Eve of euro sparks paper debate

The Times gives prominence to the potential conflict between India and Pakistan.

It says that India has hinted at the possible use of nuclear weapons.

In an editorial, The Times says that "mutual, destructive, ill-will is apparent on both sides".

The Guardian, on its front page, reports that the government fears a coming year of train rebellions - similar to last year's petrol protests.

It says Downing Street has admitted that passengers are fed up with what the paper calls "appalling services" and the beleaguered Transport Secretary, Stephen Byers, has been left "fighting for his political life".

The Daily Telegraph leads with a report on the arrival of the first British troops in Afghanistan, as part of the intended stabilisation force.

According to the paper, serious doubts exist over what the force will be able to achieve.

Euro thoughts

With only hours to go before the arrival of the euro, the papers are full of speculation and comments on the rights or wrongs of Britain joining.

The Guardian, in a front page report, declares that "Tony Blair is under growing pressure to join the European currency" and there's said to be increasing impatience from pro-euro campaigners at Number Ten's fence sitting.

The Daily Telegraph, by contrast, is maintaining it opposition to any idea of joining up.

In an editorial, it says that it wants the euro to succeed, but by staying out, "we would have the convenience of a single currency when trading with or visiting the Continent, but none of the disadvantages of actually belonging to it".

Toilet currency

A commentator in the Daily Mail suggests that those he terms "eurofanatics in government" want to drag Britain in by the back door.

Fulminating further against the euro, the paper says city traders have nicknamed it the toilet currency - because it's going down the pan.

Not so, declares the Daily Star. It says the Prime Minister should take the lead in persuading everyone that the euro is "good for Britain". Waiting only leaves us out in the cold.

High note

There is, however, greater unanimity in the papers' praise for those selected for the New Year's Honours, with the knighthood for Jimmy Young considered especially deserving.

The Daily Mail says he left school at 15 and started his career by making three chart topping hits after being spotted by a producer while singing at a club in 1949.

Various singers who receive honours are the picture editors' front page choices. Among them, the Bee Gees in the Daily Mail and Sade in the Guardian.

The Times opts for Lesley Garrett, the opera singer, or, as the Daily Mail prefers to call her, "the diva of Doncaster".

New Year cheer

The Daily Telegraph pictures its cartoonist - Matt Pritchett - who gets the CBE.

Finally, tips on how to throw a festive new year's party from the Daily Mail.

It has employed the services of Carole Stone, "London's networking Queen", who advises hosts and hostesses to "stay relatively sober".

On the food front, the paper says, finger snacks are the in-thing.

And after a few hours, when you want to end the party, what do you do?

Simple enough, says the pundit: "Stop serving the booze, that works a treat".

Finally, for those incapable of remembering the words of Auld Lang Syne, the Daily Mail supplies a "cut out and keep" version.