town.
Corner,  Braintree Town.
Substitution, North Ferriby United. Ryan Kendall replaces Connor Robinson.
Corner,  Braintree Town.
Substitution, North Ferriby United. Vinny Mukendi replaces Alfons Fosu-Mensah.
Corner,  Braintree Town.
Substitution, Braintree Town. Jake Goodman replaces Craig Braham-Barrett.
Corner,  Braintree Town.
Corner,  Braintree Town.
Corner,  Braintree Town.
Second Half begins North Ferriby United 0, Braintree Town 0.
First Half ends, North Ferriby United 0, Braintree Town 0.
Corner,  Braintree Town.
Corner,  Braintree Town.
Corner,  Braintree Town.
Corner,  North Ferriby United.
Corner,  Braintree Town.
Jake Skelton (North Ferriby United) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Corner,  Braintree Town.
Corner,  Braintree Town.
Corner,  Braintree Town.
First Half begins.
Lineups are announced and players are warming up.


Worcester Warriors prop Val Rapava Ruskin has been given a six-week ban after pleading guilty to pushing a referee in the back.

The 24-year-old was cited by the Rugby Football Union for shoving Greg Garner with both hands in Friday's Premiership defeat to Newcastle Falcons.
He will miss the final match of the season against Leicester on Saturday.
Rapava Ruskin, who will join Gloucester at the end of the season, is available to play again on 4 September.
The Georgia-born player went before a disciplinary panel on Wednesday.
In a statement, the panel said the sanction "reflects the seriousness of making contact with a referee or any match official".
Rapava Ruskin's suspension rules him out of a potential England squad call, but three of his current Warriors team-mates - lock Will Spencer, stand-off Ryan Mills and winger Perry Humphreys - have been included in a 20-man three-day England 'strength and conditioning' training camp from 9-11 May,
England face the Barbarians on 28 May before playing two Tests against Argentina in June.


Bath's hopes of a European Champions Cup quarter-final came to a dispiriting end as they were well beaten by a youthful Leinster side in Dublin.

The Irish side, who had already been eliminated before the match, led at half-time through Ian Madigan's boot.
Bath got within range when number eight Leroy Houston nudged his way over on 59 minutes to cut the hosts' lead to 15-8.
But from the restart, Leinster regained the ball and hooker Sean Cronin crashed through to all but end the contest.
Bath finished as runners-up in the Premiership last season, but a campaign that promised much at the start has been a dismal disappointment.
Out of Europe and eighth in the Premiership, it now appears that last weekend's excellent performance in the south of France - where they came within three points of defending champions Toulon - was another false dawn for Mike Ford's side.
It may have taken almost an hour for the first try to arrive, but the contest itself was absorbing from the start.
With their own hopes of making the last eight gone, Leinster's youthful selection brought energy and enthusiasm, while both sets of backs looked dangerous.
Leinster's Worcester-bound league convert Ben Te'o went on a jinking break, before Bath centre Jonathan Joseph's deft kick infield almost found Houston at the other end, with only Dave Kearney's desperate cover denying him.
Madigan's accuracy off the tee was the difference on the scoreboard at the break as he punished Bath's indiscipline with four precise penalties.
Another kick early in the second half stretched Leinster's lead, but it appeared Bath had grabbed a lifeline when Houston barged over from close range.
But George Ford squandered the conversion before his team did the same with their chances of salvaging a result.
A horrible mix-up between Houston and Matt Banahan gave away possession off the restart and replacement Cronin burst around the base of the ruck to restore his side's advantage.
The introduction of more experience off the Leinster bench - with Eoin Reddan and Sean O'Brien making cameo appearances - helped the hosts see out the final quarter in relative comfort.
Leinster: Kirchner, Nacewa, Ringrose, Te'o, D. Kearney, Madigan, L. McGrath, Dooley, Tracy, Furlong, Molony, M. McCarthy, Ruddock, van der Flier, Murphy.
Replacements: Reid for Kirchner (67), Sexton for Nacewa (74), Reddan for L. McGrath (66), J. McGrath for Dooley (46), Cronin for Tracy (46), Moore for Furlong (46), Denton for M. McCarthy (46), O'Brien for Murphy (59).
Bath: Watson, Rokoduguni, Joseph, K. Eastmond, Banahan, Ford, Cook, Lahiff, Webber, Wilson, Hooper, Day, Garvey, Louw, Houston.
Replacements: Homer for Watson (64), Auterac for Lahiff (50), Batty for Webber (41), Thomas for Wilson (41), Ewels for Day (53), Denton for Louw (41).
Not Used: Evans, Priestland.
Sin Bin: Day (35).
Att: 14,569
Ref: Pascal Gauzere (France).


The European Central Bank says it has increased emergency funding to Greek banks by €900m (£627m) for one week.

ECB president Mario Draghi said the bank had offered more help through Emergency Liquidity Assistance (ELA) following a request from the Bank of Greece.
Mr Draghi said the ECB's total exposure to Greece was now €130bn.
Speaking at an ECB press conference in Frankfurt, he said that debt relief for Greece was "necessary".
"It's uncontroversial that debt relief is necessary and I think that nobody has ever disputed that," Mr Draghi said.
"The issue is what is the best form of debt relief within our framework, within our legal institutional framework. I think we should focus on this point in the coming weeks."
Mr Draghi said the ECB continued to act on the assumption that Greece was and would be a member of the euro area.
Mr Draghi said the ECB was in a position to extend help under ELA after eurozone ministers agreed "bridge" financing for Greece to keep its finances afloat, and after Greek MPs passed reforms as part of the bailout deal.
He expressed confidence that Greece would repay its €3.5bn (£2.4bn) debt to the ECB when it comes due on 20 July.
Mr Draghi's comments came after the ECB held eurozone interest rates at their historic low of 0.05%.
The ECB also maintained its bond-buying programme at €60bn a month.
The massive bond-buying programme was launched in March to prevent the eurozone falling into deflation. It also aimed to weaken the euro to boost exports and encourage consumer spending.


A man who posed as a council worker to try to get into a pensioner's house in Edinburgh has been jailed for three and a half years.

