MoD names RAF Tornado crash victims

Two airmen who crashed in an RAF Tornado jet have been named by the MoD as Flight Lieutenant Kenneth Thompson and Flight Lieutenant Nigel Morton of 43 Squadron, RAF Leuchars.

They were both killed yesterday (2 July) when their jet crashed in remote Scottish countryside.

The crash happened during a routine training flight in a Tornado F3 aircraft at Glen Kinglas in Argyll, Scotland.

An RAF Service Inquiry into this incident is now underway.

Trio of anniversaries today

July 3 sees us marking three anniversaries of influential figures in the world of rock and blues music.

It is the 40th anniversary today of the death of founding Rolling Stone Brian Jones. Fans across the UK and the world were shocked when he was found dead at the bottom of his swimming pool.

Four decades on there is still a range of consipracy theories about how he met his end at the age of 27 with more speculation being prompted by the 2005 film Stoned.

Mystery also surrounded the death, two years later in 1971, of Jim Morrison. The charismatic frontman of The Doors was found dead in his bath. He was just 28.

Far more recently, in fact just one year ago today, the music world was mourning the loss of Colin Cooper founding member of The Climax Blues Band. He died at his Staffordshire home, aged 68, after fighting cancer. Fans who saw him perform with the band have left an array of touching tributes and memories on his Lasting Tribute page.

One fan, Nick Wells, writes: "I saw Colin perform many times over the years, with Climax, and various other bands, and duets.

"Colin was an extremely talented musician, possessed a uniquely beautiful voice, and above all that, was one of the most modest and sincere men I have ever come across.

"A lovely, lovely guy. He will be sadly missed."

A whole country is in mourning

The Prince of Wales and the Prime Minister have been speaking today about their shock and sadness at the latest deaths in Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said "the whole country" would be mourning the deaths of Lt Col Rupert Thorneloe, 39, and Trooper Joshua Hammond, 18.

Col Thorneloe, of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, is the most senior army officer to die in action since 1982. Prince Charles, colonel-in-chief of the regiment, said the news of his death was "completely heartbreaking".

The Prince, who knew Col Thorneloe personally, said: "As you can imagine, the shock and horror that has affected the whole of the regiment family was quite dramatic.

"I was horrified to say the least about both deaths, Trooper Hammond as well."

He added his heart was with the soldiers' families. "It's completely heartbreaking. The whole battalion is suffering," he said.

Messages of condolence for the two men - and the other 170 UK soldiers to die since the current conflict began in Afghanistan in 2001 - can be left at Lasting Tribute's special Afghanistan section.

Harve Presnell, star of The Unsinkable Molly Brown and Fargo, 32 years apart, has died

The actor Harve Presnell, best known for starring in musicals and American TV dramas, has died on Tuesday (30 June) at the age of 75.

He was remarkable for achieving stardom not once but twice.

In the 1960s his powerful baritone saw him star in classic musicals as The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964) and he was described as the “star find of the decade”.

The decline of musicals in the following decades meant his screen career dwindled, though he continued to work on Broadway.

But in 1996 his screen career was revived when he was cast in the idiosyncratic Cohen brothers film Fargo (1996).

He went on to appear in many hit series and movies.

Read more about Harve Presnell’s career on Lasting Tribute.

Another heavy loss in Afghanistan

Details have been released of the two men killed in Afghanistan yesterday.

They were Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Thorneloe MBE, Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards and Trooper Joshua Hammond, of 2nd Royal Tank Regiment.

The men died when an explosive device was detonated beneath their armoured vehicle.

Lt Col Thornloe - a father of two young daughters - was described as a man of incisive thought, enormous professionalism and the greatest decency. His death was said to be a hard blow to the Welsh Guards, to Task Force Helmand and to the British Army.

Trooper Hammond was just a week away from his 19th birthday when he was killed. He had been in Afghanistan for exactly a month when he died.

Prime Minister leads tribute to 'Pride of Britain' cancer victim

Gordon Brown has praised 14-year-old Liam Fairhurst who raised hundreds of thousands to help fellow cancer victims in his short life.

Liam died yesterday, just months after winning a Pride of Britain Award.

He raised more than £320,000 for cancer charities after being diagnosed with the disease in 2005.

Mr Brown, who had presented him with a certificate to reward his fundraising, said today: “Liam showed immense bravery in the face of his illness. It was a privilege to meet him. His dedication was an encouragement to all and I am very proud of what Liam achieved. My thoughts are with his family.”

Read more tributes to brave Liam Fairhurst and add your own at Lasting Tribute.

Ernest Hemingway memoir published in revised form by surviving relatives

Ernest Hemingway's classic memoir of his time in Paris in the 1920s, A Moveable Feast, has been reworked to give what his descendents are calling “a much better impression of what he was trying to accomplish”.

