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Pothole disaster imminent, say campaigners

THE UK’S recent tempestuous weather is set to create the worst pothole catastrophe the country has ever seen, according to campaigners. Freezing conditions are being forecast for the end of January, and road condition campaign website potholes.co.uk is predicting a ‘perfect storm’ of potholes if the forecasts prove correct. With the Met Office confirming that southern England received double the average amount of rainfall during December, persistent heavy rain and floods have created the basis for a disastrous season of crumbling roads.

Motorcycle Gear Review: Alpinestars T-Jaws Air Jacket and Oxygen Air Overpants

For motorcycle riders, it's rarely the perfect temperature. Winter means plugging in to an electric-warming vest. Summer means risking road rash with less gear because it gets too hot.

Snake surprise for garage mechanics

MECHANICS attempting to jump-start a car were given a shock when they found a snake under the bonnet. Garage workers in Kelty in Fife called out animal charity the Scottish SPCA after they discovered the 2ft (0.6m) corn snake in the engine of the Fiat Punto they were working on. The reptile, which has been named Punto, is now being looked after at the Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Balerno.