Robin Cottle

Alan Titchmarsh recommends five gardening tasks for August: training and pruning climbers such as wisteria and climbing roses, planting evergreen hedges, starting or improving a compost heap, planting ornamental grasses, and remaining patient with gardens damaged by heat and drought. He says warm soil can help newly planted hedges establish before winter, while ornamental grasses can maintain visual interest through the colder months.

A British survivor of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami describes being swept away in Khao Lak, suffering severe leg injuries that ultimately prevented him from being dragged out to sea. Upon reaching the beach, he encountered widespread devastation and numerous bodies, and later learned his girlfriend had died. After months of rehabilitation, he returned to Thailand to support relief efforts, helping him process his loss.

A disabled man in Manacor, Majorca was subjected to torture by six individuals during a so‑called “change my look or ruin it” game, despite being unable to give informed consent due to an intellectual disability. The group tattooed his face and chest, stitched his toes together, glued his lips, bound his wrists and forced him through a series of humiliating acts. After the men exceeded agreed limits, the victim reported the abuse to police. Six defendants admitted guilt at Palma Provincial Court and received suspended five‑month sentences, fines and were ordered to attend an awareness programme. They also paid more than €18,000 in compensation after prosecutors and defence reached a settlement.