Ballots will be counted over two days with the final result for 129 seats at Holyrood expected on Saturday.

Hartlepool elects a Conservative MP for the first time since the constituency's creation, after Jill Mortimer wins by-election.

Health experts want the version B.1.617.2 to be made a "variant of concern", the BBC has been told.

Kent's chief constable says police still have no motive or suspect for the murder of Julia James.

Wing Cdr Ken Rees is said to have inspired Steve McQueen's character in the classic film.

The boy's family has released two pictures of the 13-year-old, whose body was found last month.

The travel firm is offering discounted tests with its holidays but there are concerns over testing capacity.

One of the UK's rarest fish is set to benefit from a conservation project to unlock the River Severn.

Millions of people have marked their ballots, but there could be a long wait this year.

National elections in Scotland and Wales and local elections in England took place on 6 May 2021.

Find out how to keep up to date with live election results on TV, radio, online and on social media.

The BBC is not allowed to report details of campaigning while the polls are open.

Voters are heading to the polls in England, Scotland and Wales - and so are their canine companions.

As cases of domestic abuse rise during lockdown, disabled victims can face particular challenges to escape their abusers.

The star explains why his second album took so long, and how his son inspired a new face tattoo.

Lockdown spurred many people to invent new products, but how did they get to market?

Aaron Cook's path has been unique. An icon of taekwondo, the British-born fighter is still chasing his dream of Olympic gold - for Moldova.

It's Europe's most popular cultural event and the Netherlands will host it despite battling a third Covid wave.

An amateur drone photographer captures an unusual angle on a Yorkshire seaside landmark.

French fishing boats protest at the port of St Helier, in dispute over access to waters around the island.

Conservative Jill Mortimer wins the Hartlepool by-election, giving the seat to the Tories for the first time in more than 50 years.

As the Covid vaccine is rolled out to younger age groups, BBC News looks at what it means for anyone expecting a baby.

The plot is drawn from the killing of Sophie Lancaster in 2007, who was murdered for being a goth.

Lynda Mahabir speaks about winning her case against the government over application fees for family.

The British girl group open up about Leigh-Anne keeping her pregnancy secret, and life after Jesy.

Following the death of his cousin, Dr Dan Gearon created the charity, You Okay, Doc?

Friday's front pages focus on the protest by French fishermen in Jersey waters over post-Brexit rights.

Police believe James Gibbons was stabbed to death when he went to the aid of another man.

The wait for votes to be counted as well as a fishing rights protest near Jersey make the front pages.

Rules are relaxed for visits to places such as care homes, hospitals, hospices and maternity wards.

Polls closed on Thursday night but, because of Covid, counting has been delayed until Friday.