But the number of primary school pupils in England missing school without permission in the autumn term of 2009 and spring term of 2010 has risen slightly.

BBC: Millions of school days lost to family holidays

Portugal has avoided the unrest over petrol prices seen in Britain and France this autumn, because Mr Guterres yielded without a fight.

ECONOMIST: The public sector needs slimming down

Without doubt, England put in the performance of the autumn against Australia.

BBC: Jeremy Guscott's Six Nations Q&A

"Autumn in Australia brings the possibility of rain, which would make driving without traction control and engine braking control a real challenge, " Heidfeld said.

CNN: War of words marks F1 season opener

Without the Tea Party, the Republicans would never have made such big gains in last autumn's mid-term elections.

BBC: Republicans holding out for a hero

Polls taken in the summer and autumn last year suggest a majority of Israelis are opposed to military action against Iran without US support.

BBC: Iran crisis: Would Israel launch an attack?

White suffered a hamstring injury in contact, ruling him out of the autumn international series, adding more woe for England coach Martin Johnson who is already without Sale prop Andrew Sheridan and Wasps's Phil Vickery.

BBC: London Irish 18-12 Leicester