isupport and money : support and money for huge amount of support and money for the charity but equally, there was concern for my mum. we've worked so hard, we done all the preparation we possibly could, with my mum, and here we are, we passed the halfway mark. i think that everybody back home is proud, and they love that james‘s name and spirit was part of the challenge. can you pass the phone to rory? if you been following these guys, he's been updating the blogs. can you tell us about the things that have been going on? there's been a bit of hallucinating taking place? good morning and welcome to bbc news. rail fares across england, wales and scotland will rise today,

with passengers facing an average increase of more than 2%. punctuality across britain is well below target, strikes have brought one of the busiest operators to a standstill, but none of it stops rail fares going up again today. i think it's a disgrace. particularly as the railways aren't efficient, you know? there's always delays. in terms of the increase, well, it's fair. you've got to pay for things, if it includes paying for wages and people earning more money. across britain, the average ticket will be 2.3% more expensive. season tickets, among the fares regulated by the government, go up less at 1.9%. it follows years of stinging rises. even allowing for inflation, fares have risen 25% since the mid—1990s. season tickets in the south—east of england are now regularly over £4000 or £5,000. successive governments have put the prices up because they want passengers to pay a bigger

proportion of the rail bill so that other taxpayers pay less. ministers say they're reinvesting billions of pounds to improve the service with new stations, better signals and electrified lines. around the rail network there's a lot happening, billions of pounds being spent. nobody wants to see a fare increase but costs rise, pay rises, and right now fares are rising less fast than wages, so that's a step in the right direction. campaigners are calling for a freeze or even a price cut, claiming that ordinary people are being priced off the trains. our correspondent leanne brown is at king's cross station in central london. what our passengers saying to you this morning about the news? -- what are the passengers? a chilly start to the new year for the passengers and after the festive season, money is tight. they are having to find extra money for train tickets. passengers very much saying that the last year, they have seen a lot of

disruption, cancellations, and now they are having to pay even more money for their tickets. that is quite simply unfair. now, if you are travelling by train today, the increase that you will pay will depend on which operator you are going with. virgin east coast, for example, they will see price rises of 4.9%. however, they do say that they are introducing an extra 10,000 advanced discount tickets. that is what many passengers i've been speaking to this morning say they will do. they will say that they will do. they will say that they will book in advance as soon as they can, to get those cheap deals. but of course, that is not what everybody can do, especially if you area everybody can do, especially if you are a commuter and you have an annual or monthly pass. they are going to have to pay the extra increase. many are asking what the money is going towards. well, the rail operators say that 97p of

eve ryo ne rail operators say that 97p of everyone pound does go into running and improving the service —— of every £1. however, some people are not happy with that and are planning protests across the country, including here, at king's cross station, tomorrow morning. leeann brown, thank you. reports from turkey say the gunman, who killed 39 people celebrating the new year at a nightclub in istanbul, fired more than 100 shots. the authorities are continuing their hunt for the man who escaped after opening fire on party—goers. officials have now identified all but one of the victims and they say nearly two thirds of them were foreign nationals. the so—called islamic state group claims it was behind the attack. seref isler reports. captured on camera, the moment bullets hit the nightclub in istanbul as attackers approach. security guards scramble as bullets

ricochet around them. some try to run away, in vain. the victims had all gone to reina to celebrate the new year. now, some will never go home. this funeral was for a tour guide, ayhan arik, who'd just been dropping off some tourists at the nightclub. turkey wants a beacon of stability in an otherwise volatile middle east and is facing its worst period of violence in decades. the attacks in 2015 and 2016 have hit military and civilian targets alike. turkey now says most of the dead at the reina nightclub were foreign nationals. the attacker remains at large. the prime minister says they will leave no stone unturned to find him. translation: terror cannot intimidate us. we will intimidate terror. we will continue to fight against it. our biggest insurance

is to see our people standing in solidarity and supporting our resolve. turkey has vowed to fight terrorism again. in 2016, almost 400 people lost their lives in terror attacks. this brutal start to 2017 is an ominous sign for the year to come. our correspondent selin gerit is in istanbul. if we can first of all talk about this claim by islamic state group, that they carried out this attack, we do not know if this was orchestrated or if an individual was doing it in the name of isis? no, we doing it in the name of isis? no, we do not yet know the details. it could have been a cell or somebody carrying out the attack in isis's

name. but in general, in turkey, the islamic state group does not carry out responsibility for attacks in this area. at the moment, generally, the attacks thought to have been carried out by is are being blamed on the grid by turkish officials. in a statement, the is group has said that let the government of turkey understand that the blood of muslims which is being shed as a result of its air strikes and mortar attacks will only increase the burning fire inside of turkey. this is, clearly, in retaliation of turkey's involvement in the war in syria and operations against islamic state in syria. turkey had engaged in ground operations in the town of albarb in september and it feels like the year

