His proposal involves all politicians being weighed at the start and end of their tenure. Any judged guilty of cashing in on their position would have to pay fines.

13 THE number of days an Australian scientist spent underwater in a steel box to make a point about sustainable living. Marine biologist Lloyd Godson survived at the bottom of a lake in the 10-footlong bright yellow capsule he calls the BioSUB. He used a system of solar panels and a pedal-powered generator to create electricity and recharge his laptop computer, and kept an algae garden to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen for breathing.

He had to recycle his own urine and waste, but a team of divers delivered food and drinking water to the sub, including fruit, nuts and a homemade lasagne.

57 THE number of yards from which footballer Graham Capstick (19) headed a goal.

Defender Graham, who is 6ft 3ins and plays for Holker Old Boys in Cumbria, was inside his own half when he leapt up to meet a clearance ball from the rival goalkeeper. He watched open-mouthed as it shot over opposing defenders, bounced over the goalie and into the goal. Experts at Guinness World Records have been approached to see if the bizarre goal is a record.

44 THE width, in inches, of a new furnace ordered by Lewisham Council as crematoria struggle to deal with spiralling rates of obesity.

Expanding waistlines are forcing many councils to spend thousands widening their furnaces, the UK's Local Government Association has warned. Standard coffins range from 16-20 inches, but coffins up to 40 inches are becoming increasingly common.