birminghammail--2020-03-26--Astonishing footage shows M6 as you've never seen it before

Often backed up with miles of traffic queues and constantly busy with commuters - this is the now-empty M6 as you 've never seen it before .
The normally traffic-clogged carriageways were left deserted as motorists finally heeded the government 's latest coronarvirus warnings to stay home and save lives .
A completely clear motorway stretched out ahead of the Central Motorway Police Group officers as they carried out patrols on the M6 soutbound , near Hilton Services in Wolverhampton .
The astonishing scenes , which revealed how drivers were taking on board the life-saving lockdown advice , were captured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25 .
Only two large lorries could be seen passing on the other side of the motorway in the clip above .
Parks , high streets and city roads were also seen empty in footage from patrolling officers in the Black Country and Birmingham .
Motorway cops took to Twitter to thank everyone for staying indoors and listening to advice to only travel if essential .
People are only allowed to leave their home for the following very limited purposes : • shopping for basic necessities , as infrequently as possible • one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ example a run , walk , or cycle - alone or with members of your household ; • any medical need , to provide care or to help a vulnerable person ; and • travelling to and from work , but only where this is absolutely necessary and can not be done from home .
These are the only reasons you should leave your home .
You should not be meeting friends .
If your friends ask you to meet , you should say No .
You should not be meeting family members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You should not be going shopping except for essentials like food and medicine — and you should do this as little as you can .
And use food delivery services where you can .
If you don ’ t follow the rules the police will have the powers to enforce them , including through fines and dispersing gatherings .
`` Thank you , its seems the message is sinking in , this was the M6 South a short time ago .
Please listen to # govuk advice and only travel if it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The M6 clip came just hours after West Midlands Police announced it would be stopping vehicles to crackdown on those still travelling for non-essential reasons .
Traffic officers warned they will be carrying out the stop checks on motorists throughout Birmingham and beyond in a bid to slow the spread of the deadly virus .
Anyone caught flouting the government 's advice was being told to go home by the police - who also have the powers to break up gatherings of more than two people .
On Wednesday , March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` You must stay at home and protect our NHS and save lives .
`` We will be stopping people and vehicles to check if your journey meets current guidelines .
# coronavirus # StayHomeSavesLives . ''
So far , 465 people have died from contracting Covid-19 in the UK and the British public is being ordered to stay at home unless for essential food , medicine or exercise once a day .

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Often backed up with miles of traffic queues and constantly busy with commuters - this is the now-empty M6 as you've never seen it before.
The normally traffic-clogged carriageways were left deserted as motorists finally heeded the government's latest coronarvirus warnings to stay home and save lives.
A completely clear motorway stretched out ahead of the Central Motorway Police Group officers as they carried out patrols on the M6 soutbound, near Hilton Services in Wolverhampton.
The astonishing scenes, which revealed how drivers were taking on board the life-saving lockdown advice, were captured on dashcam on Wednesday evening, March 25.
Only two large lorries could be seen passing on the other side of the motorway in the clip above. Parks, high streets and city roads were also seen empty in footage from patrolling officers in the Black Country and Birmingham.
Motorway cops took to Twitter to thank everyone for staying indoors and listening to advice to only travel if essential.
Latest Government advice as coronavirus pandemic sparks lockdown People are only allowed to leave their home for the following very limited purposes: shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible
one form of exercise a day - for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household;
any medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person; and
travelling to and from work, but only where this is absolutely necessary and cannot be done from home. These are the only reasons you should leave your home. You should not be meeting friends. If your friends ask you to meet, you should say No. You should not be meeting family members who do not live in your home. You should not be going shopping except for essentials like food and medicine — and you should do this as little as you can. And use food delivery services where you can. If you don’t follow the rules the police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings.
"Thank you, its seems the message is sinking in, this was the M6 South a short time ago. Please listen to #govuk advice and only travel if it is essential. #COVID19 #StayHomeSaveLives."
The M6 clip came just hours after West Midlands Police announced it would be stopping vehicles to crackdown on those still travelling for non-essential reasons.
Traffic officers warned they will be carrying out the stop checks on motorists throughout Birmingham and beyond in a bid to slow the spread of the deadly virus.
Anyone caught flouting the government's advice was being told to go home by the police - who also have the powers to break up gatherings of more than two people.
On Wednesday, March 25, Traffic WMP wrote to Twitter: "You must stay at home and protect our NHS and save lives.
"We will be stopping people and vehicles to check if your journey meets current guidelines. #coronavirus #StayHomeSavesLives."
So far, 465 people have died from contracting Covid-19 in the UK and the British public is being ordered to stay at home unless for essential food, medicine or exercise once a day.


