The Nigerian military says it has destroyed the headquarters of Boko Haram in the barbaric terrorist organisation's de facto capital city Gwoza. The official Twitter account for the Nigerian Defense Headquarters announced 'FLASH: Troops this morning captured Gwoza destroying the Headquarters of the Terrorists self-styled Caliphate.' It followed with 'Several terrorists died while many are captured. Mopping up of entire #Gwoza and her suburbs is ongoing.' Boko Haram chief Abubakar Shekau declared the northeast Nigerian city to be the capital of a new Islamic caliphate after he seized the town in August. Earlier this month Boko Haram pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, formally recognising Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as their spiritual leader. Liberators: The Nigerian military says its soldiers (pictured) have destroyed the headquarters of Boko Haram in the barbaric terrorist organisation's de facto capital city Gwoza . Breakthrough: The failure of President Goodluck Jonathan (left) to defeat Boko Haram has dogged Nigeria's leader as he stands for re-election tomorrow. It was not immediately possible to verify this morning's morale-boosting announcement from Gwoza - but critics have questioned its timing . Goodluck Jonathan's opponents have said the offensive against Boko Haram is a political ploy ahead of tomorrow's election (a billboard for which is pictured). They have asked why Nigeria's military, of which Jonathan is the commander in chief, is suddenly is capable of doing what it has failed to do for six years . It was not possible to verify this morning's morale-boosting announcement, which comes just one day before critical presidential elections in Nigeria. The Twitter messages made no mention  of military operations in Sambisa Forest, where Nigeria's home-grown Islamic extremist group is believed to have several camps. Warplanes have been bombarding the area for weeks. The forest starts about 20 miles from Gwoza town, which is 80 miles southeast of Maiduguri - the Borno state capital state and Boko Haram's birthplace. Sambisa Forest is where extremists first took nearly 300 schoolgirls kidnapped from a boarding school in Chibok almost a year ago. Dozens escaped on their own but 219 remain missing. The failure of the government and military of President Goodluck Jonathan to rescue the girls created international outrage and continues to dog Nigeria's leader as he stands for re-election. Nigeria's military, with support of troops and military aircraft from neighboring countries, in the past two months has retaken dozens of towns from Boko Haram. This comes after months of defeat at the hands of Boko Haram, with soldiers fleeing the battlefield after they ran out of ammunition. Jonathan's opponents have said the offensive is a political ploy, asking why Nigeria's military, of which Jonathan is the commander in chief, is suddenly is capable of doing what it has failed to do for nearly six years. Brutal: Boko Haram chief Abubakar Shekau (pictured) declared the northeast Nigerian city to be the capital of a new Islamic caliphate after he seized the town in August . Earlier this month Boko Haram militants (pictured during a recent filmed beheading) pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, formally recognising Iraqi Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as their spiritual leader . On the run: Civilians who fled the fighting in Bama and the surrounding areas in recent days gather a makeshift camp for displaced people on the outskirts of Maiduguri . Reports from the newly-liberated town of Bama say the city has been devastated by the militants' occupation and the efforts to re-take the city - with the army claiming the stench of death hangs heavy in the air. The devastation is visible from the air in Bama. Corrugated iron roofs lie ripped off among charred debris, the walls of the houses blackened with soot or in ruins. On the dusty roads that separate properties in the second-biggest town in Borno state, northeast Nigeria, the sight -- and smell -- is much worse, with evidence of atrocities everywhere. The Nigerian military forced out Boko Haram from Bama earlier this month. As they did so, locals who managed to escape said the Islamists set fire to homes, including the emir's palace. But clearly much worse happened -- and the evidence is on the streets, beneath them and in the parched fields beyond. Troops found the decomposing body of a man in a sewer, in the fetal position surrounded by trash and human waste. Soldiers cover their noses as more remains are found elsewhere. Nigerian troops celebrate after taking control of Bama from Boko Haram militants earlier this week . Nigerian troops are seen taking up positions in the northeast Nigerian town of Bama earlier this week . Reports from the newly-liberated town of Bama say the city has been devastated by the militants' occupation and the efforts to re-take the city - with the army claiming the stench of death hangs heavy in the air . Earlier this week it emerged that Boko Haram had abducted hundreds of women and children  from primary schools  to use them as 'human shields'. The Islamic militants took adults and children from primary schools in the north-eastern town of Damasak as troops from Niger and Chad approached a month ago, Mike Omeri, the Nigerian spokesman for the fight against Boko Haram, confirmed this week. When the soldiers arrived, they found the town largely deserted - with local reports suggesting as many as 500 people were taken in the raids. Mr Omeri refused to be drawn on exactly how many people had been taken by Boko Haram militants, but he was clear on the reason why they had been kidnapped. 'Boko Haram ... rushed to primary schools they took children and adults that they are using as shields to protect themselves from the menacing advance of troops,' he said. 'They are being used as shields by Boko Haram.' Damasak, which is near the border with Niger and had been held by Boko Haram for months, was recaptured on March 16 - but officials have only confirmed the kidnappings now. Evidence of a mass grave was also discovered by the troops from Chad and Niger, who now hold the town, Chad's ambassador to the U.N. Mahamat Zene Cherif confirmed Wednesday. Kidnapped: As many as 500 women and children were taken from Damasak, in north-eastern Nigeria, as Chadian troops (pictured) advanced on the town, which had been held by Boko Haram for months . Defence: Officials believe they were taken so they could be used as human shields when troops arrived. Pictured: Chadian army celebrates entering Damasak - showing off one of Boko Haram's flags . Last week, the troops found the bodies of at least 70 people in an apparent execution site under a bridge leading out of Damasak, which had been used as an administrative centre for the extremists who hope to create their own 'caliphate' in the region. The six-year battle against the insurgents is one of the major issues voters will be considering on Saturday. Thousands have already lost their lives - including an estimated 10,000 last year alone - while more than 174,000 people are thought to have fled to neighbouring Cameroon, Chad and Niger as refugees. Analysts attribute the success to newly acquired war materiel including tanks, armored cars and helicopter gunships, training by foreign instructors and a joint offensive with battle-hardened soldiers from neighboring Chad, as well as troops from Niger and Cameroon. A regional offensive against Boko Haram was mounted at the end of January amid growing international concern as Boko Haram seized territory the size of Belgium. The terror group also pledged to become the West Africa franchise of the Islamic State group operating in Syria and Iraq, and as the Nigerian insurgents spread their attacks across borders. At least 10,000 people were killed in the Islamic uprising last year and more than 1.5 million people have been driven from the homes.

Nigerian military says it has destroyed the jihadi's headquarters in Gwoza . North-east Nigerian city is a Boko Haram stronghold and de facto capital . It is also where the terrorists were thought to have been hiding nearly 300 schoolgirls who were abducted in nearby Chibok almost a year ago . Critics have been quick to question the announcement's timing, however . It comes just one day before Nigeria's president Goodluck Jonathan - who has been criticised for not defeating Boko Haram - stands for reelection .

 destroyed the Boko Haram Headquarters at the town of Gwoza. More details to follow.'
The army said a large amount of ammunition was also captured along with 'other logistic support' as well as 'various vehicles'
Boko Haram's insurgency has killed thousands in Northern Nigeria and spilled over into neighboring Niger, Chad and Cameroon since it began nearly six years ago.
On April 23 the army, supported by air power, said it had wrested control of the towns of Gajiram and Kukawa.
 The army said in a statement on Sunday that the troops fought pitched battles with Boko Haram in the towns, forcing them out of the area. They captured the towns after losing them on May 1. The military said troops then attacked the towns of Gwoza and Bama on Monday, capturing both towns as well as an airfield.
The military said Boko Haram now hold just the town of Baga, in northeastern Borno state, which has been surrounded since Feb. 6, according to the military.
The Nigerian defense headquarters said Sunday that the military captured a large number of Boko Haram fighters along with 'a number of logistics vehicles used by the terrorists to move freely within Gwoza.'
The Nigerian army has not yet confirmed the authenticity of a Boko Haram video claiming to show the beheading of a French hostage.
A message in which a man purporting to be the militant group's military commander, Abubakar Shekau, said one of their fighters was killed by 'French troops,' Reuters reported on Thursday citing a security source and pro-Boko Haram website.
Two other sites also reported the video, one of which was associated with the Boko Haram group.
The authenticity of the video could not be verified. But the military could not immediately be reached for a comment on the video.
Last Friday, the militants declared an Islamic caliphate in parts of Nigeria and have since been issuing threats in a bid to spread the violence to more Nigerian states. They have since taken over parts of the Nigerian border, killing and kidnapping scores of people in neighboring countries.
Boko Haram's campaign in Northern Nigeria has killed thousands in the past 6 years. The group's declared aims are Sharia law and the implementation of Islamic principles in all spheres of life, but the majority of their attacks have targeted Christians. The group's members are


