Mixed views on firefighters dispute

The dramatic end to the Moscow theatre siege came too late for any of the early editions of the papers, in which there are mixed views on the chances of avoiding next week's strike by firefighters.

The Daily Express describes the talks between the government and the Fire Brigades Union as being in "deadlock" but the Daily Mirror detects hints of a last-minute deal.

The paper's leader column argues that public support for industrial action will evaporate if the union fails to grab every opportunity to resolve the dispute.

The Daily Telegraph believes that unlike their last strike in 1977 firefighters will not be treated like working-class heroes this time around.

The paper publishes an opinion poll which suggests that most people want fire crews to remain on duty until the independent pay review is completed.

The fight against crime will be disrupted by any strike action because hundreds of police officers will be diverted from normal duties to escort army Green Goddess trucks to every emergency call, the Daily Mail reports.

Heroin dilemma

British-led attempt to cut heroin production in Afghanistan has failed miserably, according to The Guardian.

A United Nations crop survey shows that there is to be a massive opium poppy harvest.

Afghanistan is set to resume its place as the source of three quarters of the world's heroin and 90 per cent of Britain's supply.

Clarke in the fray

The Independent is among several papers to report that the new Education Secretary, Charles Clarke, has criticised the Easter conferences held by teaching unions because they do not show the profession in a favourable light.

The Daily Express ticks him off for picking an unnecessary fight when he should be winning the support of teaching staff.

Winning formula

The Sun says that a new German invention could settle disputes in football matches about whether the ball crossed the line.

The company which has developed the high-tech system says it was partly inspired by Geoff Hurst's disputed goal in 1966 which put England 3-2 up against Germany and on the way to winning the World Cup.

Microwave transmitters in the ball and in players' shinpads would be sent to a computer for analysis and the results beamed to a receiver worn by the referee.

Biblical tales

The Times says that two Italian Biblical scholars have pointed out that many cherished Sunday school stories are not actually in the Bible.

There is no mention of Eve offering Adam an apple in the garden of Eden, as children are usually told - instead the text just mentions "fruit".

The story of Jonah being swallowed by a whale, which is a mammal, seems at odds with the Bible's statement that he was swallowed by "a great fish".

Even the number of commandments is uncertain; Deuteronomy gives 10, but Exodus says there were 12.

Muck and brass

Finally, the Sun reports that a Devon farmer has had a surprise hit by releasing a video of him working his land with a vintage tractor.

Harold Beer, who farms 600 acres at Warkleigh, owns four Ferguson tractors dating back to 1949.

His video, Ferguson on the Farm, is being snapped up by fans of the vehicle as far away as Canada and Australia.

Mr Beer says he has been inundated with calls and is planning to release a sequel.