birminghammail--2020-04-16--Three people in Tamworth celebrate after winning £1,000 each

Three people in Tamworth are celebrating today after winning £1,000 each thanks to their lucky postcode .
The Blithbury Close neighbours netted the windfall when B77 4FP was announced as a Daily Prize winner with People ’ s Postcode Lottery yesterday ( Thursday , April 16 ) .
People ’ s Postcode Lottery ambassador Danyl Johnson sent his well-wishes to the winners .
He said : `` What amazing news to get along with your breakfast !
Congratulations to our winners . ''
A minimum of 32 % of ticket sales goes directly to charities and players of People ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million to date for thousands of good causes in Britain and beyond .
This draw was promoted by Woodland Trust which has received over £13.1 million in funding from the players of People ’ s Postcode Lottery .
It is the UK ’ s leading woodland conservation charity , owning over 1,000 different woods across the country .
These woods support a wide range of plants and wildlife and attract thousands of visitors each year .
Many good causes close to the winners have also benefitted from players ’ support , and local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August .
For more information on People ’ s Postcode Lottery , visit www.postcodelottery.co.uk

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Three people in Tamworth are celebrating today after winning £1,000 each thanks to their lucky postcode.
The Blithbury Close neighbours netted the windfall when B77 4FP was announced as a Daily Prize winner with People’s Postcode Lottery yesterday (Thursday, April 16).
People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador Danyl Johnson sent his well-wishes to the winners.
He said: "What amazing news to get along with your breakfast! Congratulations to our winners."
A minimum of 32% of ticket sales goes directly to charities and players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised over £500 million to date for thousands of good causes in Britain and beyond.
This draw was promoted by Woodland Trust which has received over £13.1 million in funding from the players of People’s Postcode Lottery. It is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity, owning over 1,000 different woods across the country. These woods support a wide range of plants and wildlife and attract thousands of visitors each year.
Many good causes close to the winners have also benefitted from players’ support, and local charities can next apply for funding in August.
For more information on People’s Postcode Lottery, visit www.postcodelottery.co.uk


birminghammail--2020-04-16--Holly Willoughby claps for NHS carers and breaks wooden spoon

Holly Willoughby was among the stars saluting the nation 's frontline workers putting their lives at risk in the fight against coronavirus .
For a fourth week in a row , people across the country stood on their doorsteps to applaud staff for Clap For Carers .
The tribute serves as a show of support and gratitude for key workers in the pandemic .
This Morning host Willoughby took part and shared a snap of a broken wooden spoon to Instagram , adding the hashtags # clapforourcarers # nhs .
Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly was joined by husband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posted a picture of the couple wearing T-shirts bearing the slogan `` thank you NHS '' .
Daly said : `` While we are staying at home you are risking your lives for us on the frontline .
We can not thank you enough for your bravery hard work and kindness . ''
Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan said Thursday 's applause was the loudest he had heard so far .
He tweeted : `` Loudest clapping/cheering/banging yet in my part of Kensington - so good to hear .
THANK YOU to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff & carers .
We 're never needed you more . ''
Declan Donnelly was also spotted applauding on his doorstep with wife Ali Astall , as was former football manager Harry Redknapp and his wife Sandra .

