Forecasters warn temperatures will plunge below zero across much of the UK, as millions prepare to see in the new year.
The financial brutality of 2008 is confirmed, as the FTSE 100 share index has its worst year since its inception in 1984.
A Royal Marine dies during a routine patrol in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence confirms.
Dr Rowan Williams urges people to focus less on material wealth and consider what real treasure is in his new year message.
International proposals for a 48-hour humanitarian truce in Gaza are dismissed by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
Two Iraqis accused of murdering UK soldiers are handed over to Iraq despite a bar by the European Court of Human Rights.
One of four Chinese milk firm executives pleads guilty at a trial into a contamination scandal, state media reports.
Gordon Brown calls for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza amid a "humanitarian crisis" after days of Israeli bombing.
A war of words breaks out in a gas row between Ukraine and Russia, amid claims that supplies to Europe are under threat.
Chinese researchers have unearthed what they believe is the largest collection of dinosaur bones ever found.
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