The covers have been removed as the only British submarine survivor of the World War II enters its final phase of a £7 million (€8.1 million) conservation project.

The A-Class submarine HMS Alliance at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport, Hampshire, is undergoing restoration after it suffered severe corrosion caused by decades of exposure to sea water and dampness. Volunteers, former crew members and museum staff viewed the completed exterior work when the covers were removed yesterday.

The final phase of works will start in autumn and will focus on internal conservation to bring the submarine to life when it is reopened to the public in 2014. (AP)

Would-be burglar left for police

A homeowner who captured a would-be burglar trying to break in to his home left him hog-tied with rope in the front yard for officers.

Police in Tulsa, Oklahoma, say the man had to go to work so he left his wife to watch the suspect until officers arrived.

The 31-year-old suspect was jailed on a first-degree burglary complaint. (PA)

Sainsbury’s make mobile mistake

Sainsbury’s has apologised after one of its checkout assistants refused to serve a shopper while she was on her mobile phone.

Jo Clarke, a 26-year-old property manager, said she reached the front of the queue at Sainsbury’s in Crayford, south east London, when the assistant told her to end her phone conversation.

A Sainsbury’s spokeswoman said: ““We have apologised to Ms Clarke. It isn’t our policy to not serve customers who are using a mobile phone.” (PA)