it this is bbc news — these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. borisjohnson promises big changes following his brexit trade deal, as his chancellor rishi sunak says the deal brings reassurance to those worried about the impact on businesses. for those who were anxious about the economic implications of leaving, they should be enormously reassured by the comprehensive nature of this free—trade agreement ensuring tariff—free, quota—free access for british businesses to the european market. the rollout of the pfizer—biontech covid vaccine begins for millions of people across the eu, starting with italy and the czech republic. storm bella continues to bring heavy rain and high winds. more than 1,700 customers remain without electricity in south—west england and wales.

and after 80 years working in the same post office in a village in shropshire, postmistress kay white finally retires. hello, and welcome if you're watching in the uk or around the world. good afternoon. borisjohnson has promised that "big" changes are on the way for the uk following his brexit deal with the european union. in an interview with the sunday telegraph, he said he wants to focus on "leveling up the country" and "spreading opportunity" across the uk. mrjohnson said the brexit deal would provide new regulatory freedoms to "deliver for people who felt left behind". but some fishing leaders have accused him of "caving in" to the eu and sacrificing their interests.

mps will vote on the deal in parliament on 30 december. our business correspondent vivienne nunis has more. we will bring that to you as soon as we will bring that to you as soon as we can. health officials in south wales have thanked medical students who've responded to an appeal for volunteers to help in intensive care departments. the cardiff and vale university health board had tweeted that it was urgently looking for medical students for its critical care department. the health board said while staffing was still challenging, the situation had improved and it had now withdrawn its appeal. the scottish government has pledged an extra £41 million to support businesses which were forced to close as they entered the country's top tier of coronavirus measures yesterday. the holyrood government says it's now allocated more than £3.5 billion to support businesses and help the economy recover from the pandemic.

meanwhile, the coronavirus vaccine will be given to millions of people across europe from today, as countries including france, spain and italy begin the roll—out of their vaccination programmes. more than 14 million people have been infected and strict lockdown measures are currently in place in nearly all the eu member states. damien mcguinness reports now from berlin. the european vaccine roll—out has begun. in berlin, mobile teams are taking the first vaccines from this distribution centre to those who need it most — the elderly in nursing homes. this airport once provided a lifeline for west berlin at the height of the cold war. it was closed down in november to make way for a larger airport and now it has been turned into a mass vaccination centre, providing, yet again, a lifeline for berliners, but this time in the fight against the pandemic.

one of the first people in berlin to get the vaccine this morning was gertrude haase, 101 years old. in italy, where fatalities among health care workers have been particularly high, doctors and nurses are also among the first to get the jab. translation: it's not the end of the pandemic because there's still a long way to go, but it is the beginning of the end. today is a beautiful day. to boost support, some european leaders have also gone first. the czech prime minister said he wants to set an example and said the vaccine provides hope that we will return to a normal life. across europe, elderly people have been isolated, afraid and vulnerable. now they are the first to be protected. damien mcguinness, bbc news, berlin.

the chancellor has tried to reassure natural services it will not be damaged by the deal. rishi sunak is committed to making london the most attractive place in the world to do business. borisjohnson says the brexit deal provide new regulatory freedoms. it's now 2a hours since the government published its 1,200—page trade deal with brussels. this morning, the chancellor was quick to dispel fears the uk might be economically worse off under this new trading relationship with the eu. for those who were anxious about the economic implications of leaving, they should be enormously reassured. the free trade agreement will cover nearly £670 billion worth of trade every year, making it the largest in history. there will be no added taxes on imports — known as tariffs — and no limits on how much can be bought and sold. but there will be checks,

red tape and form—filling when goods move across the border. that could mean delays and added costs for businesses. labour says the deal is better than no deal but it's not happy with what's been agreed. this is a thin deal, it's not the deal the government promised. and there are large areas of our economy, for example financial services, that employs one in 14 people in our country, where there aren't clear elements within this deal and where much more work will need to be done. the chancellor says the uk will remain in close dialogue with the eu about how things will work moving forward, for instance with financial services. indeed, many are asking for more clarity on how services will be dealt with under this deal since the service sector makes up 80% of the uk economy. now that we've left the european union we can do things a bit differently and we are embarking on that journey. for example, examining how we make the city of london the most attractive place to list

new companies anywhere in the world. mps will vote on the trade deal in parliament on wednesday. despite labour's criticisms, opposition leader keir starmer has confirmed labour mps will support the deal. but as a scrutiny of the document continues over the coming days, more questions will inevitably arise about what exactly this new trading relationship will mean. the deal itself comes into force in just five days‘ time. gusts of more than 100mph have been recorded as storm bella continues to bring heavy rain to large parts of the uk. the needles, on the isle of wight, saw winds that reached 106mph with a number of train operators reporting delays across the south of england. the met office has also issued yellow warnings for snow and ice — meaning disruption is likely — for parts of wales, north—west england, scotland and the whole of northern ireland. chi chi izundu reports.

