ON THIS DAY

1284: One hundred and thirty children in the German city of Hamelin mysteriously disappear. The reasons behind the event are obscured by legend, including that of the Pied Piper, who lured them away in revenge for not being paid for clearing the town of rats.

1797: First merino sheep lands in Australia brought out by Henry Waterhouse and William Kent.

1906: First Grand Prix motor-race is held over two days at Le Mans, France.

1950: Twenty-nine people die when an ANA DC4 aircraft crashes in Western Australia.

2000: Scientists announce the human genetic code has essentially been deciphered.

Birthdays: June Bronhill, Australian singer-actor (1929-2005); Georgie Fame, English singermusician (1943-); Chris Isaak, US singer (1956-); Ariana Grande, US singer and actor (1993-).