Gordon McLeod's plans were foiled when the 70-year-old homeowner and his 69-year-old friend tackled him.
At the High Court in Glasgow, heroin addict McLeod, 32, admitted assaulting the men.
Jailing McLeod, Judge Lady Scott praised the bravery of the pensioners.
The court heard that McLeod pretended to be an East Lothian council worker in a bid to get into Ronald Cormack's home in Lauriston Place in Edinburgh last May.
He told Mr Cormack he needed inside the turn the water off because there was an emergency.
McLeod wore a high visibility vest and flashed a fake identity card, before pushing past the pensioner.
Once inside the house, he started to struggle with Mr Cormack and he produced a knife, the court was told.
Mr Cormack and his friend Jack Cairns then tackled the intruder - one pushed him towards the door while the other called the police.
Lady Scott told McLeod:  "The elderly gentlemen were having a quiet social evening when you appeared and sought to gain entry by pretending there was an emergency and you needed to switch the water off.
"When this gambit failed, you forced your way into the house, with intent to rob the householder."
She said that when McLeod met with resistance from the two OAP he "gave up and was ushered out of the house."
She added: "Your two victims were gentlemen aged 70 and 69 years old respectively. Thankfully neither was injured."
The court heard that McLeod has a lengthy list of previous convictions including one for assault and robbery in 2006 for which he received a 42 month jail sentence.
Defence counsel Matt Jackson said: "He can't apologise enough to the victims. To force his way into the house was unforgivable."


The meningitis B vaccine will be introduced to the routine childhood vaccination programme in Scotland from 1 September, it has been announced.

Scotland is now one of the few nations in the world to offer the vaccination to all infants.
The vaccination will be given in three doses at two months, four months and a year.
Babies aged two months when the vaccine is introduced will be eligible.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has also advised that when the programme starts there should be a one-off, catch-up programme for infants aged three months and four months who will be attending for their routine vaccinations.
Additionally, in response to an increase in the number of cases of meningitis W, a MenACWY vaccine will be introduced to replace the MenC vaccine used in the adolescents and university freshers vaccination programmes.
From 1 August that vaccine will be offered to students under the age of 25 attending university for the first time this autumn, along with a catch-up programme for all 14 to 18-year-olds.
Scottish Health Secretary Shona Robison said: "These two new vaccination programmes will offer families in Scotland extra peace of mind.
"We're delighted to be one of the first countries in the world to introduce a nationwide MenB vaccination programme to help tackle the effects of this disease, which can be devastating for children and their families.
"The Scottish government has been consistent in its support for the introduction of this vaccine and today's announcement underlines our commitment to ensuring the health and wellbeing of our children."
She added: "Around 1,200 people - mainly babies and children - get meningitis B each year in the UK, and around one in 10 die from the infection.
"I am also very pleased to see the expedited launch of the MenW vaccine prevention programme for teenagers. This vaccine also protects against MenA, MenC and MenY, making sure young people are protected at such an important time in their academic lives."
Meningitis B is a bacterial infection that particularly affects children under the age of one.
It commonly affects children under five years of age, and is also common among teenagers aged 15 to 19.
The vaccination will be given in three doses at two months, four months and 12 months, with all babies in Scotland aged two months at the point of introduction being eligible.
There are about 1,870 cases of the infection each year in the UK.
Symptoms include a high fever with cold hands and feet, confusion, vomiting and headaches.
Most children will make a full recovery with early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment, although it is fatal in one in 10 cases.
About one in four of those who survive is left with long-term problems such as amputation, deafness, epilepsy and learning difficulties.
Sue Davie, chief executive of Meningitis Now, said: "Today's announcement is a tribute to the tireless and selfless efforts of our supporters, for many of whom sadly these vaccines come too late. We are ready to support the introductions in any way we can."
Mary Millar, Scotland manager of Meningitis Research Foundation, said: "These two programmes are the culmination of years of research which will spare countless families the trauma of seeing a loved one die or left seriously disabled by meningitis and septicaemia."
Gemma Lessells' son Matthew contracted meningitis B in 2010 when he was 13 months old.
The Inverkeithing mother said: "He was quiet and had a temperature at 4pm. He started being sick at 6pm and by 10pm he was in hospital fighting for his life.
"He had cannulas everywhere, they were taking his blood pressure every 15 minutes. His heart rate was 210 and his temperature on admission was 40.9.
"We were incredibly lucky - Matthew survived, though has delayed expressive speech and suffered night terrors following his hospital stay.
"We are also in the process of discussing possible behavioural side effects with his health visitor, but other than that we have a gorgeous healthy happy boy with a laugh that lights up a room
"I would not want any parent or child to go through what we did, and welcome news of the implementation of these two new vaccines in Scotland."


Concerns over standards of care at a second north Wales mental health unit will be "investigated thoroughly", the health board's interim chief has said.

New allegations have emerged about Wrexham Maelor Hospital's Gwanwyn ward following a spot check in December.
Simon Dean said Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board would deal with any cases of mistreatment or abuse "through the proper processes".
This follows the scandal at the Tawel Fan ward, run by the same health board.
There was a damning report written about standards of care at the Tawel Fan ward at Glan Clwyd Hospital, Denbighshire.
Richard Lumley's father died on the Gwanwyn ward in November after sustaining head injuries.
He said there are many questions still surrounding his father's death which have not been fully investigated by the coroner and claims the hospital still has not completed an internal review.
"I believe, I try to recall now, being told by a member of staff that another patient had been involved in the incident which led to dad's fall," he said.
Mr Lumley said his family is concerned at the lack of communication from the health board.
The  North Wales Community Health Council has also raised concerns that issues on the ward "have been largely ignored".
Mr Dean confirmed he was aware of allegations concerning Gwanwyn ward and said: "I can give a categorical assurance that these will be investigated thoroughly.
"Where any cases of mistreatment or abuse are identified, these will also be dealt with through the proper processes.
"If we are to rebuild trust in our services, it is vital that people know that their concerns will be listened to and acted upon.
"I also want our staff to be confident that we will not allow the reputation of the many who provide high quality and compassionate care to be tarnished by other people's poor conduct."


