Secret reports published ahead of Iraq inquiry

Days before the inquiry into Britain's role in the Iraq war, the Sunday Telegraph says secret reports reveal a "trail of blunders and concealment".

Many of them were written by army officers, who are said to have "vented their frustration and anger with ministers and Whitehall officials".

The paper says it is publishing the material to ensure the failures in planning are never repeated.

"Sunlight, after all, is the best disinfectant," it says.

'Save the cheque'

An Observer opinion poll suggests the Tories' lead is shrinking, boosting Labour's hopes of a "great escape".

The Ipsos Mori poll puts the Conservatives on 37% and Labour on 31% - the narrowest margin, according to the paper, since last December.

The Sunday Times says banks may scrap cheques as they cost four times more to process than electronic payments.

The number written fell by two-thirds in 20 years but the paper says groups may campaign to "save the cheque".

'Inherit the earth'

There is much debate in the papers about the appointment of the Belgian PM and Lady Ashton to Europe's top jobs.

The Mail on Sunday claims Lady Ashton's appointment as High Representative for Foreign Affairs was forced on Britain , as France and Germany are said to feel they can exert control over her.

The Ministry of Defence finds itself in the sights of the People for the money it has spent on ceremonial uniforms.

The paper reckons more than £4m has been forked out in the past five years on new bearskins , red tunics and white gloves for the Brigade of Guards while troops in Afghanistan complain of equipment shortages.

Grandma song

The Sunday Mirror reports that 10 servicewomen have been flown home from Afghanistan in the past six months because they have become pregnant.

Finally, a song the Sunday Telegraph says inspires "affection and loathing" in equal measure is released on Monday.

Fourteen ex-members of St Winifred's School Choir have re-recorded "There's no one quite like Grandma".

The original sold one million copies in 1980 but has been a regular feature of "worst song" compilations ever since.