Pictures from the African continent this week

Tintin turns 80 at the weekend as Steven Spielberg begins work on a Hollywood film of the comic book hero. But while he has long been a star on the Continent, the cub reporter is almost unheard of in America and little more than a cult in the UK.

Energy Minister Ed Miliband says UK gas supplies are secure, but wholesale prices rocket because of Russia-Ukraine dispute.

Continental Airlines is the latest to test fly a jet biofuel, this time with a product derived partially from algae.

Tough economic times and tight votes look to be the continent's challenges for 2009, writes Africa Confidential editor Patrick Smith.

Some businesses in Dunster begin accepting the euro on a par with the pound in a bid to lure more continental visitors.

A selection of the best photo journalism from the African continent this year.

Many British tourists will shun continental Europe next year because of the falling value of the pound, a report says.

Nearly 40 people are hurt when a Continental Airlines jet taking off from Denver leaves the runway and catches fire.

Pictures from the African continent this week

Scotland's only ferry link to the continent will resume in May next year between Rosyth and Zeebrugge.

In what has been called a "geologist’s dream", drillers in Hawaii have unexpectedly struck molten rock at shallow depth.

Pictures from the African continent this week

A 'wall of traffic' in Swansea has presented a challenge for civic leaders over the years in bringing a continental feel to the city.

Pictures from the African continent this week

George Weah believes a well-organised World Cup in South Africa will lead to more big sports events on the continent.

Coventry Blaze coach Paul Thompson feels his team were robbed after seeing a goal disallowed in his team's final Continental Cup match.

Coventry Blaze fail to reach the Continental Cup super final following their 1-0 defeat to hosts Bolzano Foxes

Pictures from the African continent this week

Thousands gather to watch the lights go on in Belfast