Multi-million plan investment: US Tycoon Donald Trump at Trump International Golf Links, Scotland . US tycoon Donald Trump has unveiled plans for a new multi-million pound investment in his Scottish golf resort - despite previously vowing to halt all developments on the 200-acre site. The billionaire will be submitting a proposal for a number of additions to Trump International Golf Links, Scotland, including staff accommodation, a banquet hall and 400-capacity ballroom. The move comes two years after he threatened not to invest 'another penny' in the project over plans to build an offshore wind farm off the Aberdeen coast, which he said would spoil scenic views. In a statement released on the planning proposals, The Trump Organization claimed Swedish utility firm Vattenfall, the primary developers behind the farm, could no longer finance the project. It also said the technology 'is now widely regarded to be obsolete and outdated'. The company said that this, combined with other stakeholders withdrawing from the project, had led to confidence being restored that the 'shoreline will not be blighted' by the 'industrial energy plant'. Despite this, Mr Trump will continue his legal challenge to the decision to grant the farm planning permission off the Aberdeen coast. A spokesman denied this claim on behalf of Vattenfall, and its project partners, Aberdeen Renewable Energy group, stating that they 'want to see the scheme to come to fruition'. Mr Trump called Trump International Golf Links, Scotland, which opened in July 2012, 'one of his greatest achievements' and said his commitment to develop the site 'was stronger than ever'. The businessman is now pushing ahead with expanding the site, known collectively as the Menie Estate, with further applications for private houses and hotel rooms tabled for later in the year. His current application includes public notifications for a second gold course and additional hotel accommodation and facilities at the five-star MacLeod House and Lodge, named after his mother. George Sorial, executive vice-president of the Trump Organisation, said: 'This will be a substantial investment - it really will allow us to carry out the original vision that Mr Trump had for the entire site. Our work there is not done.' The billionaire has submitted a proposal for a number of additions to the Aberdeenshire estate including staff accommodation, a banquet hall and more rooms in MacLeod House, illustrated with an artist's impression . The move comes two years after he threatened not to invest 'another penny' in the project over plans to build an offshore wind farm nearby, which he said would spoil scenic coastal views, pictured above . News that the organization would be re-investing in the site was welcomed by business leaders. Ian Armstrong, regional director for the Scottish Council for Development and Industry, said: 'At a time when there are some economic clouds on the horizon, the announcement of the plans by the Trump Organisation for further substantial investment in their site at Menie is a great boost to the region. 'The significance of a major international investor looking beyond short-term issues and adopting a long-term view should not be underestimated in terms of the fillip it provides to the north-east of Scotland and its economy.' Robert Collier, chief executive of Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, added: 'The business community in the north-east will be pleased to welcome the continued investment in Trump International Golf Links.' The claims made by Trump Organizations were denied by Vattenfall and Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group. A spokesman said: 'Widely accepted as a much-needed centre of significant European importance, the EOWDC is pivotal to helping the Scottish and UK Governments meet their ambitious renewable energy targets and is planned to test and demonstrate innovation and next generation technologies. 'It would also be an integral, flagship project for Aberdeen City and Shire’s enterprising Energetica initiative, further positioning the region at the forefront of the sustainable energy evolution as well as supporting the diversification of its energy-based economy.'

Proposed builds include banquet hall, ballroom and staff accommodation . Also plans for rooms and facilities to five-star MacLeod House and Lodge . Comes two years after he threatened to stop investment in 200-acre site . Halted development because of threat that wind farm would spoil views . But now Trump claims primary backers can no longer finance the project .

 construction work
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US tycoon Donald Trump has unveiled plans for a new multi-million pound investment in his Scottish golf resort – despite previously vowing to halt all construction work.
The 74-year-old businessman, who has been campaigning for Britain’s exit from the European Union, said the construction of his golf resort on the coast of Aberdeenshire would be accelerated.
The US-born developer, whose previous ventures in the country have included a £4m purchase of Edinburgh’s iconic Balmoral Hotel in 1989 and a £25m buy-out of the five-star Edinburgh-based Balmoral Hotel in 1996, said he has been in negotiations with banks to secure a major loan – but that, without further finance, construction would have to be halted.
Trump said he had already spent £100m on the development.
“I could have let construction run out,” he said. “We may have been able to get away with that, but I decided I would rather have the money.
“There are tremendous numbers of jobs [that this development brings],” he said.
Trump said the resort, which has an investment cost of £1bn to £1.5bn and is expected to bring £1.25bn into the Scottish economy, would be fully completed within five years.
Construction work on the project is due to be completed by 2019 but Trump says 100 more jobs would be created if construction on the golf course was accelerated.
Trump has so far refused to comment on whether Britain’s decision to leave the EU has influenced his decision to make the investment, but this week he said that the referendum was “not helping Britain, not helping us at all”.
Speaking at the British Golf Industry Organisation’s annual event in Inverness, Trump said: “If the referendum vote had been held in the same period as we started the development, I probably would have been less inclined to invest in Scotland.”
Trump said he was confident that the UK would remain in the EU but did not foresee it joining the euro.
“I think you will have people that want to leave, like in Scotland, [but] there would be a vote to stay,” he said.
The Trump Organisation bought the Menie estate, which had at one point


Is there is one thing Kim Kardashian is good at, it's getting people's attention. Whether it's wearing daring clothes, showing off her naked bottom or, like today, debuting an incredible and shocking new hair cut. For when the 34-year-old mother-of-one stepped out in Paris today with her husband Kanye West she certainly made sure all eyes were on her with her bright blonde bob. Scroll down for video . Kim shocked the world as she stepped out in Paris today debuting a new platinum blonde hair do, the star had gone to great pains to keep it under wraps before . On arriving in the French capital, Kim had gone to lengths to disguise her new platinum style, keeping it wrapped under a woollen hat as she entered her hotel. But as she left the Le Royal Monceau for the Balmain fashion show today she was clearly ready for the big reveal as she stepped proudly out in front of the paparazzi. This certainly isn't the first time that Kim has changed her hair colour - but it does seem to be her most extreme look yet. In the past she's mostly had dark locks but she has tried out numerous different styles including giant curls and a blunt fringe and she even once gave cornrows a go. Kim shared a joke with her husband Kanye West as she showed off her new hair at the Balmain fashion show in Paris today . Kim looked pleased with her new look as she arrived at the Balmain show in Paris along with her husband, Kanye West, and mother, Kris Jenner . The star recently revealed that she only washes her hair one every five days. She told Into The Gloss: 'For my hair, I don't wash it every day. 'We start out with a blowout on day one, then we go into a messier vibe the next day, and then we flat iron it and do a really sleek look on day three since that requires a little oil in the hair.' 'Day four could be a slicked-back ponytail. On the fifth day is when you wash it. That's a little excessive, maybe.' She also recently revealed that she has her hairline lasered after realising that she has an incredibly hairy forehead. Here we look back over Kim's hair-volution... Kim recently revealed that when she was younger she had a  hairy forehead, as evidenced by this picture that was taken at a party in 2006 . In 2008 the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star tried out a long fringe with straight hair as she attended A Night For Change benefit in Los Angeles . Kim tried lighter locks back in the day when she was seen leaving the Intermix Studio in New York in 2009 with honey blonde curled hair . At a Badgley Mischka fashion show in New York in 2009 Kim went for all out glamour with generous curls . Whilst Kim was filming in Los Angeles in August 2010 she wore her hair long and relaxed as she shopped at some boutiques . Kim tried this hilarious hair style in December 2010 when she was spotted leaving her gym in Los Angeles sporting cornrow braids . Kim Kardashian looked the spitting image of her sister Kourtney when she wore this tight bun to The Angel Ball in New York in October 2011 . Testing out a new accessory while indulging in a spot of shopping Kim adorned her long dark hair with a head piece whilst making a trip to the Chanel store in LA in January 2012 . Whilst Kim might not have been racy enough to try out an undercut she emulated the look by pinning some of her hair to the side while out and about in New York in April 2012 . Kim, who has recently revealed that she only washes her hair once every five days, likes a slicked back look from time to time. Here she is attending 'Fashion's Night Out' at Lord and Taylor in New York in Sept 2012 . Kim shocked with this blonde look in October 2012 when she attended the 2nd Annual Midori Green Halloween Party in New York . In 2012, when Kim was pregnant with her daughter North, she tried out bangs again cutting a fringe into her long dark hair as she attended the opening of the Tracey Anderson Flagship Studio in LA . In April 2013, having dinner at La Scala Restaurant in Los Angeles Kim went for an up do plaiting her hair on both sides . One of Kim's other attempts at blonde hair was a lot lighter, she had long highlighted locks for her 33rd birthday in Las Vegas in September 2013 . Kim wore her blonde hair in beachy waves in December 2013, out about in LA with her sister Kendall Jenner . In September 2014 Kim made sure all eyes were on her once again when she wore this revealing ensemble to the GQ Awards in London, at the time she had relaxed dark hair . A radiant looking Kim attended her friend Charlotte Tilbury's Make-Up Your Destiny Launch in LA in 2014 rocking hair slicked back into a bun . It was only recently that Kim decided to cut her hair to shoulder length, attending the Grammy's in February in a custom Jean Paul Gaultier gown and showing off her short black bob . Kim was still rocking her dark look just one day before changing her hair to blonde. She posted this picture on Instagram just before flying to Paris to join Kanye .

