Shipping containers will provide temporary accommodation for people with a history of homelessness in Britain.
The first of six containers has arrived in Brighton, East Sussex, with a further 30 arriving by the end of the week, the Brighton Housing Trust said.
The converted containers will provide temporary homes, for a period of five years, in the city’s New England Quarter for 36 men and women with a history of homelessness, the charity said.
Ross Gilbert, from developers QED, said the first residents are expected to move into the containers in about five weeks’ time, turning the “exciting and innovative housing concept into reality”.
King-sized card for prince
Prince George is to receive a giant card from more than 5,000 Christian well-wishers assuring him of their prayers in advance of his christening.
The mega-card with a special blessing for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s baby son will be delivered to St James’s Palace in London by Peter Kerridge, chief executive of the Premier Christian Radio station.
Addressed to George and praying for “God’s richest blessing on your christening day”, the card has attracted more than 5,000 e-mail signatures so far.
Cat smuggled pot in prison
A cat has been busted for smuggling pot into a prison in Moldova. Guards became suspicious after it routinely entered and left through a hole in a fence.
On closer inspection, they found two packets of marijuana attached to its collar.
The Department of Penitentiary Institutions said that someone in the village of Pruncul was using the cat as a courier to supply inmates at the local prison.
‘Don’t vote for me, please’
A small-town mayor in Pennsylvania has an unusual campaign message: Don’t vote for me.
Bob Wiser is running unopposed for a second term as mayor of Port Matilda. The 70-year-old recently decided he would rather leave the post but missed the August deadline for taking his name off the ballot.
He said he enjoyed his time in office but has lost interest and is tired of arguing with the borough council.
New ‘skinny’ champagne
Calorie-conscious quaffers can now enjoy a new “skinny” champagne. Grand Cru Cuvee Champagne has half the calories of the average bottle of bubbly, according to former BBC broadcaster and the founder of champagne sales company Thomson & Scott, Amanda Thomson.
The diet-friendly tipple is produced by champagne maker Alexandre Penet. Thomson said: “We know that the British have a history of loving champagne, but in today’s more calorie-conscious market, I’ve found a producer who delivers a deliciously dry champagne, but with no added sugar.
Momentum for skinny champagne is really growing and I am -proud to be the one to launch it.”