storm bella making her presence known on british shores. winds of up to 106 miles an hour have been recorded on the isle of wight, bringing down trees, including on this car, and huts alongside brighton beachfront. train operators have issued warnings about delays and cancellations because of debris and flooding on the railway lines. but parts of the uk are still reeling from heavy rains over christmas, like cirencester in gloucestershire. residents trying to adapt. more than 70 homes were without power and the environment agency has warned some river levels are still rising. this is ducklington farm in 0xfordshire, where farmer helen's priority has been the safety of her animals. the amount of rain we've had in the last few days has made it very difficult for us. we have over 3000 sheep and we've had to move 1200 of them in the last three days, so the whole of christmas we've been moving sheep. they‘ re all pregnant, and their welfare is our priority at the moment, but finding dry

ground is almost impossible because it's just completely saturated. the met office has issued three yellow weather warnings about snow and ice in parts of scotland in particular and the north—east. officials say they're working hard to help those in need but have added there may be at least another day of harsh weather to come. chi chi izundu, bbc news. the search is resuming for missing walkers and climbers in the mountains on the edge of the iranian capital, tehran. at least seven people are unaccounted for after heavy snowfalls and strong winds caused avalanches. the bodies of at least eight people have been found in the alborz range, which is popular with residents of tehran. the rescue operation is being led by the red crescent, who on saturday sent twenty teams to try to assist those in difficulties. helicopters were also used to bring people down from the heights. among those who died are a political activist, an academic, a doctor and a mountaineering instructor.

in australia, authorities in sydney are concerned about a cluster of coronavirus infections in the nothern part of the city. 0ur correspondent in sydney is phil mercer. the sydney cluster of covid—19 has now grown to 122, and that number may not seem much compared to other countries but there are about 180 active coronavirus cases across the entire country. this cluster of cases in sydney is causing a great deal of concern for the authorities. it is focused in the northern beaches district of sydney. some of those coastal suburbs have gone back into lockdown. there was an amnesty for a couple of days over christmas but those regions are now back under those restrictions. other parts of the northern beaches have stay—at—home orders imposed on residents. there are restrictions on other parts of sydney as well. australia had been hoping for a covid—safe christmas but this outbreak

in sydney is causing the authorities a great deal of concern, and these restrictions in sydney will last until wednesday and then they'll be reassessed. so, in total since the pandemic began, australia has recorded 28,000 covid—19 cases and more than 900 people have died. in the italian capital, rome, health workers received their first doses of the pfizer—biontech vaccine. a medical officer and a senior professor were among the first three to get the jab at italy's national institute of infectious diseases. italy was the first western country hit by the virus and has reported more than 70,000 deaths since its outbreak in february. it has the highest toll in europe and the fifth—highest in the world. a pilot in germany has traced an image of a syringe in the skies to mark the launch of vaccination campaigns across the european union. flight tracking data showed the small plane — a diamond da20 single—propeller

piloted by samy kramer — tracing an image of a syringe above friedrichshafen, a town in southern germany known for its importance in aviation history. mr kramer said he thought it was a fun way to raise awareness on such an historic day. you're watching bbc news. it's been an exceptionally unsettling time for many this year living through the coronavirus pandemic. in these challenging times, what steps can you take to look after your overall wellbeing and the wellbeing of those around you? paul farmer is the ceo of mental health charity mind. it's been such a stressful year for people on so many different levels, hasn't it, in terms of people suffering with the loss of loved ones and grief, and also obviously the economic impact, and also the low lying stress everybody is

dealing with everyday, really? yes, it's been a hugely challenging year for everyone. we have all had to realise how important looking after oui’ realise how important looking after our mental health is. no matter what situation we are facing. many people have lost some protective factors that are good for our mental health, like hugging our grandchild, spending time with loved ones. if you are living in a household with domestic abuse or worrying about financial concerns. all of those things adding to the overall risk factors. so this has been a really challenging time for the whole country's mental health and particularly for people with existing mental health problems or people at risk of developing mental health problems. so what is the advice, what can we do to look after other people and also look after ourselves? absolutely, over the last few months we have started to think

about two or three things we all need to do to look after our mental health. it will vary from person to person, but on the whole, those things include thinking about activities you no good for your mental health. it might be taking physical activity, sitting and reading, it might be getting away from social media or using technology to contact and stay in touch with people. there are things we can all choose to do and identify, things that will help us drive during this very difficult period. then we also need to think what extra help might we need if we are struggling? times when maybe those tough days we are facing because of the news or because or something that might be happening in oui’ something that might be happening in our lives becomes a bad week, a bad month. covid bereavement, coping with the loss of a job perhaps, the

