It wasn’t all bad

It has long been seen as on the verge of extinction – but now the giant panda is no longer considered endangered. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has downgraded its status to “vulnerable”, following an increase in numbers: there are now around 2,000 giant pandas, up from 1,600 in 2004. The rise has been attributed to a Chinese conservation programme, which has launched reforestation schemes and increased the number of panda reserves.

A vast wooden replica of 17th century London was set alight on the Thames this week to mark the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of London ( see page 13). Designed by David Best, an American “burn artist”, the 120metre-long model was mounted on barges and floated down the river, before being set on fire in front of a huge crowd. The model was built over several months by schoolchildren and by unemployed young Londoners, who – as part of the project – had the opportunity to gain a qualification in construction.

A letter written by a dying mother to her six-year-old daughter 15 years ago has been found tucked between the pages of an old book – and returned to its intended recipient. Bethany Gash was read the letter after her mother died in 2001, but it was then lost in a house move. Last week, it was found by the owner of a bookshop in Bishop Auckland, who was so moved by it, he asked the BBC to help him trace Bethany. The letter is written to “Bethany, my treasure” and ends: “I’ll always be your mam.” Now 21, Bethany said she was overwhelmed to have the letter back.