that has begun with a terror attack, and threats coming from islamic state, that could make it a difficult year ahead for turkey. and, what kind of response can we expect from the turkish authorities? on the face of this? the immediate response could be further investigations into the islamic state cells in the country and people will be detained who are thought of as being islamic state militants and we can expect operation s to be looked at. turkey was recently complaining that it was not getting enough air support from allies. russia recently had given that support, so that we can see further bombardments and further

mortar attacks. if it turns into a vicious circle, then islamic state will be conducting more terror attacks in turkey in retaliation of the operations that turkey conduct in syria against them. that is what turks fear at the moment most, will there be more terror attacks ahead and will their lives be in fear co nsta ntly and will their lives be in fear constantly from now on? many thanks. five men have been arrested after a twelve—year old girl was killed in an apparent hit and run in oldham in greater manchester. it happened on new year's eve. another girl is in a critical condition in hospital. richard lister reports. police say the five men, aged from 18 to 59, are still in custody and are being questioned about the crash, which killed 12—year—old helina kotlarova and critically injured her cousin, zaneta krokova, who's11. when we ran there, she was on the floor. she had blood all over herface,

and i was touching her, i was trying to see if she's going to breathe or something, but she couldn't breathe or nothing. and i've seen herface, this face was all, you know, bleeding and... there was nothing...to do. helina's sister said the two girls were crossing ashton road and holding hands when they were hit hit a black vw golf, which sped away. police want to speak to anyone who saw that car, or a dark—coloured peugeot 807 seen in the area. they have also appealed for the driver of a white van which was on the same stretch of road to come forward. greater manchester police said specially trained officers were supporting the girls‘ families. richard lister, bbc news. one ofjeremy corbyn's closest allies has suggested the labour leader could step down if the party's fortunes don't improve before the next general election, due in 2020. len mccluskey — the head of britain's biggest union, unite — has described labour's standing in the opinion polls as "awful." with me is our political correspondent chris mason... this is quite a surprise, can you

tell us more about what was said? it is surprising. len mccluskey was a tarring figure in the late movement and a passionate advocate ofjeremy corbyn when he originally stood for the labour leadership in summer 2015. he remained vocally passionate asa 2015. he remained vocally passionate as a supporter when jeremy 2015. he remained vocally passionate as a supporter whenjeremy corbyn went through the process of being re—elected last year. yet now, he appears to be saying that there could be a shelf life, there could bea could be a shelf life, there could be a sell by date forjeremy corbyn, and as he can of the party in opinion polls. he's been interviewed in the daily mirror this morning and says, let's suppose we do not have a snap election and it happens when it is scheduled for in 2020. it buys into the question of what happens if we get to 2019 and opinion polls are still awful, the truth is, everybody would examine that situation, including jeremy corbyn. this follows on from remarks from a couple of otherjeremy corbyn

supporters before christmas, ken livingstone and diane abbott who both hinted that things have to improve in terms of labour opinion poll ratings in the year, then there would be some questions. some would argue that len mccluskey is saying, givejeremy argue that len mccluskey is saying, give jeremy corbyn argue that len mccluskey is saying, givejeremy corbyn time, it's only the beginning of 2017 but he is one of the most biggest and influential supporters entertaining the idea of him giving up. and speaking very frankly, talking about the party's standing, that is not helpful on any front? yes, it implies that he thinks they are all for now. the opinion polls, we know over the last few years, they are being treated with scepticism but the gulf in many polls between word that —— between where the conservative party and labour parties are, labour could still be behind the conservative party. that is what len mccluskey is saying in the broader political context, you would like to keep his job as leader of unite. that will

conclude in the spring. now, his principal rival, gerard coyne, he has a speech in birmingham this morning, his criticism is that he spends too much time indulging in party politics and should help union members instead. then mccluskey also says it is hisjob to promote unite's policies and not labour's. there is difference between the party and the union. this will come into the coming —— coming to conversation over the coming few months with brexit, making the argument that something must be done about immigration regarding our exit from the eu, that is some distance from the eu, that is some distance from the eu, that is some distance from the views on immigration that jeremy corbyn has been vocal about. thank you. the first 1a areas in england to be

selected for so—called "garden villages" have been announced, in a bid to create tens of thousands of new homes. the new villages must include green spaces and good transport links. the government says that the plans will help provide vital homes. but rural campaigners have warned there is still strong opposition to some of the projects. a phone app tackling food waste set up by some students in leeds is spreading across the country. restaurants, cafes and bakeries can sell off meals at the end of the day and hungry bargain hunters can buy them for a couple of pounds. it's an idea that's selling like hot cakes asjudith moritz reports. lunchtime in leeds and the restaurant rush is on. customers queuing up for pizza, salads and wraps. the chefs expect a brisk trade but they never know exactly how many dishes they'll sell and there's almost always food left over.

