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1990: Freedom for Nelson Mandela

Leading anti-apartheid campaigner Nelson Mandela has been freed from prison in South Africa after 27 years.

1956: 'Cambridge spies' surface in Moscow
Two British diplomats, Guy Burgess and Donald Maclean, who vanished in mysterious circumstances five years ago re-appear in the Soviet Union.

1979: Victory for Khomeini as army steps aside
Supporters of the Ayatollah Khomeini appear to be in control of the Iranian capital, Tehran tonight.

1976: John Curry skates to Olympic gold
Figure skater John Curry wins Britain's first Olympic gold in the sport - and the country's first medal at the winter games for 12 years.

1975: Tories choose first woman leader
The British Conservative Party chooses Margaret Thatcher as its new leader.

1987: Mrs Payne is no brothel Madam
Party planner Cynthia Payne is acquitted of nine charges of controlling prostitutes at her home in south-west London.

Around this Day

8 February Top Story 1952: New Queen proclaimed for UK

9 February Top Story 1950: McCarthy launches anti-red crusade

10 February Top Story 1996: Docklands bomb ends IRA ceasefire

12 February Top Story 1989: Belfast lawyer Finucane murdered

13 February Top Story 1991: US bombers strike civilians in Baghdad

14 February Top Story 1945: Thousands of bombs destroy Dresden

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