Kim Kardashian, 34, debuted a severe new platinum look in Paris today . She has dyed her dark locks almost white blonde for Fashion Week . Mum has  worn several different styles including bangs and cornrows . She recently revealed she only washes her hair every five days .

 she appears on the front of a magazine, Kim Kardashian is a bit different from other celebrities in the sense that she likes to look (and act) very different on a regular basis, whether that's a new hairstyle, a new outfit or a new 'do.
As we've reported previously, Kim is known for always keeping things on the casual side when it comes to her outfits but, since her pregnancy, she has appeared to be changing her style - and this time it's all about making a statement. Kim's new hair 'do is quite a dramatic change as, in the photo on the front of her new magazine, she appears with a brand new chin-length cut.
The reality TV star usually sports a long mane of golden locks but she has opted for a new short style in the picture. She's definitely kept her trademark long side-swept style at the front and the cut looks chic, but she has decided to cut her hair a little shorter at the back than her usual style and has also removed the heavy blonde extensions she is usually seen with.
Kim had been spotted earlier this week in a new style too, and she had taken to Instagram to show off her hair as she headed out to dinner. Kim looked incredible as she posed on Instagram, with her hair looking much longer than it does in her magazine photo.
The 33-year-old star rocked a sexy leopard-print dress, which featured a racy thigh split, and kept the rest of her look simple with a pair of flat-laced sandals, while her new hairstyle was also looking incredibly glamorous. She appeared to be enjoying a night out, with her bodyguard to the rescue should she need it, as they shielded Kim from photographers and paparazzi.
When Kim first took to Instagram with a picture showing off her brand new style, her fans were quick to comment, complimenting the star and asking her about her new look.
Kim took to the photo caption to write: "I'm having fun," she wrote on Wednesday.
Meanwhile her boyfriend Kanye West recently revealed that he has put his own new look at the front of a magazine, by gracing the cover of USGQ magazine. The rapper revealed the cover on social media, with a picture from inside.
The front cover sees Kanye sitting beside a bed (with sheets covering his modesty) and looking extremely relaxed, with one hand on his chin and another on his knee.
The


David Cameron and George Osborne are at war over Treasury plans to order savage new cuts in Britain’s Armed Forces. The dispute, one of the first to erupt between the Downing Street neighbours, has been sparked by fears the Treasury plans to slash another £1billion from the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) budget. The Chancellor is refusing to guarantee to protect the Armed Forces from cuts after the Election, saying it would undermine his attempts to reduce the UK’s debt. The dispute has been sparked by fears the Treasury plans to slash £1billion from the Ministry of Defence’s budget - and Chancellor George Osborne (pictured left) is refusing to guarantee to protect the Armed Forces . But the Prime Minister fears it will damage relations with US President Barack Obama, who urged him last month not to set a bad example to other Nato nations by cutting spending. The row was revealed on the eve of a Tory revolt over defence in the Commons this week. Up to 30 Conservative MPs are thought to be backing a bid by John Baron, MP for Basildon and Billericay, to force a protest vote against defence cuts. It follows controversy over whether Britain will stick to the Nato target of spending two per cent of its gross domestic product on defence. Tory MPs claim that if Mr Osborne gets his way the figure will fall below that level. And The Mail on Sunday has learned that the Prime Minister shares the rebels’ worries. The Prime Minister fears cuts will damage relations with US President Barack Obama (both pictured) ‘The stumbling block is Mr Osborne not Mr Cameron,’ said a senior Conservative. ‘Osborne has made it clear the MoD cannot be exempt from cuts. The PM fears it will expose him at Nato meetings, where he has been urging others to stick to two per cent. ‘He will be called a phoney if he isn’t spending it himself.’ One Tory MP said: ‘Mr Cameron has a natural affinity with the Armed Forces. As PM he is constantly talking to generals and visiting troops all over the world. He knows the importance of maintaining our front line strength with Putin and Islamic State causing havoc. ‘But you rarely see Mr Osborne anywhere near a tank or battlefield. He is interested in money, not military matters.’ Mr Cameron secretly visited the SAS headquarters at Hereford last week and is said to have returned more determined than ever to win his trial of strength with the Chancellor. In a powerful personal plea to Mr Cameron during talks in Washington last month, Obama gave him a blunt warning: maintain UK defence spending or weaken Nato. He said: ‘If Britain doesn’t spend two per cent on defence, then no one in Europe will.’ But military top brass fear the Treasury will raid another £1billion a year from MoD coffers to try to balance the nation’s books. Defence spending in the UK is forecast to drop to 1.7 per cent by 2020, even without further cuts. But Mr Osborne was defended by one influential Tory who said: ‘We have ring-fenced overseas aid, the NHS and schools. If we do the same with the MoD it will mean even bigger cuts elsewhere, such as the Home Office and policing. The Chancellor has to be fair if we are to get out of the red.’ Spokesmen for Mr Cameron and Mr Osborne said there was no rift. NO WONDER PUTIN FEELS FREE TO BUZZ BRITAIN WITH HIS BOMBERS . by John Baron, ex-soldier, MP and member of Defence Select Committee. At this time of mounting global uncertainty, Britain needs a strong defence to deter potential aggressors. Last week we learned that Raymond Odierno, the top general in the US Army, is ‘very concerned’ by the falling levels of our defence spending – and even suggested that British brigades might have to operate within US divisions on future operations. John Baron believes Britain needs a strong defence to deter potential aggressors . This should certainly make us pause for thought. As a bare minimum, Britain must abide by its Nato commitment to spend two per cent of GDP on defence. We are hovering around this figure and forecasts suggest we will shortly fall below the threshold. This would be a grave mistake. Maintaining a capable military can do much to prevent conflict, as Nato proved throughout the Cold War. Britain needs to remain a global power to protect our strategic interests and support our alliances. We require Armed Forces of sufficient capability and capacity to respond to any challenge – including the ability to act in an independent, sovereign manner. In addition, a successful foreign policy is underpinned by the heft of a strong and well-resourced military. A shrinking defence budget threatens our ability to lead global opinion, reduces our foreign policy options and sends the wrong message to both allies and potential adversaries alike. Yet the Coalition continues to make cuts, as starkly demonstrated by the decision to replace 20,000 Army regulars with 30,000 reservists. The Royal Navy has been reduced to 19 surface ships. The last strategic defence review suggested a minimum of 30. The scrapping of the RAF’s venerable Nimrod means we are without a maritime patrol aircraft. No wonder the Russians feel they have free rein to fly their bombers and position their submarines around our coasts. Westminster is becoming increasingly impatient. On Thursday, MPs from all sides of the Commons will support my debate demanding that the Government should meet Britain’s Nato commitment. The first duty of Government is the defence of the realm. We ignore history at our peril.

Cameron and Osborne at war over new Treasury plans to cut defence . Dispute sparked by fears £1billion may be slashed from MoD's budget . Chancellor is refusing to guarantee to protect the Armed Forces from cuts . Prime Minister fears it will damage relations with US President Obama . Row revealed on eve of a Tory revolt over defence in the Commons .

 £2 billion a year from Ministry of Defence spending by 2020 – in a move that would mean 30,000 jobs lost over the next decade. A Downing Street source said David Cameron believes the cuts are excessive and a “mistake”.
The source told the Daily Telegraph that the Prime Minister has asked senior officials to review the cuts and look at ways to preserve the nation’s “hard power”, the ability to deploy troops abroad.
Mr Osborne is thought to be worried that the cuts, to be unveiled in his Autumn Statement on Wednesday, could hit him badly in the Tory heartlands.
In an outspoken intervention, the Chancellor has already warned against the “false economy” of cutting spending without having a plan to bring the overall level of government debt down over the medium-term.
“In the absence of a credible plan, the danger is that you cut too far, too fast,” Mr Osborne told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
“The danger is you run the economy at the wrong speed, because if you cut too fast you actually get more debt and not less debt. The danger is you end up with a weaker economy, not a stronger one.”
Asked whether Mr Cameron shares this view, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “He was in his first meeting with Cabinet Office officials yesterday morning to go through those issues.”
Earlier, Mr Osborne used a conference call with select Tory MPs to set out what he called the Government’s “moral case” against reducing spending in the middle of the Parliament.
He argued that the party was “not in crisis” but insisted the economy was on “shaky ground” and could plunge back into recession if the Chancellor was forced to make emergency cuts to spending.
Mr Cameron has been left enraged by Treasury plans to cut the defence budget despite a promise by Mr Osborne not to cut “hard” defence spending in the Government’s 2010 Comprehensive Spending Review.
Aides to the Prime Minister and Mr Cameron are said to have agreed after the last general election that Britain should maintain the number of troops deployed overseas and their spending should not be cut.
The two men have since formed a strong bond but some Downing Street sources have admitted that the Treasury has been pressing ahead with defence cuts amid fears that Britain will have to withdraw from Afghanistan and cut its military presence in Europe after 2014.
The Chancellor’s decision not to back down has prompted Mr Cameron to