sometimes you may walk in and everybody will have spicy chicken and you are left with a lot of lemon chicken left. you can't guess. you can guess the number, you can not guess what they're going to have. cooked food which hasn't sold is destined for waste. but now there's a way to buy it before it's binned. this is how it works. the lunch rush here is finished but there's still plenty of fresh food available. i can see minced pork and spicy chicken. having paid a couple of pounds on the app you can come in and choose whatever is available. this is perfectly good food, that would have gone in the bin and that's changing their perception. maybe they'll go, we have saved 12,000 meals so far from restaurants but then how many countless more people have gone home and said that food in theirfridge is perfectly good? why notjust give that food away, say to the homeless? for us we'd love to be able to do that. if we had an infinite number of volunteers working 21w, monday to sunday, that would be great. hi, i have ordered some food on the app. there's no such thing as a free lunch but this way it's cheaper if you are flexible about when and what you eat. ijust ordered some food on the app it's reduced price and you get to choose from a variety of different things.

what have you chosen? a bit of pasta and spicy chicken and vegetables. it's pretty nice. seven million tonnes of food ap drink are thrown away each year in the uk. now catching on in several cities this app aims to cut down on waste one meal at a time. judith moritz, bbc news, leeds. the headlines on bbc news: rail fares across britain increased bya rail fares across britain increased by a average of 2.3%, passenger groups condemn it as a kick in the teeth for travellers. funerals are held for victims of a gun attack on an istanbul nightclub. so—called islamic state claim that they were behind it. five men are arrested after a hit and run in oldham, where a 12—year—old girl was killed and her 11—year—old cousin is left fighting for her life. sport now, and for a full round up, let's head to the bbc sport centre.

many thanks. the arsenal forward olivier giroud scored a contender for goal of the season, as his side moved up to third place in the premier league with a 2—0 win over crystal palace. as the ball comes in from the left, he flicks it over his head. a superb goal, well worth another look. manager arsene wenger says it is one of the best he has seen. alex iwobi headed in a scrappy second for the gunners. but what did the man himself think of that effort? i think i needed god's help to score this goal, so yes, thanks, god. i was a bit lucky, but it was the only thing i could do, you know, the ball was behind me, and i tried to hit it from the backheel,

and it was good luck. the title race continues to hot up. tottenham are into the top four for the first time since october after beating watford four—one harry kane scored the first two within five minutes of each other to put spurs two—nil up after half an hour. dele alli got his side's third and fourth — tottenham are above manchester city on goal difference but are still ten points behind the league leaders chelsea who they face next. we arrive at arsenal in a good moment, and in good shape. we are in a situation where you can be sure that we will be tough in the game. we need to be able to focus in our game, but we will be tough for chelsea but it will be tough for us. and the football keeps on coming today — there are six premier league matches, starting with the champions

leicester who face middlesbrough in the lunchtime kick—off. liverpool, could trim the gap on leaders chelsea to three points if they beat sunderland. we played already with those two together, it is an opportunity already but actually, i do not want to give david moyes any information about our line—up! johanna konta is through to round two of the shenzhen open after beating turkey's cagla buyukakcay in straight sets. the british number one won 6—2, 6—0 in china in what was herfirst match since her split with former coach esteban carril last month. konta starts the year ranked number ten in the world. and a good start for british number two kyle edmund at the brisbane international too. he's through to the second round after a straight set win over ernesto escobedo. it's a busy day of british tennis today, with heather watson and dan evans starting their campaign in the hopman cup in the next 15 minutes.

evans will face roger federer who's returning following a lengthy spell out of the sport through injury. the leicester centre manu tuilagi is out of england's six nations training squad after injuring his knee in his side's defeat to saracens yesterday. it's the latest setback in a long list of injury problems. he only lasted seven minutes before being carried off, all watched by england head coach eddie jones. the only try of the match came from sarries fly—half owen farrell, to seal victory in the pro 12, owen farrell, to seal victory. in the pro 12, scarlets beat cardiff blues 15—10 in the welsh derby. scott williams scored their second try of the match to secure the win and move up to fourth. and finally to darts, and defending champion gary "the flying scotsman" anderson has booked his place in today's final of the pdc world championship at alexandra palace. anderson beat fellow scot peter "snakebite" wright by six sets to three in their semifinal. anderson is aiming for a third consecutive title.

and he'll play world number one mighty michael van gerwen in the final. he beat fellow dutchman raymond van barneveld in their semi, six sets to three, and with the highest three dart average in the history of the world championship — 114. that's all sport for now. we have another update in about one hour's time. see you then! indeed, john. many thanks! hull's year as the uk city of culture started with a bang last night as thousands of people watched a fireworks display from the banks of the humber estuary. 32 million pounds has been spent on the year—long programme which is hoped to bring in more than one million visitors. our arts correspondent colin paterson was there... hull, celebrating its year as city of culture with fireworks bigger than those in london on new year's eve, to a soundtrack of the city's most famous musical exports.