Polish defender Rafal Grzelak has joined Hearts on a two-year deal.

The 28-year-old's contract with Korona Kielce in his homeland had expired and Grzelak has also played for Wisla Plock, Dolcan Zabki and Podbeskidzie Bielsko-Biala.
He becomes head coach Ian Cathro's third summer signing.
"For me, it's important that this club will be my home and I'm really excited to be here," Grzelak told the Hearts website.
"I've had a really good impression from everybody that I've met here so far, and I've been told that the fans are fantastic.
"When I knew that I could come here, then I was very happy to come.
"My good features are that I am a strong player, who likes to tackle, and I prepare myself well for the physical side of the game. But I am also very calm on the ball.
"I can play in defence, both in the centre and on the left, and I can also play in the centre of midfield."
Hearts, fifth in last season's top flight, have already signed defender Christophe Berra and forward Cole Stockton so far this summer.
Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.


Ahmed Tomeh, a 48-year-old dentist and former political prisoner, has been tasked by Syria's main opposition alliance with forming an interim government to administer rebel-held areas.

He was elected prime minister by the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces on 14 September, two months after his predecessor Ghassan Hitto resigned due to his failure to name a cabinet or co-ordinate the provision basic services and supplies.
Mr Tomeh was said to be a consensus candidate accepted by a secular-leaning coalition with the alliance and the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood.
Before leaving for Turkey in 2012 after his latest detention, Mr Tomeh spent most of his life in the eastern Syrian city of Deir al-Zour.
According to a biography published by the National Coalition, his political career began in 1992, when he helped set up a peaceful resistance group in Deir al-Zour. He began to preach Friday sermons at mosques in 1997, but was stopped after two years by the authorities.
In 2001, Mr Tomeh joined the Committee for the Revival of Civil Society in Syria, which campaigned for democracy, the release of prisoners of conscience, and the protection of human rights.
Mr Tomeh was one of the founders of the Damascus Declaration for Democratic National Change (DDDNC), a coalition of political parties, human rights groups and pro-democracy activists named after a 2005 document that demanded Syria's transformation from a "security state to a political state".
He was registered with the DDDNC as an independent nationalist and in 2006 was elected Deir al-Zour's representative.
In December 2007, Mr Tomeh became the DDDNC's secretary general. One week later, he was detained with several other leaders of the coalition and sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison.
He was released from jail in June 2010, nine months before the start of the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad.
Mr Tomeh participated in the anti-government demonstrations and attended opposition meetings that began to take place in Deir al-Zour at the end of March 2011.
In July 2011, he was arrested in his dental clinic and imprisoned for a month for inciting protests and criticising the government in the media.
He joined the Syrian National Council, coalition of exiled opposition groups, at its formation in October 2011, under the pseudonym "Ahmed al-Saih". But he quit the SNC before long due to his inability to attend meetings and participate effectively in its activities.
When the opposition formed local councils to help administer rebel-held areas of Syria, he advised the one based in Deir al-Zour.
After his election as interim prime minister by the National Coalition, Mr Tomeh promised in a speech that his government would "restore order and security, protect people's property, revive the economy and invest in national resources to serve the welfare of the Syrian people".
"The challenges are immense, but we can overcome them with patience and unity," he added. "We face many challenges. The most important of which is ending the destruction of our land, our people and our future. We must be united. We must work as one."
BBC Monitoring reports and analyses news from TV, radio, web and print media around the world. For more reports from BBC Monitoring, click here. You can follow BBC Monitoring on Twitter and Facebook.


Syria's President Bashar al-Assad has visited Moscow on his first overseas trip since the civil war broke out in his country in 2011.

During the surprise visit, he held talks with President Vladimir Putin.
Russia launched air strikes in Syria last month against the so-called Islamic State (IS) and other militant groups battling Mr Assad's forces.
Mr Assad said Russia's involvement had stopped "terrorism" becoming "more widespread and harmful" in Syria.
For his part, Mr Putin said Moscow's hope, in providing a "positive dynamic in the fighting", was that a "long term resolution can be achieved on the basis of a political process with the participation of all political forces, ethnic and religious groups".
The visit happened on Tuesday evening, but was not announced until Wednesday - after Mr Assad had returned to Damascus.
Analysis: Diplomatic correspondent Jonathan Marcus
President Assad's surprise visit to Moscow represents a sign of growing confidence by the embattled Syrian president. He feels it safe to leave Damascus for the first time since the civil war in Syria erupted.
It is also a visible symbol of Russia's confidence in the current Syrian regime. Having Mr Assad turn up in Moscow shows that there is little doubt that for now at least, President Putin is intent on shoring up Mr Assad's position.
But the trip may also mark a new stage in Russia's efforts to roll out a diplomatic plan alongside its military intervention in Syria; an illustration that Russia deals with Mr Assad, and that for now at least Mr Assad has to be part of any interim solution.
In comments that were videoed and published by the Kremlin, Mr Putin thanked Mr Assad for coming despite the "dramatic situation" back home.
He praised the Syrian people for "almost alone... resisting, fighting international terrorism for several years. They had suffered serious losses, but recently have been achieving serious results in this fight," he added.
Mr Putin said Russia was also concerned by the 4,000 people from the former Soviet Union believed to be fighting in Syria. "We cannot permit them - once they get fighting experience there and ideological training - to turn up here in Russia," he said.
Mr Assad thanked Russia for "standing up for the unity of Syria and its independence", and said its intervention had "prevented the events in Syria from developing along a more tragic scenario".
Terrorism is a real obstacle to a political solution," said Mr Assad, "and of course the whole (Syrian) people want to take part in deciding the fate of their state, and not just the leadership."
Russia launched air strikes in Syria on 30 September, saying they were hitting IS positions - which are also being targeted by US-led strikes.
Western countries and Syrian activists say Russian planes have been hitting non-IS targets, a claim Moscow denies.
The US and Russia agreed a deal on Tuesday to ensure their air forces do not clash in the skies over Syria, after Washington said last week their planes had "entered the same battle space" and came within miles of each other.
Why is there a war in Syria?
Anti-government protests developed into a civil war that, four years on, has ground to a stalemate, with the Assad government, Islamic State, an array of Syrian rebels and Kurdish fighters all holding territory.
Who is fighting whom?
Government forces concentrated in Damascus and the centre and west of Syria are fighting the jihadists of Islamic State and Jabhat al-Nusra, as well as less numerous so-called "moderate" rebel groups, who are strongest in the north and east. These groups are also battling each other.
What's the human cost?
More than 250,000 Syrians have been killed and a million injured. Some 11 million others have been forced from their homes, of whom four million have fled abroad - including growing numbers who are making the dangerous journey to Europe.
How has the world reacted?
Iran, Russia and Lebanon's Hezbollah movement are propping up the Alawite-led Assad government, while Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar back the more moderate Sunni-dominated opposition, along with the US, UK and France. Hezbollah and Iran are believed to have troops and officers on the ground, while a Western-led coalition and Russia are carrying out air strikes.


