Having led a lonely childhood, Lesley Pearse knows what it is to seek a better life. Now she is helping women to help others. She tells Stephen Jewell how.

Here's a story about how to become middle-aged and middle-class - without noticing it.

Different kinds of royalty will soon be walking up the aisle. But whose big day will be bigger?

Ruth and Mark Hill have lived in Gulf Harbour for just over a year. Mark is the branch manager for a transport company in Mt Wellington, and Ruth is a full-time mum to their 21-month-old son Lachlan.

United States news organisation CNN International has released its top 10 places to propose to a loved one on Valentine's Day.

Spanish chef Ferran Adria is having a break from El Bulli, but will continue to experiment in the kitchen.

Scotland Yard has admitted to the discovery of new potential victims of the phone-hacking scandal.

New Zealand actress Emily Barclay plays a boy-crazy character in her latest movie about love.

The fifty-year epidemic of lung cancer which has claimed at least one million lives in Britain may have peaked among women, figures show.

Lesser-known Iffley Rd matches Wimbledon for its contribution to British sporting history, writes David Leggat.

An inquest on the disappearance of a NZ man in London has heard he was a hard-working, religious man excited about his wife's pregnancy.

It used to be deeply naff, drunk only by teens and maybe your nana; so how did cider get its fizz back to be the drink of the summer, asks Nicky Pellegrino.

At the end of the 19th century, Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild built Waddeson Manor in the style of a 16th century French chateau.

Paul Torday produces an intriguing page-turner that won't fail to surprise.

World music worked hard for its place in the sun, says pioneer Simon Emerson. By Paula Yeoman.

British comedian Steve Coogan says Top Gear's offensive stereotyping has gone too far.

The 25-year-old singer - who got engaged to 32-year-old building firm boss Sam Cooper last Christmas Day - has booked a church near her home in Central England for June 11 and plans to share her special day with just a small group of friends and family.

Mass haka, Maori culture-infused church services and helpings of roast lamb and kumara are among the ways expat Kiwis will be remembering home this Waitangi Day.

New Zealand holds a special place in Julia McKenzie's heart.