Cities across the country are turning to green as they take part in annual St. Patrick's Day parades. The day itself is not until Tuesday - but many cities have already held parades, with attendees decked out in green to celebrate. In the northeast, Boston's St. Patrick's Day parade included two gay and lesbian groups for the first time on Sunday. Scroll down for videos . Pride: Boston's St. Patrick's Day parade included two gay and lesbian groups for the first time on Sunday . Celebrating the Emerald Isle: The Chicago River was dyed green for the 32nd time to mark the city's St. Patrick's Day Parade . Color change: The boat sped through the water, casting out the green dye from the rear . Crowds filled up a staircase to the see the Chicago River be dyed green on Saturday . Queen of the scene: St. Patrick's Day Parade queen Lauren Elizabeth Corry waved during the Chicago parade (left). Crowd member Brian McClard is seen holding his five month-old son Conell Aengus (right). Spirit: A man waves an Irish flag in the Chicago River on Saturday . Music: A band wearing green hats and blazers walk along the parade route in Raleigh, North Carolina Saturday . Alternative transport: A man rides past the crowds in Raleigh, North Carolina, on a unicycle . Over 33 million Irish-Americans are set to be involved in the festivities this year, ABC7 Chicago reported.  According to the television station and WalletHub, St. Patrick's Day will see $4.6 billion in sales this year. Around 13 million pints of Guinness will be drunk, the ABC affiliate reported. Chicago has followed its 32-year-old tradition by dying the river green in front of thousands of people who traveled to the city from across the country. On Saturday, parades were held in a number of US cities as well as further afield in Tokyo and Rio. In America these included Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Chicago, Illinois; Charlotte, North Carolina; Raleigh, North Carolina; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Dallas, Texas; Salt Lake City, Utah; and San Francisco, California. Approximately 350,000 people showed up to check out the Saturday parade in Denver, Colorado, CBS Denver reported. Social media: Alex Nowakowska left, and Joanna Puchlik right, both of Chicago, take a selfie after the Chicago River is dyed green . History: Freddy Murphy, of Boston, front left, waves an Irish flag while marching with the LGBT community advocacy group Boston Pride during the St. Patrick's Day parade on Sunday in South Boston . Pride: U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., center, waves while marching with members of OutVets, a group of gay military veterans, as they, too, participated in the Sunday South Boston parade . Bagpipe brigade: The Boston Police Gaelic Column attended the Sunday parade as well . Here we go! Spectators cheer during the St. Patrick's Day parade, Sunday in South Boston . Greetings: Outvet founder Bryan Bishop (left) and Veterans Council's Brian Mahoney (right) were at the parade . Boston's St. Patrick's Day parade made history Sunday as two gay and lesbian groups marched after decades of opposition that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. The gay military veterans service group OutVets and gay rights group Boston Pride joined the annual celebration of military veterans and Irish heritage at the invitation of the sponsoring South Boston Allied War Veterans Council. The Allied War Council's current leaders voted 5-4 in December to welcome OutVets as one of about 100 groups in this year's parade. Boston Pride said it also received an acceptance letter this week. Boston's mayors had boycotted the event since 1995, when the council took its fight to exclude gay groups to the U.S. Supreme Court and won on First Amendment grounds. Musical: New York Shields Pipes & Drums marches during the 27th annual North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival on Saturday,  in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina . Wet weather: Heroes 4 Hire marches along the streets in the rain in South Carolina . Covered up: The rain would not dampen the spirits of these women playing kazoos in North Myrtle Beach . Procession: Bagpipers were in attendance at the Saturday parade held in Atlanta, Georgia . Cheer: A man in the crowd is see at the Atlanta parade on Saturday . Pet parade: A woman holds her cat - decked out in costume - for the Atlanta parade . Snap: Girls held their smartphones up while watching the Atlanta festivities . Setting up: One man is seen in Atlanta with a number of St. Patrick's Day-related items for sale . Drink in hand: Jerry O'Bryan is seen standing in front of a  West Lafayette, Indiana, bar . Form above: Crowds gather along the parade route outside The Gateway Salt Lake City, Utah on Saturday . Excitement: Spectators lined the streets in Lincoln, Nebraska, during the build up to the procession . Streets painted green: The Colorado Rockies wished their fans a Happy St Patrick's Day and posted a picture outside their Coors Field stadium in Denver ahead of the Saturday parade . Outfit: Pittsburgh Penguins player Sidney Crosby wore a green jersey on Saturday . The Dallas Mavericks social media team took a selfie in their holiday attire and posted it to Twitter on Saturday . Workers unloaded a truckload of portable toilets  in Pittsburgh in time for the celebrations on Friday . Ready to run: Thousands of enthusiastic, green-clad runners attended the annual St. Patrick'  Day Dash Sunday, March 15, 2015, in Seattle, Washington . All smiles: A woman is seen at the St. Patrick's Day Dash in Seattle . This year Mayor Marty Walsh, Gov. Charlie Baker and other Massachusetts political leaders took part. First-term U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, who served four tours in Iraq as a Marine, marched with OutVets. 'I believe gay rights is the civil rights fight of our generation and this is a small, but important, step in the steady march toward freedom and justice,' he said. Some Roman Catholic groups declined to march, including the state Knights of Columbus, saying they felt this year's parade had been politicized. Police were preparing for the festivities, with forces around the country putting on extra officers and increasing DUI checkpoints. WTNH reported that the parade on Sunday in New Haven, Connecticut was predicted to bring in more than 300,000 attendees. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania also held a parade on Sunday. In Tokyo large crowds took to the streets to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, with a number of people wearing green. Meanwhile in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, the statue of Christ the Redeemer was turned green. Around the world: Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer statue was bathed in green light Sunday . In Japan dozens of people donned green outfits to take part in a Omotesando parade . People in Japan entered into the spirit of things and a dog was even dressed as Michael Jackson (right) A Japanese girl plays the bagpipes (left) while others dressed up to take part in the parade on Saturday . Cheer! Attendees in Toyko raise their hands in the air . Dozens of people in Japan entered into the spirit of things at the weekend to celebrate St. Patrick's Day early .

Over 33 million Irish-Americans are set to be involved in the festivities . Chicago River was dyed green for the 32nd time this year . St. Patrick's Day will see $4.6 billion in sales . Reports suggest around 13 million pints of Guinness will be drunk globally .

 celebrate the Irish holiday.
In Washington, D.C., more than 300,000 people are expected to line the streets this weekend to enjoy performances by a parade of Irish groups including dancers, bagpipes and the cast of the popular Irish musical “Riverdance."
“We're celebrating today's anniversary of 'Riverdance' - and what better place to do so than in its hometown,” Irish Ambassador Michael Collins said.
D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray says he hopes the parades send a message about what the Irish culture means in America.
“There's a sense of pride that Irish-Americans have in this country, that they're not only going back to their ancestral homes, but that they have made such a contribution here, in making this country what it is today," he said.
And, if you are traveling to the capital this weekend, it's a good time to take in the local festivities since the crowds are smaller and the weather better.
The nation's capital isn't the only place with green parades this weekend. In Chicago, more than 150,000 people are expected to line the streets on Sunday.
The festivities continue Monday in Milwaukee, where up to 200,000 people are expected. That's the second largest number of people participating in the St. Patrick's Day parade in Milwaukee - and among the city's largest events.
New York is the biggest city to put on a parade. The celebration is expected to attract about 2 million people to Manhattan on Monday.
The parade includes dancers, bagpipers, marching bands and several floats.
Crews have begun setting up for the event and even the mayor and police commissioner will be present to give spectators a pre-parade briefing on the city's security measures.
The New York City police department will also be using high-tech cameras to help catch anyone who may be considering committing a crime.
Security at St. Patrick's Day parades in Boston and Los Angeles, two big St. Patrick's Day celebrations, has also been heightened because of the Boston Marathon bombings.
The Boston celebration is Sunday, and the L.A. celebration is Monday.
In Boston, organizers have set up metal detector wands at each entrance to the parade route. And authorities have told the public to leave large coolers and backpacks at home. They have also limited the areas where people can set up chairs and tents.


A former Sydney preacher who is now a senior figure of notorious terror group Jabhat al-Nusra has spoken out for the first time about why he joined the jihadi cause. Abu Sulayman Muhajir fled to Syria at least two years ago and has found himself added to the most wanted list of Western intelligence agencies. He started his association with extremist organisations when he became a mediator between two warring groups, Jabhat al-Nusra and Islamic State (IS). Scroll down for video . Former Sydney preacher Abu Sulayman Muhajir is a senior figure of al-Qaeda off-shoot Jabhat al-Nusra . But eventually he joined Jabhat al-Nusra. Speaking from Syria's frontlines, Abu Sulayman warned Western forces to leave the Middle East. 'The choice is simple… leave our lands, stop interfering in our affairs or face perpetual war,' the Egyptian-Australian told SBS's Dateline from a secret location. 'They [the West] rob our resources, they back tyrants, they force regime change, and they economically enslave our nations.' Abu Sulayman is best known for spreading his hate speeches throughout Sydney's west, most notably at the Al Risalah centre in Bankstown (above) Abu Sulayman has spoken out for the first time about why he joined the jihadi cause after the death of Islamic State fighter Suhan Rahman, from Melbourne . Abu Sulayman - who is also known as Mostafa Mahamed - is best known for his hate speeches spouted across Sydney's west. In one speech at Bankstown's Al-Risalah centre, the former preacher urged young men to spill their 'blood' in Syria, news.com.au reported. He has also been threatened by fellow Australian Khaled Sharrouf who fights with Islamic State. During the SBS interview, the senior leader said IS worked at 'delegitimising the rest of the Muslim community' by naming themselves as the 'exclusive bearers of Islam'. On the other hand, he said Jabhat al-Nusra wanted to 'restore the right of the Muslim people to choose their leaders independently'. They are one of the major forces battling the regime headed up by Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. Abu Sulayaman said they also wanted to established a governing system based on Islam known as 'shura'. Shura is the Arabic word for consultation, which according to the Koran is a beneficial practice. After Rahman's death, his wife - known as Umm Jihad on social media - tweeted a photo of his dead body . Rahman was also friends with Mohamed Elomar - a Sydney boxer who fled to Syria to fight with Islamic State . Last year, Elomar was pictured on social media holding up severed heads and smiling at the camera . 'Every society needs a penal code... we have a penal code in which punishments are appropriate to the crimes committed and act as a deterrent to others,' the extremist group leader said. 'Islam to us is whole and complete and that does include corporal and capital punishment.' It comes as it is revealed the latest Australian to die in the conflict, Suhan Rahman, was a convicted criminal before her fled to the Middle East to fight for IS. New details have emerged that Suhan Rahman was sentenced to 80 hours of community service for attempting to pervert the course of justice and witness intimidation in 2013, according to The Australian. The 23-year-old, who was previously pictured with Sydney boxer-turned-terrorist Mohamed Elomar, also faced a number of charges including assault and unlicensed driving, where he was hit with a $1000 fine. After his death, Rahman's wife - known as Umm Jihad on Twitter - tweeted a picture of his dead body.

