Laryngitis-hit Bowie cancels gig

Singer David Bowie has cancelled a concert in France after being struck down by laryngitis.

The 56-year-old cancelled Wednesday's show in southwestern city Toulouse after cutting short a concert in Nice by one hour on Monday.

Performing in 17 countries as part of his current "A Reality" tour, Bowie has been told by doctors to rest for three days, the show's producers said.

A concert in Marseille is expected to go ahead on Friday as planned.

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Diddy bodyguard dies in gunfight

A former bodyguard to hip-hop mogul Sean "P Diddy" Combs has been killed in a gunfight outside a US nightclub.

Police said Anthony "Wolf" Jones, 38, was one of two men killed during an argument near Club Chaos, in Atlanta in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Demetrius Flenory, 35, was charged with two counts of homicide after being treated at a hospital for gunshot wounds to the buttocks.

Jones and Combs were acquitted in March 2001 of gun possession and bribery.

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Stradivarius violin finally sells

A Stradivarius violin which failed to sell at auction in London on Monday was purchased privately after the sale, auctioneers have revealed.

Bonham's said the violin went for a figure close to its lowest estimate, which was £600,000.

Auction house executive Philip Scott said both buyer and seller were delighted with the outcome.

"This underlines London's importance as the major centre for the sale of important instruments," he said.

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Record book hits 100 million mark

The 100 millionth copy of the Guinness Book of World Records has been published at the Tate Modern with a burp from the world's loudest belcher.

Record holders gathered at the London gallery to celebrate the book, published annually since 1955.

The book has its own entry in the latest edition, as the best-selling copyright book of all time.

As well as belcher Paul Hunn, the world's most pierced woman and man with the longest tongue attended the event.

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Chef Oliver gets volunteer award

TV chef Jamie Oliver is adding to his recent MBE with an honorary award to recognise his work with young people.

Oliver has been named the honorary Volunteer of the Year - a title supported by Department of Education - for his work at his restaurant Fifteen.

The chef took 15 disadvantaged youths and gave them the opportunity to train and work in his restaurant.

The tough process was filmed for a TV series, sometimes showing Oliver losing his patience with uncommitted staff.

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Costner honoured at Palm Springs

Hollywood star Kevin Costner is to be honoured for his skills as a director at the Palm Springs festival, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Costner, well-known for performing in front of the camera, will win the career achievement award at the US gala which takes place in January.

"This is an unexpected honour," said the Dances With Wolves star, who most recently appeared in Open Range.

British director Anthony Minghella is also in line for a special award.