Hard-line Christian groups who say mild-mannered Harry Potter is an occult conspiracy are unlikely to be reassured by news that one of its key characters is gay - even though JK Rowling has confirmed the series is based on Christian themes.

An appeal to supermarket bosses backed by churches and parents appears to could lead to a significant shift in the way Halloween is marketed in the UK - with an emphasis on giving more than tricking for treats.

Leaders of Britain's Hindu community are expressing disbelief and outrage at claims by two English church ministers that yoga should be banned after saying that the meditative exercise is a sham and not compatible with Christianity.