Abu Sulayman Muhajir is a senior figure of terror group Jabhat al-Nusra . He is a former Sydney preacher who was a mediator for two rival groups . Eventually Abu Sulayman joined Jabhat al-Nusra instead of Islamic State . The leader has told of why he decided to join the fight in the Middle East . This comes after the recent death of Melbourne jihadist Suhan Rahman .

 two years before ISIS was formed in January 2014, but he told the BBC that he was inspired to become a fighter “because I love my country, I love my people and I love my religion”.
Speaking in an exclusive BBC Arabic interview, the 33 year-old Saudi also explains how he came to meet his Nusra group leader, and how he hopes that when the civil war is over he will be able to return to his family in Saudi.
Mr Muhajir, who is not seen with a beard, also discusses his past career as a preacher and his time in jail before the uprising.
Jabhat al-Nusra is widely accused of being the most radical rebel group in Syria.
More than three years into a conflict that has killed more than 160,000 people, foreign fighters are now on the rise across the lines of fighting and they have helped Nusra advance significantly.
Abu Sulayman Muhajir is an Australian citizen, but the UK and US governments consider him to be a terrorist. In February 2014, the UK government banned him from entering Britain.
Mr Muhajir, a Sunni Muslim with a black beard and turban, now has a tattoo on his wrist bearing the letters Nusra. It is a rare public appearance by a senior member of the group, which is not recognised as the official branch of al-Qaeda in Syria and is not part of the mainstream opposition to the Assad regime.
Nusra has close links to al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan but is seen as even more extreme than these groups as it calls for jihad against Shia Muslims as well as its enemies from the western-backed rebels.
The interview comes as an estimated 12,000 people from western nations are believed to be fighting in Syria alongside the rebels.
Some estimates suggest that thousands more from Muslim countries have joined the fight against President Bashar al-Assad.
Mr Muhajir was born in the US where his father, a Saudi, worked. He returned to Saudi aged five but moved to Australia to study for a BA in Islamic Studies at a Muslim college in Sydney.
The student met his future Nusra leader in July 2010. Mr Muhajir says that after he joined the organisation he was sent to Afghanistan for six months before moving to Pakistan for training in terrorist warfare.
He then travelled to Syria before moving with his group to the Aleppo countryside.
“I am a true believer


The Liberal Democrats are to unveil a rival Budget tomorrow in an unprecedented statement to Parliament which will signal the end of the Coalition. Danny Alexander, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, will hold up a yellow budget box - mimicking the red leather case used by the Chancellor - before setting out what his party's tax and spending priorities after the election. He will promise to make tax dodging as unacceptable as drink-driving, increase the personal tax allowance to £12,500 and targeting the wealthy instead of cutting spending. Danny Alexander will hold his yellow Budget box aloft tomorrow before delivering an unprecedented statement to the Commons . It is understood the unique statement from the Despatch Box had to be agreed with Commons Speaker John Bercow, and is likely to infuriate Labour for using government time to make a highly political speech. Nick Clegg has described the Budget as the 'last act of significant decision-making by this coalition Government'. Chancellor George Osborne is using his Budget statement today to set out the official coalition government position for the last time before the election. But he has made clear that in a Conservative government he would eradicate the deficit through spending cuts alone, without tax rises. This would include £12billion of cuts from the welfare budget, including a ban on under-25s claiming housing benefit, restricting child benefit to three children and cutting the amount families can claim in handouts from £26,000 to £23,000. But all the changes to benefits have been blocked by the Lib Dems, and are instead expected to be included in the Tory election manifesto when it is unveiled next month. On Saturday Mr Alexander unveiled his bizarre yellow leather briefcase which he held aloft in an echo of the Chancellor on the steps of Number 11. It was later auctioned off to a Lib Dem activist for £1,500. It is expected to make another appearance tomorrow, before Mr Alexander gives his statement to the Commons. The yellow box is designed to echo the red leather case used by George Osborne before travelling to the Commons to deliver his Budget today . Mr Alexander will rule out any extra increases to VAT, income tax or national insurance, but demand tax rises on the wealthy. He will use official Treasury figures to back up his call for the deficit to be eradicated through 70 per cent spending cuts and 30 per cent tax rises. A senior Lib Dem source said: We are going to set out what our spending plans will be for the next Parliament. 'There are big chunks that the Chancellor will say today which will be very much what the Tories' plans will be.' In a speech at the Lib Dem conference, Mr Alexander set out some of the measures which would be in a Lib Dem budget. He promised a crackdown on tax dodgers, saying it should become as socially unacceptable as drink-driving. In the wake of the HSBC scandal he said: 'As recent weeks have shown yet again, nothing upsets law-abiding taxpayers more than people who think they can evade paying the tax they owe. 'Paying the tax you owe isn't an optional extra - it's a legal requirement. Quite rightly, benefit fiddling is a crime and a social taboo. For too long, tax evasion has been seen by the rich and privileged more like a sport than the crime it is. 'So in our future vision, there'll be even more measures to crack down hard on the tax dodgers.' He continued: 'I want to see those who aid, abet, facilitate or encourage tax evasion hit as hard with criminal and financial penalties as the tax evaders themselves. That will be in our manifesto too.' Mr Alexander joined Mr Osborne and other Tory Treasury ministers outside Number 11 this morning . A Lib Dem budget would include the party's flagship policy of raising the income tax personal allowance to £12,500 and would involve 'balancing the books fairly, not on the backs of the working people on low pay'. He accused the Tories of wanting to 'cut for cut's sake even after the books are balanced'. 'A Conservative Party with no heart, but two minds. One to stay in Europe, the other to leave,' he said. 'A Conservative Party that wants to balance the books solely on the backs of the most vulnerable in our society. 'The prospect of a Britain under a majority Conservative government is grim indeed. And haven't we all groaned when they use their soulless mantra - long-term economic plan. The truth is their long-term economic plan means long-term economic pain for millions of families.'

Chief Secretary to the Treasury to make unprecedented statement to MPs . George Osborne makes clear what he would like to do in Tory government . Lib Dems given rare chance to set out rival Budget to the Commons . Will include tax raids on the wealthy and raising tax threshold to £12,500 .

icking the red Budget box that will be issued by his boss George Osborne - in a symbolic stunt to remind the Prime Minister, David Cameron, and their coalition partners, that the Lib Dems will be presenting a separate budget on the same day.
The Liberal Democrats are to table a "shadow" budget setting out their alternative spending and tax plans. The party, which is in the middle of internal discussions on tax policy, is expected to offer a range of new measures aimed at cutting poverty and boosting economic growth and employment.
But the biggest announcement will be the announcement of an alternative budget, including tax rises and spending cuts, that will be presented to the Commons at noon.
The move will be seen by the Lib Dems as a significant step on the path to a possible 'electoral pact' with Labour, as the party has promised to work with the official opposition on key votes.
The Liberal Democrats claim to have conducted "extensive, confidential" discussions with Labour leaders Ed Miliband and Andy Burnham about the timing of the document release.
The Lib Dems will be releasing a range of alternative tax changes, including a cut in the threshold for the 40p tax rate - currently set at £43,000 - and a range of "stealth cuts" on the wealthy, which they are seeking to present as moderate but in reality would involve higher taxes for the rich.
A party source said: "We have got into a situation where there are more tax cuts for the rich in this country than anywhere else. The time has come to address that."
Mr Alexander, will also propose cuts to the child benefit premium, which is a means-tested supplement given to families of children.
The party will announce that they will spend £1.9 billion on building 1,500 extra houses a year for affordable rent, will restore funding to Sure Start children's centres and plans to give local authorities a third of the revenues raised from business rates and an extra £400 million for councils.
The Liberal Democrats are expected to set out plans for a "stealth" £600 million raid on wealthy families through a "stealth tax" on the amount they transfer between different generations. The party plans to change the capital gains tax treatment of houses passed down to children and will take the view that when a parent dies, their assets are taxed.
Meanwhile, Mr Osborne will seek to persuade the Commons that his plans will boost growth by cutting taxes and spending.
An


