'M&B and Punch could merge'

Mitchells & Butlers and Punch Taverns are exploring a complicated deal that would merge the two pub groups' managed operations while attracting a substantial capital injection for M&B from a private equity investor - The Guardian​

Hopes that Britain can weather the worldwide credit crunch were dampened today as data showed the first fall in retail sales for more than two years - The Guardian​

Hard pressed families are being told to brace themselves for a big hike in the cost of living after wholesale prices rocketed by the highest rate in 17 years - The Express​

House prices are falling at their fastest rate since records began 30 years ago as the mortgage lending freeze continues to undermine the housing market, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors said today - The Guardian​

Beijing has given in to popular demand by abandoning plans to enforce a no-smoking policy for restaurants and bars - The Telegraph​

A potato farmer who made his fortune from deep frying his crops is to move into distilling them in his latest business venture. Will Chase, who pocketed £30million when he sold a majority stake in his Tyrrells crisps empire, has now created Tyrrells Potato Vodka - which will be made from those potatoes too small to be made into crisps - The Scotsman​

A teenager has told how her binge drinking caused her liver to fail at the age of 14 - The Telegraph​

In a bid to become less dependent on supermarkets, the residents of Martin in Hampshire are working together to become as self-sufficient as possible. They work on a rota system and raise their own chickens and pigs and grow potatoes, garlic, onions, chillis and green vegetables on eight acres of rented land - Daily Mail​

A National Express coach driver was facing jail last night after he admitted drink-driving before a smash that injured 33 passengers - The Sun​