The Irish in Britain, including those of Irish descent, make up a significant part of the UK population. Here, you will find news, entertainment, events, sports and features from the local Irish Post newspaper.

THE Pogues and the late Kirsty MacColl’s Fairytale of New York has been voted Britain’s favourite Christmas song in a new poll.

The 1987 track, which was denied the Christmas Number One in that year by the Pet Shop Boys, gained nearly a quarter of all the votes cast in the online poll of 10,000.

The survey by cable music channel VH1 overwhelmingly placed the Shane MacGowan-penned song at the top of the list of Christmas favourites.

The original 1984 Band Aid single was in second place with the new Band Aid release in fifth place.

Wham’s Last Christmas took third place with Slade’s Merry Xmas Everybody in fourth.

Fairytale Of New York has become a classic since its release 17 years ago and is a favourite on many Christmas compilation albums.