Simone Matthews felt a tummy tuck was the 'perfect way' to mark her 50th birthday . With her 50th birthday approaching, Simone Reeves decided that celebrating with a cruise or party wasn’t going to be enough. Neither was she interested in new clothes or a fancy meal. Instead the grandmother from Kent treated herself to a new stomach. The £4,800 operation was, she says, the ultimate 50th birthday treat to herself. Simone, who has three grown-up children, is one of a growing number of women said to be marking their milestone birthdays with surgery. And she says the decision to go under the knife just weeks before her 50th was one of the best she has ever made. Explaining her decision she said: ‘A tummy tuck was something I had thought about but the time never seemed right. ‘Then I was facing a new decade, my circumstances had changed dramatically and it seemed not only the perfect time, but also the perfect way to mark the occasion. ‘It was a lot of money to spend on a birthday treat but I felt I deserved it, and because I had divorced and downsized, for the first time in my life I had the money available. ‘Now thanks to my operation I have entered my fifties looking and feeling better than ever.’ Entering her forties had been a very different experience for Simone, who found she was increasingly conscious of what she calls her ‘jelly belly.’ After giving birth to Ben, now 34, Candice, 28, and Nicholas, 27, by caesarean, she had always been unhappy with the scar. Then aged 41 she underwent a hysterectomy and the additional scarring meant her tummy ‘never recovered.’ She explains: ‘I was left with an apron of saggy skin that I absolutely hated. I knew no amount of exercise would change it. ‘I did my best to hide it in Spanx underwear and always wore shorts over my bikini. I just assumed that at my age it was too late to fix or worth worrying about.' But that changed when in 2001 Simone separated from her husband Peter after 21 years of marriage. She says: ‘Peter was wonderful and had always accepted my body. It was never a problem for him so I tried to not let it be a problem for me. ‘But I never expected or imagined that I would be single again at my time in life and couldn’t even imagine dating again with my stomach as it was.’ Approaching her 50th she decided to take action. She said: ‘We’ve all heard the phrase fabulous at fifty but to be honest I felt anything but.’ So she began researching tummy tucks on line and booked a consultation with Transform: 'I was incredibly nervous but the surgeon put me at ease by explaining in great detail how he would perform the operation. After three children and a hysterectomy Simone's stomach was left sagging and throughout her forties the grandmother became more and more conscious of her 'jelly belly' During her tummy tuck operation surgeons removed 2lb of excess skin leaving it firmer and flatter . ‘He wasn’t at all surprised that I was considering surgery as a birthday gift to myself which made me feel better. In March 2012 Simone underwent the procedure – allowing 12 weeks recovery time ahead of her big day. During the three hour operation surgeons removed more than 2lb of excess skin from her stomach. She explains: ‘ When I came round I felt very sore but despite the bandage I could already feel the difference. It just felt so flat.’ It was six weeks before the dressing was removed.  ‘I was absolutely amazed. There was a thin scar but the apron had gone. I thought my stomach looked wonderful already,' she says. The 50-year-old is delighted with her new look, revealing it to friends and family at her birthday party . Over the following weeks she continued to heal and unveiled her new body to family and friends on the evening of her 50th in a figure hugging black dress. She says: ‘I would never have been able to wear it before. I felt wonderful and it truly was a fabulous day and I think having the surgery helped me face my fifties with confidence I might never have had.’ Shami Thomas a spokesperson for Transform who arranged her surgery said she had noted a high number of patients having surgery to mark a milestone birthday like Simone. 'For many people surgery is a life long wish and they wait until their 21st, 30th, 40th or 50th birthdays to make it a reality,' she says: ‘On average patients spend £4,000 on a procedure, which is a large amount of money so having it done for a birthday can help patients see it as a ‘treat’ when they might not usually consider spending money on themselves. ‘We see a lot of women having surgery for their 50th birthdays, but most always say they wish they had done it sooner.’

Simone Reeves spent £4,800 on a new tummy for her birthday . She was unhappy with caesarean scar after three births . Surgeons removed 2lb of excess skin during the procedure .

 was a holiday as the mum-of-one felt that she had never deserved to relax or take time out for herself, and a new job or career hadn’t been something she wanted to do. Feeling fed up, unhappy and depressed, she decided she needed to turn her life around. Simone had reached the point in her life when she knew she wasn’t going to be satisfied until she had done something to be proud of. After watching her daughter, Simone Reeves, undergo a tummy tuck, she immediately felt inspired to go under the knife. In November 2012, the 5’2” star, from Lutterworth, began exercising, with her first goal being to lose weight for her daughter, who she would soon walk down the aisle. Simone lost an incredible three-and-a-half stone and a dress size, and by August 2013, she’d set herself a new target of having a tummy tuck. Simone had her surgery at Spire Leicester Hospital in November 2013 and the amazing result meant she could fit back into her original size 18 clothes. She can also now fit into her size 12 clothes again but, best of all, she now feels proud of herself. Having always shied away from social situations, Simone can now happily enjoy life and make the most of her life by dressing well and feeling good in the clothes she wears.
Simone has now taken it upon herself to lose even more weight, and in September 2014, she embarked on the 28-day Cambridge Weight Plan, as she felt the time was now right for her to shed the final 7 stone. She wanted to lose the weight in time for her daughter to give birth, as she is now an aunt and her son and his partner are expecting a baby girl in June this year, which means she will have three great nieces and a great nephew. Simone is now just two stone off target, and she is thrilled with her progress – feeling inspired to continue.
Simone commented: “I now get a lot of attention from people who ask how I have done it, and for the first time ever I feel good about myself and I really like what I see in the mirror. At the same time, I feel that I have let my family down in so many ways, not being there for them and not being there for myself. I now make a conscious effort to have more time for my daughter, who still needs a lot from me. My son is also there for


Lawyers for a transgender inmate convicted of murder asked the U.S. Supreme Court Monday to overturn a ruling denying her request for sex-reassignment surgery. A federal judge ordered the Massachusetts Department of Correction to grant the surgery to Michelle Kosilek in 2012, finding that it was the 'only adequate treatment' for Kosilek's severe gender dysphoria, also known as gender-identity disorder. That ruling was overturned in December by the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Supreme Court appeal? Convicted murderer Michelle Kosilek, born Robert Kosilek, is fighting to overturn a ruling that denied her request for a sex-change surgery. Before and after pictures of Kosilek as a man on the left in 1990, and living as a woman on the right in 1993 . Lawyers with Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders told The Associated Press they asked the Supreme Court to grant a hearing or to reverse the ruling by the appeals court. They argue that the appeals court did not find 'clear error' in the judge's ruling granting the surgery and therefore had no legal basis to overturn it. Kosilek, born Robert Kosilek, is serving a life sentence for killing spouse Cheryl McCaul in 1990. Now 65, Kosilek has fought to get the surgery for two decades. In 2002, Judge Mark Wolf found that the treatment Kosilek was receiving in prison was inadequate, but stopped short of ordering the surgery, finding that the Department of Correction had not violated her Eighth Amendment right against cruel and unusual punishment. Victim: Kosilek was convicted in 1990 of murdering her wife Cheryl McCaul (pictured) After that, prison officials began to provide hormone treatments, electrolysis to remove facial hair, female clothing and personal items. In 2005, Kosilek sued the Department of Correction again, arguing that the surgery was a medical necessity. In 2012, Wolf became the first judge in the country to order sex-reassignment surgery as a remedy for an inmate's gender-identity disorder. Courts in other states have ordered hormone treatments, psychotherapy and other treatments, but not surgery. Wolf found that the Department of Correction had violated the cruel and unusual punishment clause of the Eighth Amendment by providing inadequate medical care to Kosilek. A three-judge panel of the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Wolf's ruling, but the state appealed, citing security concerns about protecting Kosilek from sexual assaults if she completes her gender transition. She is currently housed in an all-male prison, but hopes to be transferred to the state's women's prison after the surgery. In December, a divided appeals court overturned the ruling by a 3-2 vote. Kosilek's lawyers argue that the appeals court overstepped its bounds and essentially re-tried the case. 'Their role is to defer to the trial judge on issues of fact,' said Jennifer Levi, director of the Transgender Rights Project of GLAD, the Boston-based legal group that brought the lawsuit that led to Massachusetts becoming the first state in the country to legalize gay marriage. 'The meaning of the Eighth Amendment is only as rich as its application, so those words that require prisons to provide adequate medical care are hollow if you have a district judge that makes the kind of careful fact findings that Judge Wolf did who is then reversed on appeal without a demonstration of the error in his facts,' Levi said. Kosilek's lawyers also argue that the Eighth Amendment prohibits prison officials from denying necessary medical treatment to an inmate for non-medical reasons, including security concerns. A message seeking comment was left Monday for the Department of Correction. It is unclear when the Supreme Court will decide whether to hear the case. The court receives between 7,500 and 8,000 new cases in a term and agrees to review roughly 1 percent of those appeals.

Michelle Kosilek, born Robert Kosilek, is currently imprisoned for murdering her wife Cheryl McCaul in 1990 . Doctors say Kosilek has a gender-identity disorder . In 2012, a federal judge ordered the Massachusetts Dept of Corrections to carry out sex-change surgery but that ruling was overturned on appeal . Lawyers for Kosilek are now hoping to take her case to the Supreme Court .

k, 65. The court said it would not get involved in the prison system, even though the ruling would give Kosilek the surgery she has fought for for more than a decade, and will not rule on the rights of other prisoners seeking the procedure, either.
The state argued that Kosilek is serving a sentence for murder and should not get the surgery. Kosilek, whose prison name is David — she used to be a man named Robert — was diagnosed with gender dysphoria. She underwent a hysterectomy and sex-reassignment surgery in 2002 but lost a 2004 lawsuit that demanded the state pay for the procedures she had to have in her first nine years at a Massachusetts facility.
“This is a fight against gender discrimination,” a lawyer for Kosilek said in a statement. “The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has no choice except to do the right thing and fund the medical expenses of Michelle Kosilek.” Kosilek, who was convicted of murdering his wife with a sledgehammer in 1990, was in prison when she began the transition process. Massachusetts would have to pay Kosilek for the sex-reassignment surgeries and other costs she has had since 2004, should the court reverse the state's ruling. The U.S. Attorney General is expected to file a brief in support of Kosilek.
A Massachusetts state court ordered Kosilek's case to be heard by a federal court as a civil lawsuit. She appealed the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court, which will decide whether it will hear the case. If it declines to hear the case, the state would have a window of 90 days to schedule an execution date for Kosilek, who has already tried and failed once to commit suicide. In 2013, the courts rejected a request from the federal government to postpone the execution. Kosilek said she would use a legal method to halt her death sentence if she gets the sex-reassignment surgery.
Kosilek, a Massachusetts inmate convicted of murder, is seeking a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that would allow her to undergo sex-reassignment surgery.
The Obama administration supports Kosilek's right to the surgery and has argued that the government must pay for the procedure. Attorneys for the federal government, though, said Kosilek has shown no evidence that prison officials discriminate against her because of her transgender status.
"We are confident


