World Briefs
Daffodils flowering early
Spring daffodils have started flowering outside at an ecological tourist attraction in the UK earlier than ever before because of the mild autumnal weather.
The Eden Project in Cornwall is used to having plants from warmer climates growing inside its Mediterranean and Rainforest Biomes but it said 30 of the traditional springtime flowers have bloomed outdoors since mid-November.
The flowers are from a variety called Rijnveld’s Early Sensation, which typically flowers in January, and they are currently enjoying the mild air.
Toilet roll of dishonour
Prosecutors in Florida say at least three people working for a septic tank company duped customers into spending about £650,000 in unnecessary products – in some cases enough toilet paper to last more than 70 years.
Customers were told they needed special toilet paper to avoid ruining their septic tanks because the US government had changed regulations on toilet paper. However, the government does not regulate septic tank products.
The trio face up to 20 years in prison when they are sentenced next February.
Dies in half-marathon
A 25-year-old man has died while taking part in a half-marathon.
Phillip Goillau collapsed during the Norwich Half Marathon on Sunday morning and was treated by paramedics before being taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
It is believed Mr Goillau, from Dereham, Norfolk, had taken part in the race before.
Race director Hugh McGill said: “As an athletics club, as a community of runners, and as the team that put on the half-marathon, we are completely devastated by the tragic loss of a young life.”
Canine delivery service
A pack of giant dogs will provide a delivery service with a difference this year for festive shoppers who buy a Christmas tree from a North Yorkshire visitor centre.
The Newfoundland dogs, weighing up to 12 stone each, have been recruited by the Forestry Commission in Dalby Forest, near Pickering, to help transport customers’ trees to their cars.
The dogs are helping to raise money for charity through donations for each tree carried at the 3,400 hectare beauty spot in the North York Moors national park.
The dogs are owned by enthusiasts from the Aqua Nova Water Bears training club.