RAIL passengers travelling on the first working day of 2018 are being hit with the largest fare rise in five years.

Average ticket prices across Britain went up by 3.4% on Tuesday.

Protests are planned at around 40 railway stations to mark the biggest increase since 2013.

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BRITAIN is to experience wind gusts of up to 80mph on Tuesday night, the Met Office has said, as Storm Eleanor heads for the nation’s shores.

The fifth named storm of the season will bring a “very windy” spell to the UK on Tuesday night and Wednesday, forecasters said.

The Met Office has issued several national severe weather warnings due to the potential for travel disruption.

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SOUTH Korea has offered high-level talks with rival North Korea meant to find ways to cooperate on the Winter Olympics set to begin in the South next month.

The offer came a day after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said in his New Year’s address that he is willing to send a delegation to the Olympics, though he also repeated nuclear threats against the United States.

Analysts said Kim may be trying to drive a wedge between Seoul and its ally Washington as a way to ease international isolation and sanctions against North Korea.

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TAXPAYERS footed an £18,000 bill covering the costs of three government officials who stayed at a luxury hotel while working on a Caribbean island, records show.

Border Force staff spent 64 nights between them at the Sugar Ridge resort on Antigua, a £37 million resort that boasts an infinity pool, a gourmet restaurant and stunning views.

The team made the trip in early 2016 to advise local authorities on drug trafficking but the details have only emerged following a Freedom of Information request by MailOnline.

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Documents show the bill for accommodation came to £12,126 while, £4,144 went on subsistence, £1,310 on car hire, and £994 on flights.