Long-distance swimmer makes trunk call to Blair
3rd August 2006: Long distance Swimmer Lewis Pugh celebrates in front of the Houses of Parliament, London, marking a stage in his ongoing attempt to swim the length of the River Thames which he started 17 July 2006. On his London stop, Pugh urged British Prime Minister to reduce carbon emissions by 20 percent by 2010. Wearing skimpy swimming trunks and a swim hat, Pugh began his 203-mile (327-kilometre) watery trek on July 17 to draw attention to a climate change campaign by international conservation group WWF.

Button's Maiden Grand Prix Win
Jenson Button was "numb" with joy after ending an agonising wait for his first victory by winning a chaotic Hungarian Grand Prix Sunday 6th August 2006. The 26-year-old braved a sodden Hungaroring to scythe through the pack from 14th on the grid and finally win his first grand prix, at his 113th attempt. He kept his head as chaos reigned around him, emerging unscathed after 70 mesmerising, manic laps which saw world championship rivals Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso both retire.

Transatlantic mid-air liquid bomb plot foiled in UK
A terrorist plot was uncovered to "commit mass murder on an unimaginable scale" by exploding up to 12 aircraft in mid-flight between Britain and America using liquid explosive. 21 suspects - believed to be British citizens, many of Pakistani origin - were arrested under the Terrorism Act 2000 in overnight raids in London, the Thames Valley and Birmingham. Both Britain and America raised their terrorism security alert to the highest level. Scenes of chaos unfolded at British airports, as draconian security measures were put in place from the early hours to prevent explosives being carried on board in hand luggage.

Pete is crowned Big Brother winner
TOURETTE’S sufferer Pete Bennett was crowned Big Brother 7 winner — then said: “The show saved my life.” The 24-year-old musician scooped the £100,000 prize with 61 per cent of the votes on the Channel 4 show — Quirky Pete, who has Tourette's, jumped around the room swearing uncontrollably and shouting after host Davina McCall announced the result. “It means a lot more than just money.” He could hardly control himself as fireworks erupted over the Elstree studios. He rolled around on the floor in amazement at his success.