Steven Kruijswijk extended his Giro d'Italia overall lead on Sunday after finishing second to Russian Alexander Foliforov on the 15th stage time trial.

Race favourite Vincenzo Nibali fell further behind the Lotto rider after suffering mechanical problems.
The Italian's overnight deficit grew to two minutes 51 seconds as Orica's Esteban Chaves moved into second place overall behind Dutchman Kruijswijk.
Movistar's Alejandro Valverde took third behind Kruijswijk and Foliforov.
Gazprom's Foliforov won the uphill 10.8km time trial between Castelrotto and Alpe di Suisi in 28 minutes 39 seconds.
Kruijswijk, who rode into the pink jersey on Saturday, was a fraction slower while Spaniard Valverde's ride closed the gap on 2013 champion Nibali to 38 seconds.
The Astana rider had to change bike 25 minutes into the time trial and also appeared to be frustrated by fans who got too close.
Monday is the tour's final rest day and the race resumes on Tuesday with a 132km ride from Bressanone to Andalo.
Stage 15 results:
1.  Alexander Foliforov (Rus/Gazprom) 28mins 39hrs
2.  Steven Kruijswijk (Ned/LottoNL) same time
3.  Alejandro Valverde (Spain / Movistar) +23secs
4.  Sergey Firsanov (Rus/Gazprom) +30secs
5.  Michele Scarponi (Ita/Astana) +36secs
6.  Esteban Chaves (Col/Orica) +40secs
Overall standings:
1. Steven Kruijswijk (Ned/LottoNL) 60hrs 41mins 22secs
2. Esteban Chaves (Col/Orica) +2mins 12secs
3. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita/Astana) +2mins 51secs
4. Alejandro Valverde (Spa/Movistar) +3mins 29secs
5. Rafal Majka (Pol/Tinkoff) +4mins 38secs
6. Ilnur Zakarin (Rus/Katusha) +4mins 40secs


Prime Minister Narendra Modi's impending visit to Facebook headquarters has generated massive buzz in India.

Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg's invitation to the prime minister generated 621,000 likes and 34,000 shares, while Mr Modi's acceptance on his own Facebook page, was 'liked' 71,000 times and shared more than 5,000 times.
And it didn't take long for the social media banter to start.
Mr Modi tweeted, asking people to send in their questions through the official Narendra Modi app.
Indians quickly began drawing up a list of things they wanted Mr Modi to tell Mr Zuckerberg once he got there on 27 September, though not all of it had to do with "how communities can work together to address social and economic challenges".
How can Facebook help with education in India?
The Facebook CEO has already expressed intentions of working to improve education in India, and some Indians want to know exactly how he plans to bring this about.
Others have expressed worry that Mr Modi's visit will give a further boost to Mr Zuckerberg's pet project Internet.org, which has come under huge opposition in India because of the belief that it will violate net neutrality.
Internet.org attempts to act as a "gateway" to the Internet for people who currently have no means of accessing it. It will offer people a bundle of sites they can access free of charge.
Enough with the Candy Crush requests!
With 46 million monthly users, there is really no escaping the popular game Candy Crush Saga.
From invitations to play, add-ons, extra lives and "help to unlock the next episode", the average Facebook timeline is always bound to have a few notifications a day from Candy Crush Saga addicts.
Clearly the aggressive status messages to the effect of "aaargh! I will BLOCK the next person who sends me a Candy Crush request" have had limited success.
So will Mr Modi convey the frustration of Indians fed up with the game to Mr Zuckerberg?
More jobs for Indians please!
More jobs at Facebook for Indians is also something Indians want their prime minister to lobby for.
"Bring in Jobs and Internships in Facebook India!....we have the best Computer engineers in the world!.. Sundar Pichai..Satya Nadella...there can be many more!", said one user, Vivek Sardana.
Another Facebook user had a more practical suggestion to ensure that more Indians got to live the Facebook dream: Instead of hiring one Indian for a salary of 20 million rupees a year ($301,250; Â£195,139), why can't Facebook hire 20 Indians for a salary of 200,000 rupees a year?
This is an interesting predicament. It remains to be seen whether this will be one of the questions put forward by Mr Modi.
How can Facebook help the farmers?
The high number of farmers who are killing themselves is a big issue in India, and many people are of the opinion that social media, and specifically Facebook, can help.
A number of questions on both Facebook and Twitter were related to how and if Facebook could lead an initiative to help farmers in India.
"Facebook should initiate a program for poor Indian farmers to educate on seasonal cultivation. Almost every farmer is illiterate in India. They don't know how climate will change and what to cultivate according to weather changes. They just stick to traditional farming sticking to one particular crops without applying modern techniques. If you start educate farmers on this, this would be a huge revolution", said one user, Murthy Naveen Reddy.
Can Zuckerberg send us some onions?
India is going through yet another "onion price crisis".
An integral part of Indian cuisine, the impact of high onion prices has both social and political ramifications, with governments even falling over the issue.
The price of a kilogram of onions recently increased five-fold to 100 rupees, generating another bout of angst and tears.
So many Indians on social media believe it seems logical that one of the richest men in the world should send some onions through Mr Modi to make life easier for them.


