How well do you remember these surprises of the past 12 months?

How has life changed for the 100-year-old barmaid from France and what's her secret to long life?

More and more people are choosing to "marry” themselves in symbolic ceremonies, but what's behind the trend?

Campaigners in Poland are worried about the future of one of Europe's last primeval forests, as the Polish government defies an EU order to stop logging there.

As Guess How Much I Love You is adapted for the stage, the cast demonstrate how to find your inner hare.

A month-by-month guide to the movies you should look out for over the next 12 months.

More than a million people have left Russia to live and work abroad, including some of the brightest and best.

A town in Indiana has been named Santa Claus since the 19th Century - so what is life like there?

Europe's far-right parties enjoyed a surge in support this year, Bethany Bell writes.

Vet groups are cautious, but a growing number of dog owners say the drug is easing their pets' pain.

The 21-year-old artist has created a superhero that is half-human and half-tree.

Conservationists capture the first footage in the wild of the endangered Javan warty pig

The royal apologises for wearing a brooch which depicted an African man.

The Supreme Court chief justice warns Poland could fall into an "abyss" over its judicial reforms.

The US president says the world "wants peace, not death", as the UN acts over ballistic missile tests.

A former Afghan refugee faces 18 counts of attempted murder after the incident in Flinders Street.

A resolution criticising Donald Trump's decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital caused fireworks, writes Nada Tawfik.

Tropical Storm Tembin brings flash floods and mudslides to the southern island of Mindanao.

Arsene Wenger praises the "creative force" on show in a "thrilling game" as his Arsenal side draw 3-3 with Liverpool.

Trump's new ambassador to the Netherlands has been caught out on Dutch television.

With Real Madrid and Gareth Bale both struggling for form, is El Clasico the last chance for the Welshman to prove he is worthy to be a 'Galactico'?