He said the two academies in his Doncaster North constituency had "made a big difference" to education locally.

BBC: Ed Miliband heckled at TUC over pension strike stance

She confirmed a report by The Register that users in Doncaster, North Wales and Bristol were among those affected, but declined to be more specific or name other locations.

BBC: Sky logo

As well as council polls, a by-election will also be held for the Westminster seat of South Shields, vacated by Labour's David Miliband while elections will also be held for mayors in Doncaster and North Tyneside.

BBC: David Cameron campaigning last month

The class A3 Pacific locomotive, designed by Sir Nigel Gresley, was built in 1923 for the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) at Doncaster.

BBC: Flying Scotsman on show at National Railway Museum

It is claimed two county councils - Lancashire and North Yorkshire - and six metropolitan boroughs - Calderdale, Doncaster, Ealing, Kirklees, Rotherham and St Helens - stopped placing youngsters with the care firms in Rochdale as a result of Mr Lambert's remarks.

BBC: Colin Lambert