The book was originally published in 1964, three years after the American writer’s death. That edition was edited by his fourth wife, Mary.

But now his grandson, Seán Hemingway, has edited a new edition, which includes previously unpublished material about the novelist’s friends, relationships and early writing. A foreword is provided by Hemingway's only surviving son, Patrick.

Patrick Hemingway says A Moveable Feast: The Restored Edition, which will be published by Scribner in the US this month, “attempts to give the impression of a work which is not completed but which is nevertheless readable. It's not quite as polished, but it I think gives a much better impression of what Hemingway was trying to accomplish when he was writing his memoirs.”

Two British comrades killed in Afghanistan; RAF Tornado crashes

The British army has lost another two men in Afghanistan, bringing the total losses in the country since 2001 up to 172 dead.

One soldier from 1st Battalion Welsh Guards and one soldier from 2nd Royal Tank Regiment were killed in Afghanistan yesterday (1 July), the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

The soldiers' next of kin have been informed and we are expecting their details to be made public tomorrow morning.

The MOD has also revealed that a Tornado F3 aircraft has crashed in hills in Argyll, Scotland, while on a routine flight, though no details of the condition of the pilot and navigator are currently available.

Karl's 60-year career remembered

Karl Malden - who has died aged 97 - enjoyed a 60-year career in films and television.

Children of the 1970s will remember him well as Lieutenant Mike Stone from The Streets of San Francisco where, paired with Michael Douglas, he was the cynical, experienced half of a crime-fighting duo.

The show, which premiered as a TV film of the same title in September 1972, ran for five seasons.

Although "Streets" went off the air in 1977, Mr Malden returned for a made-for-TV film in 1992 called Back to the Streets of San Francisco. By that time, Douglas had a busy film career and did not appear.

Mr Malden won an Oscar for his role in A Streetcar Named Desire alongside Vivien Leigh and Marlon Brando, and was Oscar-nominated for playing a priest in On The Waterfront - again with Brando.

Other memorable film parts included his roles in Baby Doll, Gypsy and Patton.

Mr Malden's last role in film or television was in 2000 in the first series of the The West Wing, where he played a Catholic priest and carried the same Bible he had used in On the Waterfront.

Mollie will be much-missed

After a long illness, 1970s TV sitcom stalwart Mollie Sugden has died today at the age of 86.

Though best-known for her role as Mrs Slocombe in Are You Being Served and its spin-off series Grace and Favour she also lit up the small screen in countless other sitcoms including The Liver Birds, That's My Boy and My Husband and I.

Coronation Street fans will remember her as Nellie Harvey, landlady of The Laughing Donkey and arch-rival of Annie Walker, played by Doris Speed.

Tribute by Michael Jackson fans

With acres of newsprint still being devoted to Michael Jackson - we have decided to create a video tribute from the comments left by his fans at his Lasting Tribute page.

What is overwhelmingly clear is the love and affection that Michael generated among the public - many of whom had followed his musical journey from the early days of his child stardom as one of the Jackson Five.

Hia talent cannot be denied and his musical legacy will live on.

Fayette Pinkney, member of Philly Soul group The Three Degrees, has died aged 61

Fayette Pinkney, a founding and long-serving member of the Philadelphia soul group The Three Degrees, died on Monday (27 June) aged 61,

The trio’s claims to fame included the worldwide hit When Will I See You Again, the theme tune of the television show Soul Train and being Prince Charles’ favourite band.

They were formed in 1963 while Ms Pinkney was still at high school. She was the only constant member during the band’s heyday, performing with six different girls between their debut single and 1976 when she left the band to complete her education.

Pay tribute to Fayette Pinkney

Roy Fowler - an inspiring story

I've just finished reading a truly inspiring story sent through to Lasting Tribute by one of our sister regional newspapers, The Sentinel, in Stoke-on-Trent.

Roy Fowler was a name I hadn't come across before. He was a former world cross country champion and European 10,000m bronze medallist.

Sickly as a child, he was plagued by regular bouts of pneumonia - which were sometimes life-threatening - and took up running on his doctor's advice.

He also had a trial with Manchester United - but was told by the legendary Sir Matt Busby that he was too small to be a footballer.

In later years he helped out legendary England goalkeeper Gordon Banks with fitness work.

But my favourite anecdote on his tribute page tells how he tackled an inter-county cross-country championship over a snow-covered course in Bingley, Yorkshire.

Mr Fowler hadn't been able to train properly because of a severe cold, but prepared with a combination of medicine, whisky and sun-lamp treatment in an effort to shake off the bug.

Conditions were so bitter on the day that he placed a layer of brown wrapping paper between his two vests while his father, Harold, rubbed goose grease into his legs. He stormed to victory over the seven-and-a-half mile course which, in parts, was nine inches deep in mud and snow.

