MAJOR news will be announced today concerning the future of Southampton University Hospitals Trust - news which SUHT chief executive, Mark Hackett, has described as for the benefit of residents in the city who will receive a more efficient service when they visit hospital.

The Daily Echo today breaks this news, and talks to Mr Hackett about the changes which will affect Southampton General, the Princess Anne and Royal South Hants hospitals.

We also follow up the story that Hampshire Fire Brigade have banned its crews from supporting England in the World Cup by flying the St George's Cross at fire stations and on vehicles.

This is all because the county's fire and rescue service are worried about their responsibility of being "inclusive to all nationalities".

The Daily Echo visits Somerstown and St Mary's, which has a huge ethnic community, to gauge their reaction.

Last night saw the finals of Miss Winchester, and Daily Echo reporter, Chris Semple, was among the judges. His report together with Chris Moorhouse's photos appear in Seen South, our two-page entertainment and diary section.