Best shows signs of progress, says doctor

George Best was partly conscious and able to move his head and eyes, his doctor said yesterday. Professor Roger Williams said the 59-year-old had shown signs of improvement but warned against giving hope that he would make a full recovery.

Best is at the Cromwell Hospital in west London after suffering a severe setback and a lung infection. Professor Williams said: "The situation is rather better than [Monday]. Mr Best is now rousable, he does respond to commands.

"He does respond when you put the facts or questions to him, he just responds. What we hope is over the next 24 hours his brain will recover further so that he can come off a ventilator."