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Holly Willoughby was among the stars saluting the nation's frontline workers putting their lives at risk in the fight against coronavirus.
For a fourth week in a row, people across the country stood on their doorsteps to applaud staff for Clap For Carers.
The tribute serves as a show of support and gratitude for key workers in the pandemic.
This Morning host Willoughby took part and shared a snap of a broken wooden spoon to Instagram, adding the hashtags #clapforourcarers #nhs.
Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly was joined by husband Vernon Kay in applauding workers.
She posted a picture of the couple wearing T-shirts bearing the slogan "thank you NHS".
Daly said: "While we are staying at home you are risking your lives for us on the frontline. We cannot thank you enough for your bravery hard work and kindness."
Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan said Thursday's applause was the loudest he had heard so far.
He tweeted: "Loudest clapping/cheering/banging yet in my part of Kensington - so good to hear. THANK YOU to every single one of our brilliant NHS staff & carers. We're never needed you more."
Declan Donnelly was also spotted applauding on his doorstep with wife Ali Astall, as was former football manager Harry Redknapp and his wife Sandra.


birminghammail--2020-04-16--Fruit and veg pickers from Romania flown to UK to keep up with demand

Fruit and vegetable pickers have been flown from Romania to the UK to keep up with demand .
A plane carrying Romanian workers was chartered by one of the UK 's largest producers of vegetables , G 's Growers , and landed at Stansted Airport on Thursday .
Up to six flights have reportedly been organised to bring Eastern European farm workers to Britain .
The chartered trips have been arranged to help ensure there are experienced workers in the fields alongside new UK recruits , the British Growers Association has suggested .
G 's said in a statement that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Public Health England and that the returning workers will allow teams to `` have a percentage of experienced workers , who will help train and keep our new workforce safe '' .
It comes after a campaign to recruit more British seasonal workers was launched last month , amid concerns that travel restrictions imposed as a result of Covid-19 have made it difficult to recruit enough pickers from Eastern Europe , where many have come from in previous years .
Jack Ward , chief executive of the British Growers Association , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of seasonal workers this year will be British but that businesses can not run `` on enthusiasm alone '' .
`` When you 're operating on the scale ( that large food producers ) are , you do need a few people around who know what they 're doing , '' he said .
`` You just ca n't run these businesses on enthusiasm alone . ''
He said that , historically , a `` significant proportion '' of pickers come from Eastern Europe and return year after year .
`` I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of experience and know-how to mix in this year with the people who have never done this before , '' said Mr Ward .
He added that crops are harvested 12 months of the year and the height of the season is from May to autumn .
He said coronavirus restrictions could lift before the end of the season .
`` What we 've got to be a little bit aware of is that when we get to , let 's say , July and we 're still absolutely flat out in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people who have volunteered have then returned to their original jobs , '' said Mr Ward .
`` I think what some farms are trying to do is balance what 's available today , what might be available in three months ' time or four months ' time , and the requirements of what is quite a long season .
`` I think they 're trying to cover every eventuality but I sense that this year the vast majority of seasonal workers will be from the UK .
`` The numbers you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insignificant compared with the total numbers that are needed . ''
He said there had been a `` terrific response '' to a campaign to recruit more British workers this year .
`` If anything we 've been overwhelmed with offers of help , '' he said .
`` It 's been an amazing response . ''
He said the asparagus season , which requires around 5,000 pickers across the UK , is just getting under way .
The `` crunch '' will come from May onwards when 35,000 to 40,000 workers are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and berries , Mr Ward added .
`` This is a long game , '' he said .
`` The salad season will run well into October and growers have got to be very confident that they have got enough labour for the entire season .
`` We could be in a very different situation let 's say by July 1 . ''

