British endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh (pictured) is embarking on the “most dangerous swims ever undertaken in the world” to call for a vast protected area in Antarctic waters.

The swimmer is taking to the waters of Antarctica’s Southern Ocean, braving freezing temperatures, leopard seals and killer whales in nothing more than his Speedo swimwear to raise awareness of the need to protect the region’s pristine Ross Sea.

Over the next five weeks he will undertake five swims, four of which will be further south than the current world record – held by Mr Pugh – for the most southerly swim, in waters expected to be as cold as around -1.7˚C (-29˚F). (PA)

No knicker limit for female inmates

Female prisoners should face no limit on the amount of underwear they are allowed, a justice minister has said.

Simon Hughes, whose ministerial brief includes female offenders, told MPs he has insisted there should be no restriction on the item of clothing for women in custody.

Speaking in the Commons, Labour’s Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) told the Liberal Democrat frontbencher: “Clothes, books and stationery are the very necessities of life. You will know about the Independent Monitoring Board’s report into New Hall prison and the effect it has on the female estate.” (PA)

‘Lonely’ existence of the pet rabbit

More than half of all pet rabbits could be lonely, according to a new survey by the RSPCA and University of Bristol.

The poll found that 60 per cent of rabbits were housed without a companion, which could lead to suffering as they naturally live in groups. A large proportion of rabbits – 58 per cent – were thought to be fearful of loud noises and 61 per cent were reported as stressed when handled by their owner.

Rabbits should have constant access to an exercise area as without this their welfare could be compromised, but the study found that some rabbits only had irregular access and this was not given at a time when they needed it – in the early morning or evening when they are naturally most active, the RSPCA said. (PA)

New photographs of Fidel Castro

Photographs of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro, 88, appeared in official media on Monday for the first time since August, showing him slightly hunched over while seated, but appearing animated as he spoke with a student leader.

Speculation over Castro’s health has intensified since the historic December 17 announcement by his younger brother, and current president, Raul Castro, and US President Barack Obama, that the two longtime adversaries would restore diplomatic ties.

Castro, who periodically writes a column, went silent after the announcement until finally commenting a week ago, when he offered lukewarm support for the pact his brother reached with Obama. (Reuters)

Fake officer pulled over a real cop

A northern Virginia man landed himself in hot water while impersonating a police officer – after pulling over a car driven by a real cop.

Shawn Michael Robinson, 27, of Alexandria, was driving a white Crown Victoria behind the off-duty officer’s car at around 1am. Police said the real officer pulled over when Robinson turned on a spotlight attached to his car.

Instead of getting out, Robinson pulled alongside the officer’s car, then sped off when the officer identified himself.

Police later issued a warrant for his arrest and Robinson turned himself in.

He is being held without bond on a charge of impersonating an officer. (PA)