across the city centre, showing hull's most famous buildings in their best light. it was the first event in a year—long £32 million cultural program. what a fantastic thing for hull. it was brilliant. makes london look like noddy, honestly. come on, come to hull! and it has been a special night for one hull landlady. every weekend linda plays singalong classics to a pub packed with about 80 people. one of the 2017 organisers spotted her... # touching me, touching you...# and here, she deejayed to a crowd of 35,000. # sweet caroline. ..# it takes a while to warm up but a couple more and...

they'll be bouncing! i've had amazing fun. just watching the crowd, they're amazing. it is fabulous, fantastic. the party has well and truly started. the trick for hull is going to be to keep it going all year. hull's aim is for! million extra people to visit in 2017. a city at the end of the road wants to become a destination of choice. it's one of the fastest growing industries — and one in which britain is a major player. when it comes to video games we've got pioneering firms in everything from virtual reality to mobile apps, and it's hoped that 2017 could be a big year. our technology correspondent rory cellan—jones has been finding out more, and ended up playing a part himself. look straight ahead, straight at this postcard, and what we are going to do is going through a range of emotions. grr!

in a studio in oxford, i am preparing for a role in world war ii blockbuster. not a movie but a videogame. ooh, my leg! so this is the first stage in making me a character in the game, and now i have to pull a lot of funny faces. so a wrinkled, screwed up face. it is going to take a few weeks, but eventually i will be a character, a goodie, i hope, in sniper elite 4. when we first visit, back in september, they have a lot on their plate, including, crucially, a virtual reality game for the sony vr launch, a big investment with a lot hanging on it. when they embarked on this investment, there was a bit more scepticism about how successful vr was likely to be. so it really was a punt, or i should say a smart gamble, from the kingsleys,

to undertake it at all. these guys, and girls, play games officially from morning to night. it is a quarter of a century since jason kingsley and his brother chris founded rebellion. when my brother and i started rebellion, we were always been talked about as if we were whizzkids. we are not really. we have grown into adults, with a big corporation behind us, and we make entertainment that sells across the world. i mean, china, consumers in china buy our games, consumers in brazil. all these emerging markets are very exciting for us. if i see something wrong... roughly 200 people work here, from across europe. but one thing strikes me. i can't help thinking when i walk across the room, a lot of men, very few women. is it getting any easier for women to get into the games industry? yes, i would say so. me growing up, i would not have even dreamt of getting into games. but for the past ten years, it seems like, the doors have been more open, especially for women. two months later, we return

to rebellion, to find out what they have done with my face. i suppose it is quite a good likeness. what happens next? next we will take this high—resolution model, and we will look into the game, and see how it comes out. so i am a goodie, am i? you are currently the hero of the sniper elite series. i have been transformed into an all—action soldier. in the world of videogames, anything is possible. as you've never seen him before! the hollywood sign overlooking la has been changed in what's thought to be part of a new yearjoke. the 14—metre high letters now spell out ‘hollyweed‘ as california enters its first year with marijuana legal for adult recreational use. los angeles police say they're investigating what they describe as "vandalism". time for a look at the weather now.

let's go over to matty taylor. thank you. and good morning. a cracking morning, it is january and cold but nothing unexpected at this time of year. it is bank holiday, make the most of it and embrace the outdoors, if you can. a lot of sunshine across the uk almost that there are showers and eastern england which will fade away, we will seize on was, into northern parts of northern ireland and scotland, dropping snow over the hills. -- scotland, dropping snow over the hills. —— we will cease showers. breezes will make for colder temperatures, a chilly start night, frost develops quickly. in these areas, temperatures rise as cloud pushes in with spots of rain and drizzle. i see and frosty conditions across england and wales into the start of tomorrow morning. temperatures as low as —5, cloud about tomorrow. bank holiday in scotland, rain here in the north and

westwood. drizzle in england and northern ireland, dry weather dominates. in the south and east of england. another update in 30 minutes. hello. this is bbc news with reeta chakra barti. the headlines: rail passengers are facing up to higher fares across the uk — as average price increases of 2.3% are introduced on the first weekday of the new year. funerals are held for victims of the gun attack on an istanbul nightclub — the so—called islamic state claims it was behind it. detectives investigating the death of a girl, who was knocked down by a car in oldham on new year's eve, are questioning five men in connection with the incident. and there's a new app which aims

to cut down on food waste — by letting customers order leftover food at the end of restaurant service. now on bbc news, david bowie, ronnie corbett and victoria wood — just a few of those who left us last year, and whose lives are celebrated in review 2016: we remember part two. # i've heard there was a secret chord that david played...#.