The US adopted decimal dollars hundreds of years ago and the UK clung to pounds-shillings-pence-farthings until 1976(?) Hardly anyone but older Britons can even imagine how to divide a bill for 7 Pounds, 5 Shillings and five Pence among three diners, or the painful calculations involved.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Magazine | Should we simplify spelling?

During the cold weather last week, gas prices in the UK reached an exceptionally high peak of 58 pence per therm, compared to the more usual level of 20 pence per therm.

BBC: Gas prices worry UK industry

Across the UK, unleaded petrol was up by 13.5 pence per litre to 121.7 pence this month - a record high.

BBC: Renewable power rises by a fifth