Housands of cushions handmade as gifts for Olympics athletes may go to waste after London 2012 KNITWITS stitched up volunteers by refusing to allow them to hand them out.The London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) initially told volunteers from the Woolsack project that they could hand out the 5,000 cushions they had created as souvenirs for the elite stars. But now, in fear of angering commercial sponsors, they have reneged on the deal. Dedicated families and elderly and disabled members of the scheme, which was designed to give athletes a British wool based welcome gift to the games, have grafted since early last year to create the individually crafted presents. A third of the games' athletes, including members of Team GB, confirmed their interest in receiving the decorative welcome gifts with athletics stars Jessica Ennis and Marilyn Okoro posing with samples at events last year.
MEET the underwater British seal who is so friendly he loves to grapple divers like a friendly puppy dog .
STOOD side by side next to a busy road, these buildings were once bustling with life .
Here's a collection of art for the DIGIT-AL age as these fascinating illusions of landmarks, places and even a banana are made using just a pair of hands .
A grand 56-bedroom hotel, once heaving with injured soldiers during the First World War, now lies completely abandoned .
A northern potoo shows it is a master of disguise as it perches on a tree stump and blends into the bark .
VENTURING into the ocean with self-made spears and nets, the fishermen of Zanzibar put their lives on the line when they catch food for their families .
PICKING up a tiny tea-pot with its paws, a little red squirrel struggles to prepare its morning tea .
BALANCING on top of a tree, this bear cub puts her climbing skills to the test .
SLEEPING within touching distance of wild African animals might not be everyone's idea of a relaxing break .
PERCHING on top of a gate, this young barn swallow waits patiently for his mum to return with dinner .
THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS - 250 DRIVERS ARRESTED FOR STREET RACING IN BIRMINGHAM- In Pic - The start line on the Heartlands Parkway Nechels Birmingham .