The Tyne and Wear Metro was the UK's first light rapid transit system and serves the cities of Sunderland and Newcastle as well as Gateshead and districts of North and South Tyneside.

BBC: The Tyne and Wear Metro network is 25 years old

The point is that for more than 25 years, from the 1970s, the supposed great economic failure of the UK was in its propensity for rapid price rises.

BBC: Can the Bank of England hit any target?

Mothercare has reported a further decline in sales at its UK High Street stores, mitigated by rapid growth in its international business.

BBC: Mothercare UK High Street sales continue to fall

The UK's military medals system needs a "rapid but in-depth" re-think, a report for the government recommends.

BBC: Military medals system 'needs rapid re-think'

It was announced in June last year that the UK would send its HQ group from the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps in 2006.

BBC: NEWS | UK | UK gets ready for Afghan mission

Consumers across the world, such as in the UK and the US, have been hit by rapid rises in the price of petrol as a direct result of the oil price rises in recent months.

BBC: Opec agrees output boost

They pointed out that rich nations like the UK and US had already experienced their own periods of rapid population growth during industrialisation - and blamed Western consumers for appropriating too many of the planet's resources.

BBC: Harrabin's Notes: Population overload?

Excessive alcohol consumption disrupts the 'REM' (Rapid Eye Movement) stage of deep sleep to ruin a night's rest, according to the UK Department of Health.

CNN: Vital Signs health tips