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Fruit and vegetable pickers have been flown from Romania to the UK to keep up with demand.
A plane carrying Romanian workers was chartered by one of the UK's largest producers of vegetables, G's Growers, and landed at Stansted Airport on Thursday.
Up to six flights have reportedly been organised to bring Eastern European farm workers to Britain.
The chartered trips have been arranged to help ensure there are experienced workers in the fields alongside new UK recruits, the British Growers Association has suggested.
G's said in a statement that it has worked in line with advice from Public Health England and that the returning workers will allow teams to "have a percentage of experienced workers, who will help train and keep our new workforce safe".
It comes after a campaign to recruit more British seasonal workers was launched last month, amid concerns that travel restrictions imposed as a result of Covid-19 have made it difficult to recruit enough pickers from Eastern Europe, where many have come from in previous years.
Jack Ward, chief executive of the British Growers Association, said he expected the "vast majority" of seasonal workers this year will be British but that businesses cannot run "on enthusiasm alone".
"When you're operating on the scale (that large food producers) are, you do need a few people around who know what they're doing," he said. "You just can't run these businesses on enthusiasm alone."
He said that, historically, a "significant proportion" of pickers come from Eastern Europe and return year after year.
"I think what that workforce provides is a bit of experience and know-how to mix in this year with the people who have never done this before," said Mr Ward.
He added that crops are harvested 12 months of the year and the height of the season is from May to autumn.
He said coronavirus restrictions could lift before the end of the season.
"What we've got to be a little bit aware of is that when we get to, let's say, July and we're still absolutely flat out in the fresh produce industry, how many of the people who have volunteered have then returned to their original jobs," said Mr Ward.
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"I think what some farms are trying to do is balance what's available today, what might be available in three months' time or four months' time, and the requirements of what is quite a long season.
"I think they're trying to cover every eventuality but I sense that this year the vast majority of seasonal workers will be from the UK.
"The numbers you can get on a plane are almost insignificant compared with the total numbers that are needed."
He said there had been a "terrific response" to a campaign to recruit more British workers this year.
"If anything we've been overwhelmed with offers of help," he said. "It's been an amazing response."
He said the asparagus season, which requires around 5,000 pickers across the UK, is just getting under way.
The "crunch" will come from May onwards when 35,000 to 40,000 workers are required to pick crops such as lettuce and berries, Mr Ward added.
"This is a long game," he said. "The salad season will run well into October and growers have got to be very confident that they have got enough labour for the entire season.
"We could be in a very different situation let's say by July 1."


birminghammail--2020-04-16--Proud Midlanders unite for fourth week in Clap for Carers

Thousands of Midlanders have united for the fourth week in a row to take part in a huge round of applause for NHS workers .
Clap for our Carers has now become a weekly event as people across the UK band together to show support and thanks for the UK ’ s emergency workers .
As 8pm struck on Thursday , April 16 , residents across Birmingham and the Black Country stood together as a community to clap in unison .
From the fire service at Birmingham Airport to police officers and staff at Birmingham New Street as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave thanks to those battling the deadly coronavirus on the front line .
In an emotional video taken at Birmingham Airport , several firefighters can be seen joining in with the applause alongside essential workers .
The crew 's emergency vehicles also flash in solidarity .
You can watch the video above .
To date the deadly coronavirus has killed more than 13,828 .
Earlier this evening Dominic Raab , who is standing in for Boris Johnson while the Prime Minister recovers from the virus , confirmed that the lockdown will continue for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` The government has decided that the current measures must remain in place for at least the next three weeks . ''
Mr Raab said the lockdown `` has been successful '' in slowing down the rate of infection from the Covid-10 coronavirus .
But scientists said there was a `` mixed and inconsistent '' picture , he warned .
`` Overall we still do n't have the infection rate down as far as we need to . ''
Prime Minister Boris Johnson also took part at Chequers despite recovering from @ @

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Thousands of Midlanders have united for the fourth week in a row to take part in a huge round of applause for NHS workers.
Clap for our Carers has now become a weekly event as people across the UK band together to show support and thanks for the UK’s emergency workers.
As 8pm struck on Thursday, April 16, residents across Birmingham and the Black Country stood together as a community to clap in unison.
From the fire service at Birmingham Airport to police officers and staff at Birmingham New Street as well as ordinary streets and roads, the nation gave thanks to those battling the deadly coronavirus on the front line.
In an emotional video taken at Birmingham Airport, several firefighters can be seen joining in with the applause alongside essential workers. The crew's emergency vehicles also flash in solidarity. You can watch the video above.
To date the deadly coronavirus has killed more than 13,828.
Earlier this evening Dominic Raab, who is standing in for Boris Johnson while the Prime Minister recovers from the virus, confirmed that the lockdown will continue for at least three more weeks.
He said: "The government has decided that the current measures must remain in place for at least the next three weeks."
Mr Raab said the lockdown "has been successful" in slowing down the rate of infection from the Covid-10 coronavirus. But scientists said there was a "mixed and inconsistent" picture, he warned.
"Overall we still don't have the infection rate down as far as we need to."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson also took part at Chequers despite recovering from coronavirus.


