December
As Britain braces itself for blizzards and a big freeze to end the year Sydney battles it out against raging bushfires.
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Foot-and-mouth verdict awaited
The UK was expected to be declared free of foot-and-mouth disease. Since the first outbreak in Essex in February, 2,030 cases led to the culling of 3.9 million animals and the slaughter of a further two million for welfare reasons.
Bobby Waugh - the farmer blamed for starting the foot-and-mouth epidemic - announces he is quitting the industry.
The North-East was bracing itself for blizzard conditions.
Australia's emergency services were battling with bush fires which had been raging in New South Wales state since Christmas Day.
Sydney was under a thick blanket of smoke. More than 4,400 people were evacuated
The Queen Mother, who is 101, was absent from the Royal Family's Christmas church visits.
Selby rail crash motorist convicted
The motorist accused of falling asleep and causing the Selby train crash is convicted of ten charges of causing death by dangerous driving.
Partygoers preparing for New Year celebrations were warned to take care on the roads with freezing temperatures predicted for the last day of the year.
Copyright (c) 2000-2001 Sue Kelly