UK newsmakers of 2001

In what has been an eventful year there are a number of personal stories that stand out. BBC News Online examine some of them.

---

George Harrison

---

George Harrison died after a long battle with cancer

Former Beatle George Harrison, singer, songwriter and guitarist for one of the world's most famous pop groups, died in November after losing his battle against cancer. The world united in its mourning for the 'quiet Beatle'. Sir Paul McCartney said "I am devastated and very very sad."

 Click here to watch

---

Sharron Storer

---

Sharron Storer confronted Mr Blair at the general election

As Tony Blair continued on his election campaign he came face to face with Sharron Storer. She was the woman who gave him an ear bashing outside Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth hospital. so, did it work?

 Click here to watch

---

The Kilshaws

---

Judith and Alan Kilshaw adopted twin babies on the internet

Alan and Judith Kilshaw, of Buckley in north Wales, wanted another baby so badly they paid £8,200 to adopt American twins - and then went public with their story in January. It was a tale that seemed too bizarre to be true, and the international media descended to hear more from the all-too-willing pair.

 Click here to watch

---

Phoenix the calf

---

Phoenix the calf

As foot and mouth rampaged across the countryside this year a white calf became a small symbol of hope. The rest of her herd in east Devon had been destroyed, but Phoenix the calf survived the cull. She was eventually saved after the intervention from the Prime minister himself.

 Click here to watch