birminghammail--2020-04-16--Man who spat at police officer after 'joking' he had coronavirus jailed

A man has been jailed for three months for claiming he had coronavirus then spitting at a police officer .
Nicholas Hazell , 36 , from Epsom in Surrey , assaulted an officer in a hospital after being taken there when he falsely claimed to have swallowed some drugs .
Surrey Police said in a statement that Hazell had been arrested on April 7 in connection with an ongoing investigation .
After his arrest he told officers he was infected with coronavirus and proceeded to urinate in the back of the police van .
After being further arrested for criminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to his claims of swallowing drugs .
He spat at an officer while waiting to be seen by medics and was later charged with assaulting an emergency worker .
Hazell was jailed for 12 weeks at Guildford Crown Court for criminal damage and assault .
He was also ordered to pay £250 compensation to the officer , who is self-isolating for two weeks .
Pc Elena Boafo said : `` This was a malicious offence , particularly given the current climate .
`` Hazell 's actions caused a police officer to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making an emergency services worker unavailable to the people of Surrey .
`` I hope this sentence proves that assaults against emergency services workers will not be tolerated . ''

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A man has been jailed for three months for claiming he had coronavirus then spitting at a police officer.
Nicholas Hazell, 36, from Epsom in Surrey, assaulted an officer in a hospital after being taken there when he falsely claimed to have swallowed some drugs.
Surrey Police said in a statement that Hazell had been arrested on April 7 in connection with an ongoing investigation.
After his arrest he told officers he was infected with coronavirus and proceeded to urinate in the back of the police van.
After being further arrested for criminal damage, he was taken to hospital due to his claims of swallowing drugs.
He spat at an officer while waiting to be seen by medics and was later charged with assaulting an emergency worker.
Hazell was jailed for 12 weeks at Guildford Crown Court for criminal damage and assault.
He was also ordered to pay £250 compensation to the officer, who is self-isolating for two weeks.
Pc Elena Boafo said: "This was a malicious offence, particularly given the current climate.
"Hazell's actions caused a police officer to be out of work for two weeks, making an emergency services worker unavailable to the people of Surrey.
"I hope this sentence proves that assaults against emergency services workers will not be tolerated."


birminghammail--2020-04-16--Prince William writes to Tom Moore, 99, after veteran makes £14m for NHS

The Duke of Cambridge has written to Second World War veteran Captain Tom Moore , whose fundraising efforts walking laps of his garden have captured the imagination of the nation .
William has also made an undisclosed donation to the 99-year-old 's appeal which has raised more than £14 million for the NHS , Kensington Palace said .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will look at ways to recognise the `` heroic efforts '' of 99-year-old Captain Tom Moore , who has raised more than £14 million for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden .
The Second World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenge before his 100th birthday on April 30 , wanting to give something back to the staff who treated him for a broken hip .
His initial target was to raise a modest £1,000 .
He successfully completed his 100th length on Thursday , at the Bedfordshire home where he lives with his family , but he plans to carry on as donations continue to pour in .
Downing Street said that Mr Johnson will look at ways to recognise Cpt Moore 's efforts , amid multiple calls for Cpt Moore to receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman told a Westminster briefing : `` From his military contributions to his support for NHS staff , Tom has demonstrated a lifetime of bravery and compassion .
`` The Prime Minister will certainly be looking at ways to recognise Tom 's heroic efforts . ''
Number 10 said Cpt Moore had `` captured the heart of the nation '' and `` embodied the spirit of the whole country in doing their bit for the battle against coronavirus '' .
By Thursday afternoon , more than 700,000 supporters had donated more than £14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - the largest total ever raised in a single campaign on the website .
Cpt Moore completed the final 25-metre lap of his 100-lap challenge as a special guard of honour by the 1st battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment looked on .
Speaking at the finish line , he said he felt `` fine '' and that he was `` surrounded by the right sort of people '' .
Cpt Moore said plans for his party have been affected by the virus but that the national outpouring of love and support for him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
There is also an online campaign for children to make him birthday cards .
He told ITV that the public generosity had been `` unbelievable '' , adding : `` Our country and all our nations , we 're all so generous in all sorts of ways .
`` But it 's for a super purpose .
`` Nurses , doctors and all the back-up workers , they deserve everything we can give them . ''
Cpt Moore was given a special mention in a press briefing on Wednesday by Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as an `` inspiration '' .
Originally from Keighley in West Yorkshire , Cpt Moore trained as a civil engineer before enlisting in the Army for the Second World War , rising to captain and serving in India and Burma .
Donations to NHS Charities Together can still be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tomswalkforthenhs .