break—up of a relationship during a difficult time. that is the moment to reach out to friends and family, and to mental health organisations as well, for help and support. that is the thing, knowing where to turn. we have got friends and family but we are talking a lot about people being on their own who don't necessarily have a lot of people to turn to. it is knowing the right organisations and having the courage to do it. we know that is often a difficult thing to do. sometimes it's quite a bold step to have to take, tojust it's quite a bold step to have to take, to just talk about how you are feeling. sometimes even to your friends and family. we often suggest people think about somebody who they really trust, in order to reach out to, and say, i really do need a bit of time to talk. also we encourage people to reach out to trusted

institutions like mind, other mental health charity is also doing an incredible job health charity is also doing an incrediblejob during health charity is also doing an incredible job during the christmas season. incredible job during the christmas season. all the information on the mind website, signposting other helpful organisations. it will vary depending on the issue you are concerned about as well. but mental health charities have been working really closely to make sure it is as easy as possible for you to be able to get the kind of help and support you might need. go to the mind website or the other main mental health website to point you in the right direction. the other thing that struck me quite a bit recently, people who are feeling a bit guilty about complaining. a lot of people have had a really terrible time, but there is also this kind of constant neurosis, every time you go into a shop and you feel stressed that other people are not wearing a mask when they should be or whatever. you feel a bit bad complaining that you are bored, you can't go swimming,

whatever you want to do, when other people are facing much more difficult situations. what can you do about the guilt? in a funny kind of way, these are micro—mental health moments. the small irritation? if you like, that can, if they build up, become more problematic. if you are filling those small micro irritations, the two or three things you know are good for your own mental health, thatis good for your own mental health, that is the place to go for that. for example if you know that going for a walk really helps to calm you down and bring you into a state of not feeling so agitated by what might feel like relatively small things, or indeed if you feel like just being able to go somewhere and have a peaceful quiet moment dot we know that makes such a difference. especially in these times where

actually we do have a bit more time on our hands. are we using that time to the best effect, to take a bit of a step back and to recollect a bit? just think a little bit about some of the important and positive things we all have in our lives. if you are worried about that, that's a positive thing to do. if you are feeling particularly lonely or isolated and you don't feel you have somewhere to reach out to, please don't hesitate to reach out. something we can all do if we are worried about a friend or family member, we can take an action for ourselves to help put some of the things we are facing into perspective. getting out into nature is key, and walking is pretty much all you can do in tea four at the moment. great to talk to you, paul farmer of mind. since the introduction

of a wide—ranging national security law, hong kong has seen a growing number of young activists seeking asylum abroad. china has warned foreign governments against supporting their claims for political refuge. the bbc has spoken to several young protesters who attempted to flee to the us consulate inside hong kong. danny vincent reports. this is the unprecedented moment four young pro—democracy protesters attempted to flee to the us consulate in hong kong. these scenes are rare in the territory. they said they were seeking asylum from political persecution. the us government says asylum can only be sought inside the country. they entered the building only to be turned away. a new national security law has led to a growing number of young people fleeing the city. they spoke to the bbc under the condition of anonymity. one is a us citizen facing protest—related charges. he showed us his birth certificate, a hong konger born in the usa. i feel helpless, hopeless and fear.

i feel fear. i fear for my personal security and my life is under threat. there are agents around us, monitoring us. now every day our situation is getting worse and worse. activists say protesters are attempting to leave hong kong by land, by air, by sea. tony chung, a student leader, was the first political figure arrested under the national security law. he was detained outside the us consulate by plainclothes police officers. the teenager could now face life in prison. these protesters say they were turned away from the us and the uk consulates. both governments say it will not comment on specific cases. i have a sense of feeling of being abandoned. and they are not concerned for our safety. amongst us, some of us have taken high risk to seek assistance. finally, we were rejected. china has labelled fleeing

pro—democracy protesters as violent criminals. it has warned nations like canada against granting asylum. it says foreign nations mustn't interfere in china's internal affairs. but young activists fear they will no longer face a fair trial. danny vincent, bbc news — hong kong. authorities in the us are investigating whether a campervan explosion in the city of nashville on christmas day was a suicide bombing. three people were injured in the blast, and dna tests are now being carried out after human remains were found near the site of the explosion. no motive has been established, and no—one has claimed responsibility. can you imagine working in the same job for almost 80 years? well, postmistress kay white has done just that. now she's set to retire from her post office in shropshire and in that time, she's seen it all. from world war ii, to the transformation

of the postal service, she's been honoured by the queen as well. as geeta pendse has been finding out. put your letter through because i've got to put it on. thank you. a life behind the counter. at 93, kay white is the oldest postmistress in the country, assisted by ann, her spritely 75—year—old niece. kay started working at her village post office in claverley at the age of 1a. there we are. mrs drew, that was postmistress, asked mother if i'd come and help in the office. and in those days, if your mother says you're going to do something, you do it. and so, that's how i came to be here. kay became postmistress in 1960, and whilst technology has changed, she still remembers doing the accounts by herself. mother used to say to me,