King Juan Carlos of Spain has announced his intention to abdicate, after nearly 40 years on the throne.

"A new generation must be at the forefront... younger people with new energies," the 76-year-old king said in a televised address.
His son, Crown Prince Felipe, 45, will take over the throne.
For much of his reign, Juan Carlos was seen as one of the world's most popular monarchs, but recently many Spaniards have lost confidence in him.
His reputation has been tarnished by a long-running corruption investigation into the business dealings of his daughter and her husband.
Support for the king fell further when it was discovered he had been on a lavish elephant hunting trip to Botswana in April 2012, in the middle of Spain's financial crisis.
The first announcement about the abdication came from Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, who told reporters: "His Majesty King Juan Carlos has just informed me of his desire to renounce the throne and begin the process of succession."
Later, the king himself said in a televised address that it was time for a "new era" in which a new generation could take on the transformations and reforms required.
He said his son, Prince Felipe, had the maturity and preparation to be king.
Left-wing groups have called for protests in support of a referendum on the future of the monarchy, with the El Pais newspaper quoting police as saying some 20,000 people have gathered in Madrid's Puerta del Sol square.
Several thousand people were also reported to have gathered in the Barcelona in the Placa Catalunya square, some carrying large Catalan flags.
Analysis: Tom Burridge, BBC Madrid correspondent
King Juan Carlos' abdication will be a surprise to most people in Spain, but not a shock.
At the beginning of this year, before his youngest daughter appeared in court in a major corruption investigation, the Spanish media was awash with speculation about the king's future.
But royal officials had said abdication was not an option and that the king's popularity was improving after a clear decline in the polls. They insisted that his mobility was also getting better, after several operations to his hips.
The royal household has always been keen for any decision over abdication to not come in the wake of intense media pressure. That is because Republicanism is a relatively potent force in Spain.
Royal officials are describing this as a "personal" decision, which the king has been considering ever since his 76th birthday in January.
Spain does not have a precise law regulating abdication and royal succession, and Mr Rajoy said  ministers would hold a special meeting to discuss the process by which the prince would take over as Felipe VI.
The prime minister said Juan Carlos had been a "tireless defender of our interests".
"I'm convinced this is the best moment for change," he added.
Pivotal role
Juan Carlos took the throne on the death of General Francisco Franco, the right-wing dictator who ruled for 36 years after his victory over Republican forces in the Spanish Civil War.
The king became Spain's first crowned head of state for 44 years.
But he soon ignored Franco's supporters, who wanted an extension to autocratic rule, and ushered in a new system of parliamentary monarchy.
As the years went on the king involved himself less in day-to-day politics, and became more of a figurehead.
He has been credited as a stabilising force for independence-minded areas such as Catalonia and the Basque region, and he also helped defuse an attempted coup in 1981.
Until a few years ago his popularity was high, but the hunting trip and corruption allegations involving his youngest daughter, Cristina, and her husband Inaki Urdangarin, led to calls for him to step aside.
The king's son and successor, Felipe, appears to have been untarnished by the scandal.
Felipe and his wife - former television presenter Princess Letizia - have recently taken on more important roles in ceremonial events.
Recent European Abdications
June 2014: King Juan Carlos of Spain steps down, saying he is passing the role to a younger, energised generation.
July 2013: Belgian King Albert II abdicates in favour of his son, Philippe, for health reasons.
April 2013: Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands hands the throne to her son Prince Willem-Alexander, saying he is ready to reign and it is time for the throne to be held by "a new generation".
But the BBC's Ignacio del los Reyes, in Spain, says there is still concern over whether the couple will be able to save a damaged institution.
On social networks, people are already asking whether it is time for Spain to become a republic, and some parties are calling for constitutional reform and a popular vote to pave the way for this change.
But the two main parties in parliament remain loyal to the monarchy, our correspondent says.


Bournemouth striker Jermain Defoe said Bradley Lowery will "always be in my heart" as he tearfully spoke about the terminally ill six-year-old.

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Ex-Sunderland player Defoe has formed a close friendship with the Black Cats fan and mascot, who has neuroblastoma and is receiving end-of-life care.
He asked for two minutes to compose himself when asked about Bradley at a Cherries news conference on Thursday.
"He's obviously struggling. I can say it's a matter of days," said Defoe, 34.
He wiped away tears as he added: "It's been hard because I have kept this in for so long."
Defoe has pledged to keep in touch with the family, from Blackhall Colliery, near Hartlepool, after his move to Bournemouth. He has described his relationship with Bradley as the "highlight of his season".
"I speak to the family every day. I was with him a few days ago and it was tough to see him suffer like that," said the England international.
"He will always be in my heart for the rest of my life. There isn't a day that goes past when I don't wake up and check my phone or think about little Bradley.
"His love is genuine and I can see it in his eyes when he looks at me."
Bradley led out the England team at Wembley with his "best mate" Defoe for the World Cup qualifier against Lithuania in March.
Defoe, whose career also includes spells at West Ham, Tottenham and Portsmouth, has supported Bradley in his fight - their special bond beginning last September when Bradley, then five, led Sunderland out against Everton in the Premier League.
Supporters of both clubs sang "there's only one Bradley Lowery", before a banner with the message "we're with you, Bradley" was carried around the stadium.
Defoe said there was a "connection straight away" between the pair, adding: "I have so many pictures around the house - even the house I'm in now and I've only been in there a few days. There's pictures of me and Brad - going out for the first time against Everton and then throughout the season.
"England was special when Joe Hart said to me 'JD walk the team out with Brad' and he turned round in the national anthem and grabbed me.
"All these special moments. I just feel blessed."


The EU and Switzerland have signed an agreement that is intended to clamp down on tax evasion, the European Commission has said.

From 2018, EU residents will be prevented from hiding undeclared income in Swiss banks.
The EU and Switzerland will exchange information on the bank accounts which their respective citizens hold.
The EU Commission said it was a "deterrent" against hiding income abroad.
"This new transparency should not only improve member states' ability to track down and tackle tax evaders, but it should also act as a deterrent against hiding income and assets abroad to evade taxes" the EU Commission said.
The Commission is also negotiating similar agreements with Andorra, Liechtenstein and Monaco.
EU commissioner Pierre Moscovici said that the agreed automatic exchange of information was "another blow against tax evaders and (represents) another leap towards fairer taxation in Europe".
It follows an agreement for "strengthened transparency" made between EU member states last year.


