The Film Council is to invest �500,000 in its first non-English speaking film, the French movie L'Homme du Train.

The Film Council says the grant marks its aim to broaden the range of European films available in the UK. The money is earmarked for marketing and distribution.

L'Homme du Train is a comedy drama directed by Patrice Leconte, best known for The Hairdresser's Husband and Ridicule.

Shooting began earlier this month in Annonay, France.

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New look for BBC landmark

The BBC's proposed redevelopment of Broadcasting House has been submitted to Westminster City Council for planning permission.

The scheme has been designed by architect Sir Richard MacCormac, who plans to integrate the original 1930s landmark, a Grade II listed building, with exciting new architecture.

MacCormac, Jamieson and Prichard's recent projects include the Wellcome Wing at the Science Museum and Southwark Underground Station, one of the acclaimed new stations on the Jubilee Line Extension.

The new complex will include public spaces to make the BBC more accessible and welcoming to visitors - and should be completed in 2007.

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Schwimmer 'wants to be teacher'

Friends star David Schwimmer has said he would not mind if the show ended because he has other plans he wants to pursue - including becoming a teacher.

The actor, who plays Ross in the hit TV show, told The Observer that he and his co-stars are not yet in negotiations to sign a new contract when the current one expires in April.

"No one wants to call it quits, but I feel like there is so much other stuff I want to do - theatre and film and developing other television as well - that I'm ready for it to be over," he said.

"I think we can really use more - and better - teachers in this country. I would like to teach in public [state] school. I think I have a lot to offer in that area," he added.

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French stars visit Romania

French film actors Catherine Deneuve and Gerard Depardieu were guests of honour at a charity fashion show during a two-day visit to the Romanian capital, Bucharest, on Sunday.

The show raised money to build a new rehabilitation centre for young drug addicts in the city.

The amount of illegal drug-taking in Romania has risen during the last decade, but there is only one treatment centre.

Deneuve, whose screen career has spanned six decades, also toured an orphanage with Dana Nastase, the wife of the country's prime minister.

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Tejano star dies

Juan Hinojosa, drummer in influential Tejano band Los Fabulosos Cuatro, has died after being involved in a car crash in thick fog in Nueces County, Texas.

Hinojosa, 51, was inducted into the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame with his band in August 2000 and had appeared on more than 30 albums.

Tejano music is a lively blend of Mexican and US sounds, incorporating rock, country, R&B and jazz.

The annual Tejano Music Awards, held in San Antonio, Texas, regularly draw crowds of more than 40,000.

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Idol finalist lashes Cowell

William Young won a place in the finals of ITV1's Pop Idol series with a performance of Light My Fire on Saturday night's show.

The 22-year-old had attacked judge Simon Cowell for describing his performance as "distinctly average".

"It's your opinion - I don't agree with it, I don't think you could ever call it average," said Mr Young, who won 41.5% of the TV vote to secure his place in the final.

He will be joined in next month's final by Korben, who received 24.7% of the vote, and six other contestants who have already qualified.