World briefs

Iran's culture ministry has given its blessing to a number of "Islamic" haircuts for men, with ponytails failing to make the list, the ILNA news agency reported yesterday.

ILNA and other agencies carried pictures of mostly clean-shaven male models sporting short hair, some styled with gel, in a "journal of Iranian hairstyles approved by the Ministry of (culture and Islamic) Guidance."

"The proposed styles are inspired by Iranians' complexion, culture and religion, and Islamic law," said Jaleh Khodayar, who is in charge of a Modesty and Veil Festival later this month where they are to be promoted.

Several barber shops have reportedly been shut down and penalised in recent years for offering "decadent Western cuts".

The picture shows a board bearing men's hairstyles authorised by the Ministry of Guidance at an official hairdressing show in Tehran, yesterday. (AFP)

Naturist vow

England's oldest naturist club vowed it will not close down, despite members having been exposed to months of noise and dust from nearby roadworks.

The Fiveacres Country Club near St Albans in Hertfordshire complained repeatedly about a road-widening scheme on the nearby M25, which disturbed the tranquility of its 250 nudist members.

But it remained defiant as it celebrated its 83rd birthday. Managing director Pat Badham said: "We're not closing. We'll never close, we're here to stay forever, whatever life throws at us." (PA)

Biggest bowl of porridge

The world's biggest bowl of porridge was made.

Food giant Scott's Porage Oats was behind the world record-breaking 690-kilogram bowl of the traditional Scottish breakfast.

This was more than four times the previous record of 171kg, which was set in Manchester last year. (PA)

Goats for golfers

A public golf course in North Dakota took a new approach to dealing with pesky weeds - goats.

Eric Stromstad, superintendent at Hawktree golf course, said two goats were brought in at the start of the season to rid the 16th hole of leafy spurge and clover. It worked out so well that three more goats were added.

Mr Stromstad said the golfers feed and pet the goats. (PA)

Doggy paddle

A Russian dachshund is learning how to scuba dive.

Owner Sergei Gorbunov, a professional diver in Vladivostok, had a diving suit complete with helmet made for the dog and is teaching him the tricks of the trade.

In a recent demonstration, the dog uncomplainingly endured being hung upside-down as the suit was fitted on him. (PA)

The royal hair

Jam made from what its maker claims is one of Princess Diana's hairs is up for sale at a surrealist art show at London's Barbican Art Gallery.

Sam Bompas said the "occult jam" is made by infusing a tiny speck of the late Princess of Wales' hair with gin, which is then combined with milk and sugar to create a product with a taste resembling condensed milk.

The hair was bought on eBay for $10 US from a US dealer who collects what he says is celebrity hair and sells it in extremely tiny parts. (PA)

Carry on caravanning

A National Lottery millionaire said he intends to keep caravanning despite hitting the jackpot.

Wally Jinks, 51, shared £2,033,705 with his friend Alan Stringer, 50, after the pair matched all six numbers in a Lotto Rollover.

But the friends, who are from Edenthorpe, Doncaster, and who have known each other for 17 years, were unaware they had won the top prize for 11 days because Mr Jinks and his wife were on holiday on Jersey. They only checked their numbers five days after they returned home. (PA)