The European Central Bank is expected to end emergency lending to Greece's banks on Sunday, the BBC understands.

Well-placed sources told BBC economics editor Robert Peston a decision to end the Emergency Liquidity Assistance (ELA) would be made by the ECB's governing council later on Sunday.
Greek banks depend on ELA funds daily.
Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis said his government would consider overnight what measures to take "to minimise the burden on our people".
Cutting the ECB lifeline could push Greece out of the euro.
Such an ECB cut would mean "Europe has failed", Mr Varoufakis told the BBC's World this Weekend.
It would mean Europe had "failed in its duty to preserve in parallel a democratic process and a monetary union", he said. "It is a dark hour for Europe."
The lenders have "not met Greece even a quarter of the way", he complained.
The government would consider "what can be done to minimise the burden on our people from Europe's refusal to grant us democratic rights".
A BBC reporter in Athens says long queues are forming at bank ATMs.
The EU-IMF bailout for heavily indebted Greece expires on Tuesday and talks have broken down.
Greek banks would find themselves in serious straits as soon as Monday if the ECB cut the ELA funding, Robert Peston says.
Greece will probably have to announce a bank holiday on Monday, pending the introduction of capital controls, he says.
It is one of the most momentous decisions the ECB has ever faced, since the euro was launched on 1 January 1999.
French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said the ECB "is independent but... I don't think it can cut off rations [for the Greeks]". He said "it's the Greek nation that is suffering".
Capital controls are restrictions on how much customers can withdraw from banks. Until now, the Greek government has signalled that it does not want to impose such controls.
In recent weeks, Greeks have withdrawn billions of euros from banks.
A Greek withdrawal from the euro - known as "Grexit" - is not inevitable, says Robert Peston, as the eurozone did resolve Cyprus's banking crisis in 2013 and the country stayed in the euro.
Capital controls were imposed on Cypriot banks, and remained in place for a long time - the last restrictions were only lifted in April this year.
Greece's situation is more difficult, our editor reports. Capital controls are seen as an important step towards leaving the euro, because the single currency's rules require free movement of capital.
But Greece could remain in if its government and the bailout providers - the EU and IMF - can restart constructive negotiations, he reports.
A country on the brink - chief correspondent Gavin Hewitt writes:
It is the most important decision in the ECB's history.
A withdrawal of funding could plunge Greece into chaos and yet the ECB cannot break its own rules by funding a banking system where the country is heading for a default.
Alexis Tsipras has gambled both with his future and that of his country. He committed Greece to a vote, but only after the current bailout has expired, so leaving Greece vulnerable and exposed.
Read Gavin's analysis in full here.
What are the Greek papers saying?
On Saturday eurozone finance ministers - the Eurogroup - refused to extend Greece's desperately-needed bailout beyond Tuesday.
The ministers blamed Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras's surprise call for a referendum on 5 July on the bailout conditions.
The final €7.2bn (£5bn; $8bn) of Greece's second bailout has been frozen since last summer, as lenders demanded more Greek progress on deep economic reform.
Without more lending to Greece the country will default on a €1.6bn repayment due to the IMF on Tuesday.
Under the rules governing the euro, the ECB's emergency lifeline could not be continued if the ECB considered Greek banks to be insolvent.
Robert Peston says that with Greece no longer participating in a formal rescue programme, the solvency of the Greek state would be in doubt, as it is so intimately linked to the banks' solvency.
Mr Tsipras's leftist Syriza government rejects the bailout terms, after five years of lender-imposed austerity that has increased Greek unemployment and cut pensions and welfare benefits.
Greece has endured five years of recession, and total output (GDP) has shrunk by 25%.


A man has died after the van he was driving crashed in Silverbridge, County Armagh.

The crash happened on the New Road, at its junction with Legmoylan Road, and was reported to police shortly after 05:40 GMT on Wednesday.
The van driver was in his 40s but his name has not yet been released. No other vehicle was involved in the collision.
The road remains closed and diversions are in place.


A project which supports families whose children are at risk of being taken into care because of parental substance or alcohol misuse has been extended across Wales.

Integrated Family Support Services (IFSS) aims to keep families together by helping parents tackle their problems.
Counties in the north are the last in Wales to roll out the scheme.
They will work with staff from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.
IFSS teams started work in Wales in 2010, providing support for families primarily with substance and alcohol use.
They also help those affected by domestic violence and mental health problems.
A review of pilot areas in Newport, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr, and Wrexham showed the service prevented 85 families from having their children taken into care.
Anglesey, Conwy, Denbighshire and Gwynedd councils, working with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, are the last to introduce the scheme.
It means all Welsh local authorities, in partnership with their local health boards, now offer the service.
The Welsh government said the project was an example of the kind of partnership work outlined in its Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Bill, currently undergoing scrutiny by the Welsh assembly.
Gwenda Thomas, deputy minister for social services, said: "This is an excellent example of how integrating health, social services and the voluntary sector can help people with complex needs," she said.
"Substance misuse destroys families and it is often children who bear the brunt.
"To break the cycle in these families, over several generations in some cases, we must adapt the way services are delivered so parents are given the support they need to care for their children and look after themselves," she added.


Huddersfield Giants began their Super 8s campaign with a convincing six-try victory over Wakefield to move up to seventh in the table.

