With his skinny jeans, back-combed hair and dandyish manner, Russell Brand has always looked an outsider on the comedy stage. To many people his style of humour is just as alien. So what's the appeal of Russell Brand's humour?

Radio comedy has not only entertained audiences for some 70 years, it's also been a medium for change in British society itself, says Nicholas Parsons.

A history lecturer is researching the migration of Scottish workers and artists to Poland.

England overcome Brendon McCullum's big hitting to restrict New Zealand to 282-6 on day one of the first Test.

Suicide is the second biggest killer of young men, but no-one seems to want to know about it.

An 88-year-old man is set to star in his first ballet show after taking up dance at the age of 79.

India beat Australia by 15 runs in Durban and will face Pakistan in the final of the ICC World Twenty20.

Three Saudi Arabian readers tell BBCArabic.com what they think about KSA's religious police.

In the UK no one would bat an eyelid. In Atlanta, you could be wrestled to the ground.

Police are hunting a violent rapist who targeted a woman after she got off a late night train.

Four brothers from explain how their talents led to them being admitted to the Royal Ballet School.

A complaint the BBC broadcast homophobic material is dismissed by the corporation's governors.

Homosexual Iraqis say they are being targeted by religious militia because of their sexual orientation

The BBC's Nick Thorpe finds mixed emotions in Slobodan Milosevic's home town of Pozarevac, where he could be buried.

Prepare to be scared, as our public information film festival gets spooky.

Homosexuality is losing its taboo in Lebanon's vibrant capital, but activists fight for changes in the statue which outlaws "unnatural" sex.

Gay people hold their 15th Pride parade in Belfast with a wary eye on local tolerance of a lifestyle which Christian protesters abhor.

A young Kent dancer is launching an international appeal to find a boy to dance with her.

Jeffrey John, Dean of St Albans, uses his Christmas sermon to accuse the Church of not standing up to bullies.

Robbo basks in Middlesbrough's Carling Cup final place and rants about footballers wearing gloves, noisy snooker crowds and gridiron.