Mr Fowler had to have ice scraped off his arms at the finish, before asking The Sentinel newspaper not to report his victory in case his employers found out he'd been running when he was off work with a sick note.

The reporter had to remind him his performance was so remarkable it would feature in every newspaper across the country.

Tributes paid to lead singer with sixties rock band The Seeds

Smashing Pumpkins singer Billy Corgan has paid tribute to Sky Saxon, founder of the psychedlic flower power group The Seeds.

Corgan had recently collaborated with Saxon on a track called 'Choose To Choose Love', now available to stream on a Facebook page set up after Saxon's death last week.

Writing on his official blog, Corgan said: "Sky lived everyday with the concept of LOVE as his guide, and he walked the talk. He was a spiritual warrior who would tell me that Yahowa knew the beauty of our hearts, and that musicians were the living prophets of the world.

"So in Sky's memory I am going to re-dedicate this website to represent the things he cared about most; love, life, music, his spiritual family, and the protection of all God's creatures, big and small."



You can add your own tribute or memories of Sky Saxon and his music on his tribute page on Lasting Tribute here.

Woman and grandson killed on level crossing died accidentally, inquest rules

A woman and her grandson who were killed crossing a railway line died accidentally, an inquest jury has ruled.

Jean Hoggart and Mikey Dawson were struck by a train at a level crossing near Bestwood village in Nottinghamshire on the evening of 22 November last year.

A witness told the hearing at Nottingham Coroners’ Court that the passenger crossing was badly-lit and it was difficult to tell when a train was coming.

Loved ones gather to bid final farewell to Farrah Fawcett

Relatives and friends of Farrah Fawcett will gather in Los Angeles today to bid a final farewell to the actress at a private ceremony.

Her funeral will take place this evening at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown LA.

The Charlie's Angels star died in hospital last Thursday after fighting cancer. Her long-time partner Ryan O'Neal was beside her when she died. Special arrangements have been made for the couple's son, Redmond, to be let out of prison to attend his mother's funeral.

The actress became famous in the 1970s for her role as Jill Monroe in the detective series Charlie’s Angels. Later in her career she went on to play a battered wife in the TV movie The Burning Bed, a role for which she received an Emmy Award nomination.

She also received a Golden Globe nomination for the movie version of the controversial off-Broadway play Extremities.

You can add your message of condolence and tribute - here.

Britain's oldest Olympian dies at the age of 100

Britain’s oldest Olympian, Godfrey Rampling, father of Hollywood actress Charlotte Rampling, has died at the age of 100.

Mr Rampling was a member of the winning 4x400m team in the 1936 Games in Berlin. He also competed in the same event in 1932 in Los Angeles when he picked up a silver medal.

At both games he narrowly missed out on individual medals in the 400m, but did taste victory over the same distance in the 1934 British Empire Games in London.

Mr Rampling was the last surviving gold medallist from the 1936 Games which Hitler unsuccessfully tried to use to prove his theories of Aryan racial superiority. However, the African-American sprinter and long jumper Jesse Owens put paid to this attempt when he won four gold medals.

Search over for Air France victims

The Brazilian millitary have confirmed that they are ending their search for any further bodies from the Air France A330 jet that crashed into the Atlantic on 1 June, 2009.

Five Britons were on board the flight including schoolboy Alexander Bjoroy.

Fifty-one bodies have so far been recovered. The search for the plane's black boxes will continue.

Grief of stars on losing Jackson

More famous names have expressed their sadness at Michael Jackson’s sudden death at just 50 years old.

His record company described him as a genius, the head of Sony, Sir Howard Stringer writing on the star’s website: "Michael Jackson was a brilliant troubadour for his generation, a genius whose music reflected the passion and creativity of an era.

“His artistry and magnetism changed the music landscape forever. We have been profoundly affected by his originality, creativity and amazing body of work.

“The entire Sony family extends our deepest condolences to his family and to the millions of fans around the world who loved him."

Film director Martin Scorsese told MTV.com: "Michael Jackson was extraordinary. When we worked together on Bad, I was in awe of his absolute mastery of movement on the one hand, and of the music on the other.

"Every step he took was absolutely precise and fluid at the same time. It was like watching quicksilver in motion.

"He was wonderful to work with, an absolute professional at all times, and - it really goes without saying - a true artist. It will be a while before I can get used to the idea that he's no longer with us."

Steven Spielberg told Entertainment Weekly: "Just as there will never be another Fred Astaire or Chuck Berry or Elvis Presley, there will never be anyone comparable to Michael Jackson.

"His talent, his wonderment and his mystery make him legend."

Broadcaster Paul Gambaccini: "He was the biggest world star since the Beatles. You have to recognise that he was the first American male star of the video era - Madonna was the first female star.”

