METRO BITES

SUGAR-COATED plastic wrapped round artificial hips and knees could make them last longer by reducing friction. Prof Paul McGonigal, whose Durham University team developed the new material, said it mimics the body’s natural cartilage.

SCOTLAND’S oldest purposebuilt library is seeking to raise £390,000 for repairs to save ‘this treasure for future generations’. The Leighton Library in Dunblane, Stirling, was built in 1687, and houses nearly 5,000 books.

A MURAL of Bart Simpson mooning at police as a tribute to Darrell Meekcom, 55 – seen being arrested by six officers in a viral video – has been covered in black paint by vandals in Kidderminster. It was painted by artist The Rebel Bear – dubbed the Scottish Banksy.

TERRIER Holly was rushed to the vet after eating cannabis leaves on a walk. ‘She is a laid back dog anyway but this time she was off her legs,’ said owner David Williams, 58, of Cannock, Staffordshire.

A MAN has been stabbed to death near a homeless shelter. The 31-year-old, believed to be local, was attacked in the Butetown area of Cardiff on Tuesday. A 44-yearold man was later arrested on suspicion of murder.