A 3,000-year-old Armenian settlement believed they could predict the future by using sheep and cow bones - and what they revealed on one occasion caused them to suddenly flee their homes. In a series of three Bronze Age shrines, archaeologists have found knucklebones of animals with certain sides blackened - like the markings on dice - as well as stamp seals printed onto pieces of dough. Experts believe the artefacts were used by diviners to help leaders plan political strategies - but they were abandoned in place moments before the inhabitants fled the region. Scroll down for video . In three Bronze Age Armenian shrines, archaeologists found knucklebones of animals with certain sides blackened like the markings on dice as well as stamp seals printed onto pieces of dough (pictured). The experts believe the artefacts were used by diviners to help leaders plan political strategies . The reason for the sudden exodus remains unknown, but archaeologists believe the stones and bones suggested their demise was imminent. The bones were marked with burns and other engravings, and were small enough to roll. In one shrine, researchers found 18 pebbles. 'These stones appear to have been selected for their smooth, rounded shape and their colour palette, which ranged from black and dark grey to white, green and red,' wrote Professor Adam Smith, lead author of the study at Cornell University. The shrines were discovered in a hilltop fortress on the Tsaghkahovit Plain of central Armenia. Lithomancy: A form of divination by which the future is told using stones or reflected light from these stones. In modern practices 13 stones are cast and a prediction is made based on how they fall. Osteomancy: The use of bones for divination, or osteomancy, has been performed for thousands of years. In some cultures the bones were burned in a practice known as pyro-osteomancy. Aleuromancy: This is the practice of baking messages inside cakes or cookies, which would then be distributed to those wishing their fortunes to be told. Dice-like knucklebones used for osteomancy and coloured stones used for lithomancy were found deep within the ruins of the fallen citadel of Gegharot. Aleuromancy  is a likely explanation for grinding implements found in another of three shrines. Aleuromancy was a practice in which messages would be baked inside of cakes or cookies, which would then be distributed to those wishing their fortunes to be told. 'What is conspicuous about the grinding installation in the east citadel shrine is the lack of a formal oven for bread baking,' Professor Smith wrote. The shrine's basin 'was clearly used for burning materials and certainly could have been used to bake small balls of dough, but it is unlikely that it would have been used to cook loaves of bread.' The stamps may have been used to seal messages within the dough. The Tsaghkahovit Plain was sparsely populated until around 1500 BC when a nameless group of people began to build strongholds and new institutions of rule there. 'It was a time of radical inequality and centralised practices of economic redistribution,' Professor Smith added, 'and the political leaders were scrambling to hold on to their power. In particular, dice-like knucklebones used for osteomancy and coloured stones used for lithomancy were found deep within the ruins of the fallen citadel of Gegharot. Aleuromancy - divination through the use of flour - is a likely explanation for grinding implements found in another of the three shrines (pictured) The shrines were in use for a century until the area was destroyed. Divination paraphernalia appeared to have been abandoned before the inhabitants fled and experts said it's hard to know whether the citadel's demise was foreseen. A clay idol is shown left while the right image shows what is considered another idol . 'Knowing what the future held was critically important.' During the time these shrines were active, a written form of language had not yet emerged in this part of Armenia so there are no written records of its local rulers. The diviner, Professor Smith continued, would have been a kind of an early risk analyst, assessing strategies and advising on politics and finances. 'We call them 'shrines' because of two distinctive qualities of the spaces: they were quite intimate in scale, with not much room for public spectacle,' Professor Smith explained. 'Yet they appear to have been religiously charged places, designed and built to host esoteric rituals with consecrated objects - secretive rites focused on managing risks by diagnosing present conditions and prognosticating futures.' During the time these shrines were active, a written form of language had not yet emerged in this part of Armenia and so there are no written records of its local rulers. The diviner would have been a kind of an early risk analyst, assessing strategies and advising on politics and finances. The fortress remains are pictured . Elsewhere the archaeologists uncovered clay bowls filled with smaller ash and ceramic artefacts. They suspect that, as part of an ancient ritual, rulers would reach an altered state of mind by drinking wine and burning substances. The altar and basin of a shrine excavated on the fortress' citadel is shown . The shrines were in use for a century until the area was destroyed by conflict. The group that controlled Gegharot was likely wiped out as a result. The Bronze Age in the Caucasus region can be divided into two parts - the Middle Bronze Age from around 2,500 to 1500BC, and the Late Bronze Age from 1500 down to 900 BC. The earlier part is famous for its rich burials from localised cultures. In the later Bronze Age a far more homogenous culture came into being. The Late Bronze Age also saw an increase in the number of hillforts sites. These had begun in the Middle Bronze Age and reached their peak in the early Iron Age. Their divination paraphernalia, meticulously unearthed by the archaeologists, looks as if it had been abandoned in place. Professor Smith added that without Bronze Age mystics to interpret the bones and stones, it's hard to know whether the citadel's demise was presciently foreseen. 'It doesn't appear to have been reoccupied,' said Professor Smith. 'It was probably attacked by one of its neighbours...but these practices probably went on in neighbouring areas. 'We're now trying to figure out what exactly happened to these ancient people.' Elsewhere, the archaeologists uncovered clay bowls filled with smaller ash and ceramic artefacts in these shrines. Archaeologists found two funnels (Figures A & B) ) that were used to burn substances at the shrine site . The shrines were discovered in a hilltop fortress in Gegharot on the Tsaghkahovit Plain of central Armenia. Gegharot is a town in the Aragatsotn Province. The Tsaghkahovit Plain was sparsely populated until around 1500 BC when a nameless gourp of people began to build strongholds and new institutions of rule there . The researchers suspect that, as part of an ancient ritual, local rulers would reach an altered state of mind by drinking wine and burning substances. 'Our best evidence of this comes from pollen washes,' Professor Smith told MailOnline. 'We take the pottery and wash with distilled water. We then capture the run off. From this we found residues of grape, and something similar to Ephedra which is a stimulant.' The shrines were found close together at Gegharot. Workshops dedicated to metal, bone and stone tool production were also found in this region .

Bronze Age shrines were found on Tsaghkahovit Plain in central Armenia . Researchers said these shrines contained evidence of divination rituals . Including osteomancy and lithomancy - divination using bones and stones . Knuckles from sheep and cows were used as dice to predict the future . While stamps on pieces of dough were  used for divination 3,000 years ago . Shrines were used for a century until the area was destroyed by conflict . Divination bones were abandoned suggesting rulers predicted their demise . Pottery in the shrine also had traces similar to stimulant Ephedra .

 archaeologists found four cow and three sheep bones that were dated to 1657 BC. The bones were found in a pit, alongside 16 other animal bones of oxen, horses, goats, she-camels, as well as a hippopotamus. The location is known as a burial ground and was a popular place for burying people in ancient Armenia. The archaeologists were surprised to see that not all of the animals were fully decomposed, which indicates they were buried only a few days prior to the excavations. ‘It is amazing that some animals were in a perfect condition while others are decomposing,’ project researcher Hranush Shahnazaryan said in a statement. ‘This shows that this area was a place of rest for the residents of those times. It seems that at this place, the deceased were given a ritual burial and there was something special about it.’ The researchers had a theory of what could have brought the animals to the spot, which was an oracle used by the ancient Armenians. The location was believed to be a place where divine revelation was given to people. The archaeologists found a total of 50 stones, engraved with figures and the names of the gods of the Armenian pantheon. One of the engravings depicted the goddess Arghavan, or Hayk-Aghabek, who is an important figure in the Armenian religion.
The stones were discovered in four different locations, one of them on top of a pile of animal bones. In the same pile the researchers found other precious objects such as a bronze-covered vessel, as well as a large piece of copper. The archaeologists believe that all these items were buried by the people who placed the cow and sheep bones. ‘It is not an accident that all the finds with the animal bones were buried in a pit together with the bones,’ Shahnazaryan added. ‘The fact that the cow-and sheep bones found in the pit were from the same animal means that they were buried together with the animal they came from.’
These facts combined with the discovery of the bronze vessel, and the presence of Hayk-Aghabek’s engraving, caused archaeologists to conclude that the bones came from a place where the ancient Armenians could find out the answer to their questions. Since 3000 BC, Armenia has been situated between Asia and Europe, which meant that the ancient Armenians were able to access the ancient knowledge of these other ancient nations. ‘When our ancestors were