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The Duke of Cambridge has written to Second World War veteran Captain Tom Moore, whose fundraising efforts walking laps of his garden have captured the imagination of the nation.
William has also made an undisclosed donation to the 99-year-old's appeal which has raised more than £14 million for the NHS, Kensington Palace said.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will look at ways to recognise the "heroic efforts" of 99-year-old Captain Tom Moore, who has raised more than £14 million for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden.
The Second World War veteran set out to complete the challenge before his 100th birthday on April 30, wanting to give something back to the staff who treated him for a broken hip.
His initial target was to raise a modest £1,000.
He successfully completed his 100th length on Thursday, at the Bedfordshire home where he lives with his family, but he plans to carry on as donations continue to pour in.
(Image: PA)
Downing Street said that Mr Johnson will look at ways to recognise Cpt Moore's efforts, amid multiple calls for Cpt Moore to receive a knighthood.
The Prime Minister's spokesman told a Westminster briefing: "From his military contributions to his support for NHS staff, Tom has demonstrated a lifetime of bravery and compassion.
"The Prime Minister will certainly be looking at ways to recognise Tom's heroic efforts."
Number 10 said Cpt Moore had "captured the heart of the nation" and "embodied the spirit of the whole country in doing their bit for the battle against coronavirus".
By Thursday afternoon, more than 700,000 supporters had donated more than £14 million on Cpt Moore's JustGiving page - the largest total ever raised in a single campaign on the website.
Cpt Moore completed the final 25-metre lap of his 100-lap challenge as a special guard of honour by the 1st battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment looked on.
Speaking at the finish line, he said he felt "fine" and that he was "surrounded by the right sort of people".
Cpt Moore said plans for his party have been affected by the virus but that the national outpouring of love and support for him was "a party enough for me".
There is also an online campaign for children to make him birthday cards.
He told ITV that the public generosity had been "unbelievable", adding: "Our country and all our nations, we're all so generous in all sorts of ways.
"But it's for a super purpose.
"Nurses, doctors and all the back-up workers, they deserve everything we can give them."
Cpt Moore was given a special mention in a press briefing on Wednesday by Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who described him as an "inspiration".
Originally from Keighley in West Yorkshire, Cpt Moore trained as a civil engineer before enlisting in the Army for the Second World War, rising to captain and serving in India and Burma.
Donations to NHS Charities Together can still be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tomswalkforthenhs.


birminghammail--2020-04-16--Dermot O'Leary issues update over wife Dee Koppang's pregnancy

The X Factor host announced the couple were expecting their first child together in February , after almost eight years @ @ @ @ @ on The One Show on Thursday and told presenter Alex Jones that Koppang will give @ @ @ @ @ He said : `` Expecting end of June , early July , the perfect time @ @ @ @ @ this world ! ''
O'Leary , 46 , said the lockdown had given the family @ @ @ @ @ new arrival .
`` We 're pretty much getting ourselves together , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ Koppang tied the knot in 2012 .
They announced they were expecting on February 1 @ @ @ @ @ Instagram .
O'Leary will co-host the BBC 's coverage of the One World : Together @ @ @ @ @ has been curated by Lady Gaga .
The concert will be broadcast live in the @ @ @ @ @ air in the UK on Sunday .
Artists set to perform include Sir Paul McCartney @ @ @ @ @ Gaga and Billie Eilish .

