Scotland crowns first tree-hugging champion

Person hugging a tree — (Image credit: Jacobs Stock Photography Ltd/Getty Images)

Scotland’s first national tree-hugging champion is a 50-year-old man from Rhemore on the Morvern peninsula. Dressed in a leaf-covered camouflage suit, Alasdair Firth won the overall title at the inaugural Scottish Tree Hugging Championships. Events in the competition also included hugging as many trees in one minute and a freestyle round, where contestants had to demonstrate the most inventive way of hugging a tree, said the BBC. There were 24 competitors in total – double the number organisers had expected.

Ham roll makes man fart for five years

A man who says he hasn’t stopped farting for five years is suing a food stall for £200,000. Tyrone Prades says he was bedridden for five weeks with salmonella after eating a ham roll at the Birmingham Christmas market. His lawyer told the High Court that Prades “continues to suffer from excessive flatulence, which causes him a great deal of embarrassment”, adding that “the extent of the symptoms has been life-changing”. The company behind the market denies blame, reported the Daily Star.

Suffolk toddler has rare hair condition

A toddler from Suffolk has been diagnosed as one of only 100 people in the world with “Uncontrollable Hair Syndrome”. Layla Davis’ blonde locks “defy all attempts to comb them straight”, said The Telegraph. Uncontrollable Hair Syndrome, which develops in childhood, is a condition that is characterised by dry, frizzy hair that cannot be combed flat. Layla’s mother, Charlotte, said: “I really proud to get the diagnosis because it’s so rare.”