"kay, isn't there anybody who could help you?" i used to say, "nobody would understand this lot!" laughter now, after almost 80 years, kay has decided to retire, leaving a big hole in the community. bells chime how important is kay to the village? she's very important. it's about being the heart of the village, where people come to share their news. reverend garry ward says when the post office closed temporarily this year during the first lockdown, people really felt the loss then. some people pop in dailyjust to say hello and just to, you know, speak to kay. so, if the church is the soul, then the post office is definitely the heart of the village and kay is a very important part of that. every week without fail, kay pops over to the only other shop in the village — the hairdresser‘s — for her weekly wash and set. and it's safe to say that her departure has become something of a talking point.

she started working at the post office when she was 14. linda has known kay all her life. the impact kay has made on the village is absolutely immense. she is an absolute character. i think the person who will miss the post office the most will be kay herself, because it's just been her life. what is your secret, kay? because you've been working here for almost 80 years. i think you've got to like people and helping one another. and how do you think both of you are going to feel on that last day? it will be very strange, really. you know, we shall be sorry, you know? i never thought i'd live till now. and i thought i shall die and the place will all be sold, and i shouldn't have had all this! i didn't think i'd be here! laughter as 2020 draws to an end, kay and ann will lock up for the last time, but there is no doubting the imprint

this shropshire postmistress has left on her beloved village. geeta pendse, bbc news, claverley. now it's time for a look at the weather with alina jenkins. hello, storm bella has been battering a large swathe of the uk in the last 2a hours. we had wind gusts in excess of 80mph across the south of england and north—west wales. 106mph at the needles on the isle of wight, coupled with some torrential rain courtesy of this very active cold front. it's now cleared south and eastwards. we are all in this much colder air and we've got plenty of showers feeding in from the west, many of them wintry. the amber wind warning from the met office has now expired. the winds continue to ease through today. a number of flood warnings remain in place and we have snow and ice warnings in place as well. the best of the sunshine through the rest of sunday, in central and eastern parts of the uk. plenty of showers feeding in from the west. they will continue to be wintry,

particularly across scotland and northern england but almost anywhere could see some sleet 01’ snow. suddenly feeling very cold. still we are exposed to the brisk wind although the gusts easing down all the while. as we head through this evening and overnight, a more persistent spell of snow over parts of scotland, then sinking south. we may see some sleet and snow moving into the north of england, the midlands. mainly central and southern england by the time we get through the early hours. where we have clear skies, sharp frost and the potential for some fog or freezing fog across the southern part of the uk. temperatures for many close if not below freezing, —6 or —7 across the glens of scotland. certainly a messy picture tomorrow. we have this area of low pressure to deal with and that will continue generating rain, sleet or snow across central and southern england into parts of north wales. significant snow for a time here across the chilterns. those wintry showers continuing to feed into scotland and later in the day across parts of north—east and eastern england so it's a day of sunshine and wintry showers. temperatures at best,

six or seven celsius. for many they will struggle to get much above freezing. cold, frosty start on tuesday but for many, a good deal of sunshine around. showers mainly confined to eastern and western coasts. again temperatures not much higher than five or six celsius. heading towards the end of 2020, an area of low pressure to the east of the uk. high pressure trying to build in from the south—west. frontal systems just rgazing the south—west and perhaps the far north of the uk. essentially as we end 2020 and move into the new year, cold and dry.

hello, this is bbc news. the headlines. borisjohnson promises big changes following his brexit trade deal, as his chancellor rishi sunak says the deal brings reassurance to those who were worried about the impact on businesses. the rollout of the pfizer biontech covid vaccine begins for millions of people across the eu, starting with italy and the czech republic. the met office issues yellow warnings for snow and ice following storm bella with disruption likely — for parts of wales, north—west

england, scotland and the whole of northern ireland. now, rebecca morelle looks back on how scientific endeavour reached new heights over the past twelve months — in review 2020: the year in science. it was the year that would put science to the ultimate test, battling a pandemic that swept across the globe. as cities locked down, the air became cleaner, but not for long, and the impacts of climate change are