Papers dominated by Northern Rock

The nationalisation of the Northern Rock bank dominates the front pages.

For most of them, the move has dealt a damaging blow to the economic credibility of the government.

The Daily Telegraph says taking the bank into state ownership is an admission of failure by the prime minister and his chancellor.

The Daily Mail's front page suggests the government has taken a "£100bn gamble with your cash". It says MPs will be blamed if staff are sacked.

Northern Rocked

"Fury over Rock nationalisation," runs the Financial Times headline, warning shareholders can expect virtually no compensation for their holdings.

The newspaper says the shareholders are considering taking their case to the European Court of Human Rights.

A rare vote of confidence in the prime minister comes from the Sun.

Its leader heralds Mr Brown's bravery and says he is the only figure with the credibility to take the tough decisions which undoubtedly lie ahead.

Bleak road ahead

A picture of Kosovans fiercely celebrating their declaration of independence adorns the front page of many of the broadsheets.

But there are warnings that beyond the celebrations, the world's self-proclaimed 193rd country faces a bleak future.

The Independent states that "the hangover from yesterday's festivities could last a very long time".

The Times likewise warns that "yesterday's euphoria will fade fast".

House-price turmoil

The Daily Express reports that house prices have hit a new high - with the price of an average semi-detached property increasing in value by £7,500 in a month.

It says the figures - from the website Rightmove - will come as a "huge relief" to homeowners who have been concerned about a faltering market.

The Guardian is more cautious, pointing out that rises in London asking prices for February were down on previous years.

It says upheaval in the financial markets was a likely cause.