Danny Brough was instrumental for the Giants, scoring 10 of their first-half points, including the opening try.
The stand-off converted Darnell McIntosh and Ryan Hinchcliffe tries and landed a penalty before Sam Williams responded to make it 18-6 at the break.
Jermaine McGillvary, Leroy Cudjoe and Daniel Smith tries completed the win.
A fine run of six wins in their past eight Super League games had helped Huddersfield claim a top-eight finish, giving them a shot of returning to the play-offs.
Their victory, combined with Wigan's defeat by Leeds, sees them move up one place and to within four points of the top four with six Super 8s matches remaining.
Brough's kicking game ensured Huddersfield got off to an ideal start, with a grubber through mishandled by Wakefield's defence in-goal to allow him to cross for the first points of the night.
After the break Cudjoe was a damaging presence, storming through for the hosts' fourth try before playing a part in their final score from Smith.
Huddersfield head coach Rick Stone told BBC Radio Leeds:
"I think the opposition helped us a few times and made a few errors, but overall our consistency in both halves was good.
"We scored 18-6 in the first-half and close to 18-0 in the second-half so that gives us some confidence and it continues the momentum going forward.
"We just stuck at it for 80 minutes, we competed hard for 80 minutes and we know that's what we have to do to be competitive in the Super 8s."
Wakefield head coach Chris Chester told BBC Radio Leeds:
"We were very poor, I'm very disappointed, I'm embarrassed.
"I'm really disappointed for the people that have tuned up tonight and paid money to watch that.
"I've seen some things tonight that I've not seen in a heck of a long time, and I would expect my under-19s or my under-16s to make those kinds of errors."
Huddersfield Giants: Rankin; McGillvary, Cudjoe, Turner, McIntosh; Gaskell, Brough; Rapira, Leeming, Wakeman, Ta'ai, Ikahihifo, Hinchcliffe.
Replacements: O'Brien, Mellor, Clough, Smith.
Wakefield Trinity: Grix; Jones-Bishop, Lyne, B Tupou, Caton-Brown; Williams Finn; England, Wood, Fifita, Kirmond, Ashurst, Hadley.
Replacements: Arona, Annakin, Hirst, Hasson.
Referee: Tom Grant.


A man has been charged with using drones to smuggle cannabis, steroids and mobile phones into prison.

Michael Tovey, 27, formerly of Lakes Road, Erdington, Birmingham is accused of using two drones to fly contraband into HMP Birmingham last year.
In the first charges of their type brought by West Midlands Police, Mr Tovey faces 13 counts of conveying banned items into a prison.
He is set to appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on 7 June.
Read more news for Birmingham and the Black Country
Mr Tovey is accused of using two drones to drop contraband into the prison's exercise yard on 29 October and 6 November.
He attempted to drop a consignment near N and P wings containing four phones, SIM cards, Black Mamba, steroids and cannabis, it is alleged.
It is claimed he was also responsible for a drone that crashed into the same yard eight days later, carrying two phones and further quantities of the same banned drugs.


A zoo where a keeper was mauled to death by a tiger has been fined for health and safety breaches.

Sarah McClay, 24, originally from Glasgow, died at South Lakes Wild Animal Park in Dalton-in-Furness, south Cumbria, in May 2013.
A Sumatran tiger, which got through an unlocked gate, left deep puncture wounds in her neck and body.
The zoo, now known as South Lakes Safari Zoo, was fined £297,500 at Preston Crown Court.
Some £42,500 of the fine was imposed for health and safety law breaches, which the company admitted, relating to when a zoo keeper fell from a ladder while preparing to feed big cats in July 2014.
The zoo must also pay £150,000 prosecution costs over the next 10 years.
It had previously pleaded guilty to contravening the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and failing to ensure people who were not staff were not exposed to risk on the day in question.
It accepted it had not sufficiently addressed risks arising from a defective bolt on the door that was open immediately before the attack.
The zoo's owner, David Gill, 55, had faced individual charges on the same allegations but was formally acquitted.
Miss McClay, who lived in Barrow-in-Furness, suffered "unsurvivable" multiple injuries in the attack and was airlifted to hospital where she was formally pronounced dead.
In September 2014, an inquest jury in Kendal ruled, in a narrative verdict, that the tiger got to Miss McClay by entering two open internal sliding gates within the tiger house and then an open door that led on to the corridor.
Systems were in place at the park to ensure animals and keepers remained apart at all times through indoor and outdoor compartments connected by lockable self-closing doors, it heard.
Miss McClay, had worked at the park for more than two years and was experienced with working with big cats, which she saw as a "privilege".
The family asked for the tiger, Padang, not to be put down at the time but he was put to sleep because of his age this year.
Mr Justice Turner said "it should not have been possible" for the tiger to gain access to where Miss McClay was working.
He said: "But as a substantially contributory cause as a result of a door-closing mechanism failure, it did.
"The result was as tragic as it was foreseeable. The tiger attacked and Sarah was fatally injured."
After sentencing, Miss McClay's mother Fiona, said: "We can't function yet with a member of our family missing, we have got to learn how to do that and we haven't got to that stage yet.
"I feel like the zoo pleading guilty, that went a good way to that process... that was a step for us to move forward knowing that somebody else was responsible."
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Miss McClay's brother Stephen said the family felt "relieved" and "a little bit vindicated" by the outcome of the court case because some had tried to blame his sister for what happened.
"It definitely wasn't her fault, it was because the zoo was unsafe."
He said he felt glad the zoo had been punished for its safety lapses and it was "lucky more people didn't die".
The zoo, he said, now faced two choices: to make "serious improvements or close".
May 1997
A three-ton white rhino escapes from its enclosure and goes onto neighbouring land, where it had to be shot. David Gill later fined £10,000 for endangering the public and failing to have adequate barriers.
January 2002
Three giraffes that died between September 2000 and September 2001 suffered tetanus, heart failure and vitamin deficiencies. The park changes the food given to the animals.
August 2002
The park is rocked by the sudden deaths of two Sumatran tigers and a kangaroo. One tiger is later found to have had liver and kidney tumours.
August 2006
An escaped South American coati is captured using a tranquiliser dart after it wandered into a garden.
September 2006
A government inspector says escapes at the park are "a matter for concern" and recommends procedures to prevent animals using an overhead walkway as an escape route.
December 2008
A faulty electric heater is blamed for causing a fire at the zoo in which 30 lemurs died.
April 2010
A missing South American Capuchin monkey is recaptured in a church, five days after escaping from an enclosure at the park.
May 2013
Keeper Sarah McClay, 24, is mauled by a tiger at the park and later dies in hospital. A inquest jury found the tiger got through an open door to a corridor she was working in. A narrative verdict was recorded.
September 2013
Government inspectors express concern about vet cover, public access to parrot feeding stations and firearms training at the park.
July 2015
Mr Gill and the now-renamed South Lakes Safari Zoo are charged with health and safety breaches.
June 2016
The zoo admits health and safety breaches and is fined £297, 500. Mr Gill, 55, who faced individual charges on the same allegations, is formally acquitted.


