IN A well-stocked NHS hospital, finding a set of scales and a basin to weigh a new-born baby is a simple matter of a trip to the nearest equipment cupboard. But for overseas aid volunteer Fiona Gilmour, working in a Third World country with scant resources, it wasn't quite so easy.

ESCAPING the city for a weekend or two can be the highlight of the year. The rise of bargain flights and travel deals means getting away has never been easier or more enjoyable.