LILONGWE, Malawi — Madonna arrived in Malawi yesterday afternoon to visit the girls school she is building in the impoverished country where she adopted two children, an official for the star's charity said.

The 51-year-old celebrity was accompanied by her four children — Lourdes, 13, Rocco, 9, as well as her two adopted children. Madonna adopted the Malawian-born Mercy, 3, this year and David, 4, in 2008.

The official, who could not be named because he was not authorized to speak on the matter, said Madonna would take part in a groundbreaking ceremony for the school today.

Madonna's Raising Malawi, a charity founded in 2006 when she first visited the country, helps feed, educate and provide medical care for some of Malawi's orphans.

LLOYD WEBBER HAS PROSTRATE CANCER

LONDON — Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, his spokeswoman said yesterday.

The 61-year-old Lloyd Webber's condition is in its early stages, a statement from his publicists said.

"Andrew is now undergoing treatment and expects to be fully back at work before the end of the year," the statement said.

Lloyd Webber recently announced plans for a sequel to his phenomenally successful musical "Phantom of the Opera." Called "Love Never Dies," it is scheduled to open in London in March and follow on Broadway in November. Rehearsals begin in the new year.

MORRISSEY 'MUCH IMPROVED' AFTER COLLAPSE

LONDON — Former Smiths frontman Morrissey was released yesterday from a hospital where he was held overnight after collapsing on stage during a concert.

A spokeswoman for the Great Western Hospital in the English city of Swindon said the singer was "much improved" and had been discharged.

"Morrissey became unwell, and he was admitted overnight as a precautionary measure," she said on condition of anonymity, in line with hospital policy.

Morrissey was performing at the Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon, about 100 miles west of London, on Saturday night as part of his "Swords" tour when he was stricken.

'PARANORMAL' WINS FRIGHT FILM BATTLES

LOS ANGELES — "Paranormal Activity" has won a weekend battle of fright films over part six of the "Saw" franchise.

"Paranormal Activity" went into nationwide release and took over the No. 1 spot with $22 million, according to studio estimates yesterday. That compares to just $14.8 million for the debut of "Saw VI," a franchise that has been an annual Halloween fixture since 2004.

It was the worst opening ever for the "Saw" series, whose previous low was $18.3 million for the original movie. Subsequent installments of the "Saw" franchise all opened at $30 million or better.