It's the ultimate compliment for any player to have their talent recognised by their fellow professionals. So, to settle the argument of which is the greatest Premier League XI since it started in 1992-93, Sportsmail has studied every PFA  team of the year to find out which players are most highly-regarded by their peers. The results are fascinating – and surprising in some cases too. Legendary Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel was selected in only one PL all-star team (1993), as was Dennis Bergkamp (1998) and therefore are well short of being considered for the greatest XI. Peter Schmeichel famously saves a penalty from Dennis Bergkamp in 1999... but neither make the all-time XI . Eric Cantona and Paul Scholes weren't voted for often enough either while Gianfranco Zola – regarded as one of the best players in Chelsea's history – was never picked in a PFA side. Roy Keane and Frank Lampard were picked on fewer occasions than central midfield rivals Steven Gerrard and Patrick Vieira. Likewise, stars like Luis Suarez and Gareth Bale performed too briefly on the Premier League stage to be chosen as often as other players. Based on the number of times they were voted for by their fellow professionals in the PFA Premier team of the season, here is the best  XI over the last 23 years. And for Gerrard, heavily criticised after his red card against Manchester United on Sunday, there is some good news – nobody has been picked more often. THE PREMIER LEAGUE ALL TIME XI . EDWIN VAN DER SAR (PFA Team 2007, 2009, 2011) Played in Premier League for: Fulham, Manchester United . Sir Alex Ferguson compared the Dutchman's influence with Peter Schmeichel's after he helped Manchester United return to the top following a period of dominance by Jose Mourinho's Chelsea. Van der Sar was 34 when he joined United from Fulham but it proved to be a master signing, and one that Ferguson admitted he wished he'd made earlier. Van der Sar won three league titles in a row and was the hero of United's penalty shootout win against Chelsea in the 2008 Champions League final, making the match-winning save from Nicolas Anelka. Edwin van der Sar celebrates with his Manchester United team-mates after beating Chelsea in May 2011 . GARY NEVILLE (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2005, 2007) Played for: Manchester United . The heart of Manchester United's team that dominated English football for two decades and part of the 1999 Treble-winning side. Neville was United's effective leader and club captain off the field well before he eventually wore the armband on it. The right-back for United and England was the most voiceferous member of the famed Class of 92 and since retirement has become a hugely influential figure both as a television pundit and England coach . Gary Neville was a stalwart of the Manchester United side and was named six times in the PFA XI . RIO FERDINAND (2002, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2013) Played for: West Ham, Leeds, Manchester United, QPR . A skilful centre half in the continental mould, Ferdinand started at West Ham but was first voted into the Premier League team in 2002 after an excellent season at Leeds United. After impressing at that summer's World Cup, Manchester United paid a £29million transfer fee for Ferdinand, a British record that stood for four years. He became an integral part of Manchester United's success in the 2000s culminating in their Premier League-Champions League double in 2008. Now plays for QPR but is expected to retire at the end of the season . NEMANJA VIDIC (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011) Played for: Manchester United . United's hard-man captain who formed a formidable central defensive partnership with Ferdinand. The Serbia international endured a poor first six months at Old Trafford after arriving from Russian football but went on to become a huge fans' favourite. One of the bravest players seen at Old Trafford, Vidic put his head and body in where others feared to, leading to a number of injuries. When Sir Alex Ferguson left, Vidic signed for Inter Milan, and the incoming manager David Moyes missed his presence. Nemanja Vidic (left) and Rio Ferdinand formed a formidable partnership at the heart of United's defence . ASHLEY COLE (2003, 2004, 2005, 2011) Played for: Arsenal, Chelsea . Considered by many the greatest English left back of all time with more than 100 caps, Cole won the Premier League title with Arsenal and Chelsea with fans in north London not forgiving him for moving to Stamford Bridge. Cole was quick, mobile and had the ability to defend and attack. The controversial decision by Roy Hodgson to leave him out of England's World Cup squad backfired and Cole decided to move abroad where he now plays in Serie A for Roma. One of the few defenders who could get the better of Cristiano Ronaldo in his prime. Ashley Cole (left) gets the better of Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2004-05 season . CRISTIANO RONALDO (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009) Played for: Manchester United . Hard to believe he was only in the Premier League for six years such was the impact he made. He was voted into the PFA team for four seasons in a row before he signed for Real Madrid for a then world-record fee of £80million. There were eyebrows raised when Sir Alex Ferguson sold David Beckham and unveiled an unknown Portuguese teenager. Ronaldo treated Old Trafford to a series of stepovers on his debut and by 2008 was voted World Player of the Year, the only time that honour has gone to someone in the Premier League after Michael Owen in 2001. He has subsequently gone on to scale even greater heights at Real Madrid. Ronaldo was named World Player of the Year during his outstanding Manchester United career . STEVEN GERRARD (2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2014) Played for: Liverpool . Indisputably the best player of the Premier League era not to have won the championship, Gerrard is nonetheless regarded as the greatest player in Liverpool's history alongside Kenny Dalglish and was man of the match when he led their comeback in Istanbul to win a fifth European Cup in 2005. Gerrard in his prime was the ultimate box-to-box midfielder, stopping goals, creating goals and scoring goals, often spectacular ones. Will leave Liverpool this summer to join Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS. No player has been named in the PFA XI more times than Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard (centre) PATRICK VIEIRA (1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004) Played for: Arsenal, Manchester City . Was voted into the PFA team for six consecutive years between 1999 and 2004, an unprecedented spell of dominance in the Premier League era. Vieira was Arsene Wenger's first signing – actually arriving at Highbury shortly before the manager who was tied up with contractual issues in Japan – and was the blueprint for an Arsenal team who set new standards for the whole country. A tall, quick and powerful midfielder, Vieira helped Arsenal win the Double and then succeeded Tony Adams as captain, leading the 2004 Invincibles side that went through an entire season unbeaten. Patrrick Vieira (right) gets in the team ahead of his great rival at Manchester United, Roy Keane (left) RYAN GIGGS (1993, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2007, 2009) Played for: Manchester United . Statistically the greatest player in the Premier League, with a record number of titles (13) and appearances (632), Giggs was named six times in the PFA team spanning a period of 16 years. He was a flying 19-year-old winger who had led Manchester United to their first championship for 26 years when he was named in the 1993 all-star side, and a clever 35-year-old central midfield playmaker when he was chosen in 2009. Now assistant manager to Louis van Gaal at United having been interim manager at the end of last season. Ryan Giggs back in 1993, when he was entered in his first PFA XI, 16 years before his last . ALAN SHEARER (1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2003) Played for: Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United . The Premier League's record goalscorer with 260 – more than 70 goals ahead of anyone else, Shearer won the championship with Blackburn Rovers and became the only Premier League player to also be the world's most expensive player when he signed for hometown club Newcastle United for £15million having just finished as leading goalscorer at Euro 96 for England. Shearer could score all types of goals, rocket shots, tap-ins and headers, and following a brief spell as Newcastle's interim manager, is a respected TV pundit. Alan Shearer (left) and strike partner Chris Sutton celebrate after leading Blackburn to the title in 1995 . THIERRY HENRY (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006) Played for: Arsenal . Added Va-Va-Voom to the English game after Arsene Wenger signed him from Juventus and turned an inconsistent winger into the most lethal centre forward in Europe. Like Vieira, Henry was picked for six consecutive PFA teams and won the Golden Boot for being the leading scorer in the division on four occasions. Rivals Cristiano Ronaldo as being the best Premier League import ever seen and after spells with Barcelona and New York Red Bulls is back in this country, offering his views on the game with Sky Sports. Thierry Henry was named in the PFA Xi an incredible six times in a row between 2001 and 2006 . ..and an unlikely all-star XI. These players all made the Premier League team of the season on one occasion: . Tim Flowers; David Bardsley, Ugo Ehiogu, Thomas Vermaelen, Stig Inge Bjornebye; Nani, Scott Parker, Tim Sherwood, Harry Kewell; Emmanuel Adebayor, Chris Sutton .

PFA Premier League team of the year is voted for by players . Voting currently taking place for this year's XI, which will be the 24th . Sportsmail has revealed the all-time XI based on the most  inclusions . Steven Gerrard leads the way having been selected seven times . READ: Which Premier League club is the biggest? Sportsmail's study finally settles football's great debate .

 Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year as named to find out how this season's top talents compare with the all-time greats in the Premier League.
Sportsmail also reveals the Premier League XI that might have been, as the top 11 all-time Premier League XI is also announced.
Here is Sportsmail's all-time greatest Premier League XI...
Sportsmail's all-time greatest Premier League XI
GOALKEEPER
Peter Schmeichel: The Dane won Premier League titles in four different clubs, including Manchester United on four separate occasions. He also won the European Cup and UEFA Super Cup in his time at Old Trafford. He has been voted the Premier League's Player of the Year on five occasions, winning the award twice (1993 and 1995) while also winning it as Young Player of the Year in 1993. The Danish keeper won the Golden Gloves in his first four years at Old Trafford, and was the Premier League's top goalkeeper in 1993-94 and 1995-96.
DEFENDERS
Jamie Carragher: There was no greater defender in the Premier League than Liverpool captain Carragher. Over his time at Anfield, he won Premier League titles in 2001-02 and 2003-04, and was also victorious in the Champions League in 2005. He also captained his country on numerous occasions, reaching 100 England caps. While not the most technically gifted, Carragher was nevertheless one of the best defenders to have played in the Premier League.
Nemanja Vidic: The Serb was one of the best centre-backs of the last 15 years. At Manchester United, he led the Premier League's 2007-08 'back four' (including Rio Ferdinand, Gerard Piqué and Patrice Evra) that won the Premier League and Champions League double, the Premier League again in 2009-10 and FA Cup in 2011-12, and he was named in the PFA Team of the Year four times, winning the Golden Gloves three times (in 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10) and the Defender of the Year twice.
Patrick Vieira: Vieira was not just a 'box-to-box' midfielder, he was so much more. With Arsenal he helped the north Londoners win the Premier League title in