Great Britain eventing team boss Yogi Breisner will step down from his role after this summer's Olympics in Rio.

Since taking charge in 1999, the 61-year-old has led Britain to four successive Olympic team medals, as well as five European team titles.
"His knowledge, experience and advice will be sorely missed," said British Equestrian Federation performance director Dan Hughes.
The BEF will start the search for a new performance manager later this year.
Breisner said: "Having decided after London 2012 that I would step down as eventing performance manager following the Rio 2016 Olympics, now is the time to start the process of appointing my successor.
"However, my full concentration and focus remains on our preparations for Rio."


A Lego replica model of the Queen's former floating palace, The Royal Yacht Britannia, is to be unveiled at the five-star attraction in Leith.

Created using 40,000 Lego bricks, and measuring more than 11ft (3m), the 1:37 scale model will go on display at Britannia's visitor centre on Saturday.
It has been designed and constructed from Britannia's original drawings.
It took Lego model builder and fisherman, Jim McDonough, 51, five weeks to create.
He built the ship on the dining room table in his home near Arbroath and said there was no glue used in its construction. He said everything could be taken apart.
The replica has the onboard Phantom V Rolls-Royce in its garage and the white Baby Grand Piano in Britannia's Royal deck tea room.
Bob Downie, Britannia's chief executive, said; "We are thrilled with our Lego Britannia.
"Jim has produced an outstanding replica model of the ship which will be on display during the Queen's 90th birthday year and this unique piece is sure to be a highlight for Lego fans, young and old."
Mr McDonough, said: "It was an honour to be asked to build The Royal Yacht Britannia, and it's one of the most exciting projects I've ever undertaken, and being able to refer to the original plans, kindly supplied by Britannia, allowed me to produce this replica of Her Majesty's yacht."
The Royal Yacht Britannia was home to the Queen and the Royal family for more than 40 years and sailed more than a million miles around the world.
Britannia has held the accolade of being Scotland's Best Visitor Attraction for 10 years in a row and in TripAdvisor's top three UK landmark attractions for two years.


Billy Elliot the Musical is to close in London after 11 years and 4,600 performances.

The final curtain will fall on the multi award-winning show at the Victoria Palace Theatre on 9 April.
The story about the miner's son who dreams of becoming a ballet dancer is leaving to allow for the theatre's refurbishment, announced last year.
But fans of the production will not be left bereft as it will be embarking on its first tour of the UK and Ireland.
The theatre's makeover comes after it was bought by stage impresario Cameron Mackintosh, which is also part of extensive redevelopment work that is taking place around Victoria station.
The first regional Billy Elliot shows will begin in Plymouth in February before stops around cities including Sunderland, Bradford, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Dublin, with dates currently planned until May 2017.
The Victoria Palace has been the musical's home since it first opened to great fanfare, following the acclaim achieved by the Oscar-nominated film on which it is based and the big names involved in bringing it to the stage.
The film's director, Stephen Daldry, was part of the show's creative team along with Sir Elton John, who wrote its score.
"Billy Elliot has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my entire life. The talented young performers who have become part of our Billy Elliot family have amazed me with their achievements from the very start," Sir Elton said.
"I am so delighted that new audiences around the country will now have the opportunity to experience this extraordinary piece of work."
Daldry and the show's lead producer, Eric Fellner, said they knew it would have to leave the Palace theatre at some point - but had not anticipated it would run as long as it has.
"We knew when we did the original deal that we would leave one day but we had no idea it would be 11 years on," Fellner told the Daily Mail.
He also confirmed plans for a film version of the musical were "chugging along", although he added it was realistically "three or four years away".
The musical has been seen by more than 5.25 million people in London and nearly 11 million people around the globe in worldwide productions.


The Welsh government is to press ahead with its policy of fire sprinkers in all new homes from 2013, despite being told that it is not cost effective.

Ministers commissioned expert analysis of the policy, which found that it would cost Â£6.7m per life saved over the next decade.
This, the consultants concluded, was not cost effective.
Environment Minister John Griffiths said there was a need to accept that there was a cost involved.
Regulations will be introduced in September next year for all new and converted residential properties in Wales to be fitted with sprinkler systems.
Work is due to begin on the development of the regulations and the technical requirements necessary to introduce the Welsh law which will be subject to public consultation.
Wales was one of the first countries to rule that all new homes are fitted with sprinklers but had set no timetable for its implementation.
Ministers say it will save a predicted 36 lives and prevent an estimated 800 injuries between 2013 and 2022.
The regulations is the result of the Domestic Fire Safety measure proposed by Ann Jones, Labour AM for the Vale of Clwyd, which was passed in the last assembly.
According to UK fire statistics, there are an average of 2,168 fires, 17 deaths and 503 injuries in fires in residential premises in Wales every year.
Mr Griffiths said: "We must seek to prevent avoidable death and injury from house fires and need to accept that there is a cost to introducing sprinklers into new properties.
"These proposals are significant and important in taking forward fire safety.
"Wales will be at the forefront of reducing fire risk and cutting the number of avoidable deaths and injuries caused by fires in residential premises."
However, the government-commissioned cost benefit analysis from experts BRE Global found that between 2013 and 2022 the cost per life saved of the sprinklers policy would be Â£6.7m.
They concluded: "Fitting sprinklers in all new residential buildings in Wales would not be cost effective."


Southport have signed midfielder Craig Stanley on a one-month loan deal from National League rivals Lincoln City.

The 33-year-old ex-Hereford, Bristol Rovers and Morecambe player made 29 appearances for the Imps last season, but had not played this campaign.
Stanley also previously captained England C to European Challenge Trophy victory over Netherlands.
He comes in following Craig Madden's departure as assistant manager under Southport boss Andy Bishop.
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