Papers consider Rock implications

The Bank of England's bailout of Northern Rock - Britain's fifth-largest mortgage lender - is, in the words of the Financial Times, "unprecedented".

According to the FT, the rescue is the most dramatic illustration yet of how Britain's banking sector has been hit by the turmoil in the world's markets.

The Daily Telegraph warns that shares in Northern Rock will plunge, worrying thousands of homeowners.

But financial experts and MPs are urging customers to stay calm, says the Times.

Madeleine speculation

As new allegations are made about evidence in the case of missing Madeleine McCann, the Daily Mirror focuses on the lives of her parents.

The Mirror says that friends of Kate and Gerry McCann have told the paper the couple were considering having another baby.

All they want now is Madeleine back, the paper adds.

The Sun says Mr McCann has described the treatment of he and his wife by Portuguese police as "inhumane".

Not for turning?

Speculation about an early election was heightened by Baroness Thatcher accepting Gordon Brown's invitation to visit him at No 10, says the Times. 

Mr Brown stole the Tories' thunder by asking her to tea, adds the Daily Mail.

The Mail contrasts her visit with David Cameron's launch of the Tory green policy proposals.

All eyes were on the Labour-friendly colour of the Iron Lady's dress - fuchsia - a far cry from her customary electric blue, the paper says.

Traditional cooking

Researchers have scoured archaeological sites to find out the favourite grub of our ancestors, the Daily Telegraph, Independent and Guardian report.

Dr Ruth Fairchild, who led the project, says the recipes from 6,000BC are "truly astonishing", the papers add.

Apparently, savoury nettle pudding tastes rather like a dumpling, but she draws the line at roasting a hedgehog.

However off-putting these dishes might sound, they were forerunners of what we eat today, she says.