This morning Mario Monti, the former European commissioner who many expect to succeed Mr Berlusconi, emerged from his hotel to find a group of reporters waiting for him.

The class of seven-year-olds at Blackshaw Lane Primary School, Oldham, Greater Manchester burst into tears and told their parents when they got home.

In "Empty Socks", Oswald dresses up as Santa Clause and celebrates Christmas with a group of orphans.