New ski rules for kids

Italy has become the first European country to pass a tough new safety law for skiers which means children will have to wear helmets on the slopes.

The legislation makes helmets compulsory for all children under the age of 14. Those caught without will face a fine of £100.

The new law follows a series of fatal accidents last year involving high-speed crashes between skiers on the slopes last winter.

Several involved children, and already this year there have been two fatal accidents in the Italian Alps even before the start of the main ski season.

Under the new law, in big and crowded resorts there will have to be separate ski and snowboard runs with "trespassers" facing heavy spot fines.

Extra police will also fine anyone seen dangerously overtaking or racing at an excessive speed.

Off-piste skiers must carry an electronic pager so that they can be found easily in an avalanche or if they get lost.