Awards for films and music

It has been a big week for award ceremonies. In just a few days we have had the BAFTA film awards and the BRIT music awards.

The big winner at the BAFTA awards was the film The King's Speech. It won seven awards, including those for best film and best actor. The film tells the story of the Queen's father, King George VI, who overcame a speech problem. The actor who played him, Colin Firth, is now hoping to win an Oscar next month.

At the Brit awards, London rapper Tinie Tempah won prizes for the best British breakthrough act and the best single for Pass Out. Take That won the best British group trophy. They are a "boy band" who were first popular in the early 1990s, split up, got back together in 2005 and have recently been rejoined by their former frontman Robbie Williams.

Other winners included Plan B, Laura Marlin, Rihanna, Cee Lo Green and Arcade Fire.

Wayne Rooney scores extraordinary goal

Wayne Rooney hasn't been playing at his best this season. But he reminded everyone why he is one of the world's highest-paid footballers this week when he scored an amazing goal.

His goal put Manchester United in the lead against Manchester City, during very hard-fought match. It has been described as a "bicycle kick" goal. Rooney somehow managed to kick high in the air, shooting the ball behind him into the goal.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said it was the best goal he had ever seen.

New resident in the Prime Minister's house

10 Downing Street in London is the home and office of the Prime Minister and also where the Government holds official meetings.

So it was big news when a black rat was seen running up Downing Street behind a television reporter.

This week a cat arrived to take care of any mice and rats in the official buildings. Larry came from a rescue centre for cats and is apparently "a good ratter". Larry spent some time on the streets and learned to hunt and look after himself.

Larry's first actions were to scratch the TV reporters trying to film the story of his arrival.

Larry is not the first cat to live in Downing Street. There have been many cats over the years. They are known as the "Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office".

Royal Wedding update

The latest announcements on the Royal Wedding are that Prince Harry will be the best man. This means that he will be responsible for handing the wedding ring to his brother, Prince William, and will make a speech after the ceremony.

He will also be responsible for organising his brother's "stag night". This is a British tradition that the husband-to-be celebrates his last unmarried days with a very lively night out. Nowadays, stag nights often go on for a  whole weekend. Prince Harry has a reputation for enjoying parties very much and people think organising the stag event is a good job for him.

Catherine Middleton, who will marry Prince William on April 29, has chosen her sister Philippa to be her maid of honour. This is a similar role to that of the best man. Philippa Middleton may organise her sister's "hen night" (which is similar to a stag night) and will be part of the wedding service.

by Susan Young (susan@englishuk.com)