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Dermot O'Leary has updated fans on wife Dee Koppang's pregnancy.
The X Factor host announced the couple were expecting their first child together in February, after almost eight years of marriage.
O'Leary appeared on The One Show on Thursday and told presenter Alex Jones that Koppang will give birth in the summer.
He said: "Expecting end of June, early July, the perfect time to bring a child into this world!"
O'Leary, 46, said the lockdown had given the family time to prepare for the new arrival.
"We're pretty much getting ourselves together," he said.
(Image: publicity picture)
O'Leary and TV producer Koppang tied the knot in 2012.
They announced they were expecting on February 1, with a post on Instagram.
O'Leary will co-host the BBC's coverage of the One World: Together At Home concert, which has been curated by Lady Gaga.
(Image: PA)
The concert will be broadcast live in the US on Saturday and will air in the UK on Sunday.
Artists set to perform include Sir Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish.


birminghammail--2020-04-16--Watch emotional scene as dozens gather at hospital for carers and NHS staff

This is the beautiful moment a mass applause erupted outside a Wolverhampton hospital to thank the critical workers fighting against coronavirus .
Communities once again were out in force for the fourth time running to show their appreciation for the NHS – and every other essential worker keeping our cities afloat amid the pandemic .
The moving clip , which was captured by emergency crews can be watched above , shows the part of New Cross Hospital at a standstill during the Clap for Carers event .
Police , medics and even a fleet of RAC cars flashed their lights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A spokesman for the force said : `` Absolutely fantastic turn out at New Cross Hospital this evening . ''
This scene was just one of many as millions across the region – and country – came together to put on a united front against the deadly coronavirus , which has killed more than 13,828 .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson also joined the nation in thanking the NHS and care workers from his country home in Chequers , where he is recovering .
A No10 spokesman said : `` Like millions of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joined in the clap for carers this evening , to say thank you for the incredible efforts of the country ’ s doctors , nurses and care workers . ''
Britons took to social media where they praised health workers at the centre of the crisis who have risked their lives to treat patients suffering form the disease .
Meanwhile , 99-year-old war hero Captain Tom Moore has raised more than £15m for the NHS by walking up and down his garden 100 times .
His story has gone around the world , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obliterated with more than 700,000 people donating .
There are now calls for him to be knighted .
Britain ’ s coronavirus death toll has risen to more than 13,828 after 870 more deaths were reported in the last 24 hours .
Another 740 patients died in hospitals in England .
Scotland reported 80 new deaths as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said there were fresh signs the lockdown was working , but also warned : “ We are by no means through this yet.
” Wales reported 32 more deaths and 18 were @ @ @ @ @

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This is the beautiful moment a mass applause erupted outside a Wolverhampton hospital to thank the critical workers fighting against coronavirus.
Communities once again were out in force for the fourth time running to show their appreciation for the NHS – and every other essential worker keeping our cities afloat amid the pandemic.
The moving clip, which was captured by emergency crews can be watched above , shows the part of New Cross Hospital at a standstill during the Clap for Carers event.
Police, medics and even a fleet of RAC cars flashed their lights in admiration for the front-line staff.
A spokesman for the force said: "Absolutely fantastic turn out at New Cross Hospital this evening."
This scene was just one of many as millions across the region – and country – came together to put on a united front against the deadly coronavirus, which has killed more than 13,828.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson also joined the nation in thanking the NHS and care workers from his country home in Chequers, where he is recovering.
A No10 spokesman said: "Like millions of people across the country, the Prime Minister joined in the clap for carers this evening, to say thank you for the incredible efforts of the country’s doctors, nurses and care workers."
Britons took to social media where they praised health workers at the centre of the crisis who have risked their lives to treat patients suffering form the disease.
Meanwhile, 99-year-old war hero Captain Tom Moore has raised more than £15m for the NHS by walking up and down his garden 100 times.
His story has gone around the world, and his initial four-figure target has been obliterated with more than 700,000 people donating.
There are now calls for him to be knighted.
Britain’s coronavirus death toll has risen to more than 13,828 after 870 more deaths were reported in the last 24 hours.
Another 740 patients died in hospitals in England.
Scotland reported 80 new deaths as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said there were fresh signs the lockdown was working, but also warned: “We are by no means through this yet.”
Wales reported 32 more deaths and 18 were recorded in Northern Ireland.


