Thumbs Down: Phoney linesBritish media regulator Ofcom last week fined morning TV programme GMTV £2 million (2.85 million) for allowing viewers to enter competitions they had no chance of winning.

Ofcom found GMTV, which is 75 per cent owned by broadcaster ITV, had picked competition finalists before lines had closed. Concerns have been raised about calls costing up to £1.50 (€2.15) per minute that allow viewers to enter quizzes, vote in reality shows and play interactive games.

Thumbs Up: Feathered filchingA Scottish seagull who has grown fond of cheese flavour Dorito crisps has been forced to become a shoplifter because he lacks the funds to feed his habit. The bird has taken to wandering into a newsagents in Aberdeen in recent weeks and making off with bags of the savoury snack. The seagull - who has been given the rather dull nickname Sam by unimaginative locals - is now so popular that shoppers have started paying for his crisps.