"Nobody will ever be able to do what Michael Jackson has done in this industry, and he was so close to doing it all again.

"I am truly and deeply sorry for all of the heartbroken fans and supporters worldwide. I think I am still in shock."

Celebrities speak out on Jacko

Celebrity tributes have been pouring in for singer Michael Jackson, who died last night aged 50.

Jackson's brother Jermaine confirmed at a press conference that Michael had died when he told reporters: "My brother, the legendary King of Pop, passed away on Thursday June 25 at 2.26pm [US time].

"We believe he suffered a cardiac arrest at his home, however the cause of his death is unknown until the results of the autopsy are known. The personal physician who was with him at the time attempted to resuscitated him."



First wife Lisa Marie Presley said: "I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible.

"I am heartbroken for his children, who I know were everything to him and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels, words fail me."

Madonna: "I can't stop crying over the sad news."

Close friend Uri Geller: "I'm shocked and devastated. I am hoping this is a dream I will wake up from, but it is not. Michael is dead.

"For him not to be around, that he's gone, is just surreal. It cannot sink into my psyche. He was a genius."

Music producer Quincy Jones, who produced Off The Wall, Thriller and Bad: "I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news."

"I've lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him."

Rev Al Sharpton, friend and civil rights campaigner: "As a friend of Michael's for the past 35 years, I call on people from around the world to pray for him and his family."

Cher: "I'm having a million different reactions I didn't expect I would feel."

Friend and actor Joe Pesci: "He was a fun kid and did so much. He always reinvented himself time and time again and certainly was a great entertainer and dancer and great to watch with all that energy."

Actress Jane Fonda: "I am stunned. My friend, Michael Jackson is dead. He lived with me for a week on 'Golden Pond' set after Thriller."

Michael Jackson tributes

It seems to be rumour no more.

The King of Pop Michael Jackson passed away today after suffering a cardiac arrest.

While the BBC err on the side of caution until there is official confirmation, several reputable US newspapers are reporting the death of a legend.

We sit at home in bed watching several news channels about Michael Jackson and listening to 5 Live.

Some of them still report he is in a coma. Others saying that he has died. One quotes a heart surgeon at the hospital confirming his death.

One says it's a JFK moment. Perhaps it is.

You can pay your own tribute at his memorial page at Lasting Tribute.

Farrah Fawcett dies of cancer, 62

After a long and public battle with cancer, Farrah Fawcett has died, aged 62.

We know and love Farrah as the star of the hugely-popular 70s TV series Charlie’s Angels.

Her long, flicked-back hairstyle was copied by women across the globe throughout the decade.

She had been suffering from cancer since 2006.

Here's the opening titles from the pilot episode to bring back the memories:



Rest in peace, Farrah.

Memorial service for Air France flight 447 victim

An orthodontist who died on the Air France flight from Brazil to Paris has been remembered at a memorial service in Reading, where he worked.

Dr Jose Souza, 35, and his girlfriend Isis Pinet were passengers. A photo of them both was placed on the church's altar for the 90-minute service.

Clients of The Orthodontic Centre in Erleigh Road, were behind the event, attended by more than 250 people.

Business manager Jane Hawthorne said: "We realised very quickly that his patients were just as upset as we were, and we felt it would be a nice touch for them to come and pay their respects.

"It was a direct response to the volume of cards and tributes we'd received."

The plane vanished over the Atlantic with 228 people on board on 1 June, 2009. Bodies and wreckage are gradually being recovered.

Danny La Rue's funeral

Family and friends of Danny La Rue remembered the flamboyant entertainer at his funeral in London this week.

Actress Barbara Windsor and comedian Ronnie Corbett were there, as well as comedians Barry Cryer, Roy Hudd and Joe Pasquale, and many more famous names, including Paul O'Grady, Dame Judi Dench and Bruce Forsyth, sent floral tributes.

Danny La Rue, the artiste who achieved legendary status as a drag-queen and pantomime dame, died on 31 May, 2009, aged 81.

Roy Hudd paid tribute saying: "He was classy, great at the job, a star performer and a star human being. I loved him very much."

Ronnie Corbett added: "We have all of us lost someone special and we were all privileged to have been at some time with him, and near him."

Donations in his memory are being given to the Entertainment Artistes' Benevolence Fund.

Soldier remembered two years on

Family, friends and colleagues of a soldier who died in Afghanistan met to remember him at a service yesterday to mark the second anniversary of his death.

They gathered at the Sherwood Foresters' memorial at Crich, Derbyshire, in a private service for Drummer Thomas Wright, of Ripley.

The 21-year-old was killed in Afghanistan in 2007 when the Land Rover in which he was travelling triggered a Taliban roadside bomb.