BBC News

1. UK prepares for New Year celebrations as cold weather warnings issued

   The cold snap is expected to have an impact on rail services, roads and ferries as people travel for New Year's events.

2. Nurse 'lucky to be alive' after crowbar attack at hospital

   Nurse Megan Lynch was stood at a vending machine when she was hit over the head with the crowbar.

3. EU's top diplomat rejects Russian claims of Ukrainian attack on government sites

   It comes as Russia releases video which it claims shows a downed Ukrainian drone launched at one of Putin's residences.

4. Queen praises Hunt family for their bravery after triple murders

   Her Majesty shares her own experience of assault in a discussion with John and Amy Hunt about violence against women.

5. Finnish police seize ship suspected of sabotaging undersea cable

   Police arrested 14 crew members on the ship sailing from the St Petersburg to the Israeli port of Haifa.