birminghammail--2020-04-16--Prince Harry and Meghan Markle deliver meals to vulnerable people in LA

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex spent the Easter break helping deliver meals to vulnerable and housebound people in Los Angeles .
Harry and Meghan decided to help out after Meghan 's mother Doria told them of a charity that needed extra pairs of hands , a source said .
The couple worked on Easter Sunday and the following Wednesday with Project Angel Food , which cooks and delivers food to people with life-threatening illnesses who are too ill to shop and cook for themselves .
Originally set up during the Aids crisis for people living in fear of discrimination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and now delivers 600,000 meals a year .
One recipient told a local newspaper : `` I thought that tall red-headed guy looked pretty familiar , and that girl was pretty , '' but added that it took a minute to work out who they were .
A source told the PA news agency it was Doria - a social worker - who alerted the couple to the fact Project Angel Food needed more volunteers as its staff have been working long hours during the Covid-19 crisis .
Project Angel Food 's executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had worn personal protective equipment and stuck to social distancing guidelines while they helped out .
Mr Ayoub said : `` I gave them a tour of the kitchen , they talked to our chef , they asked them questions about the meal production and how we make medically tailored meals and what kind of clients we have .
`` They were really simply lovely and very engaged and inquisitive and curious about the whole process .
`` For them to choose Project Angel Food as their first charity , not only in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is just a huge honour to us .
`` These are real deal down-to-earth folks who care about other human beings and want to make a difference .
`` It is very obvious to me that they are genuine and they wanted to see the people who are often forgotten in our community and make sure they knew they were not forgotten and they were hoping to put a smile on some faces .
`` They did it with no fanfare , they did it with no big entourage - they did it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service . ''

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex spent the Easter break helping deliver meals to vulnerable and housebound people in Los Angeles.
Harry and Meghan decided to help out after Meghan's mother Doria told them of a charity that needed extra pairs of hands, a source said.
The couple worked on Easter Sunday and the following Wednesday with Project Angel Food, which cooks and delivers food to people with life-threatening illnesses who are too ill to shop and cook for themselves.
Originally set up during the Aids crisis for people living in fear of discrimination, it expanded its mission in 2004 and now delivers 600,000 meals a year.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
One recipient told a local newspaper: "I thought that tall red-headed guy looked pretty familiar, and that girl was pretty," but added that it took a minute to work out who they were.
A source told the PA news agency it was Doria - a social worker - who alerted the couple to the fact Project Angel Food needed more volunteers as its staff have been working long hours during the Covid-19 crisis.
Project Angel Food's executive director Richard Ayoub told PA the couple had worn personal protective equipment and stuck to social distancing guidelines while they helped out.
Mr Ayoub said: "I gave them a tour of the kitchen, they talked to our chef, they asked them questions about the meal production and how we make medically tailored meals and what kind of clients we have.
"They were really simply lovely and very engaged and inquisitive and curious about the whole process.
"For them to choose Project Angel Food as their first charity, not only in Los Angeles but in the US, is just a huge honour to us.
"These are real deal down-to-earth folks who care about other human beings and want to make a difference.
"It is very obvious to me that they are genuine and they wanted to see the people who are often forgotten in our community and make sure they knew they were not forgotten and they were hoping to put a smile on some faces.
"They did it with no fanfare, they did it with no big entourage - they did it as single individuals doing an act of service."


birminghammail--2020-04-16--Villa anger & Thierry Henry - Bruce's Newcastle takeover torment

There was a time when Brucie was better known for takeaways than takeovers but he is now facing his second change of club ownership in less than two years .
As PCP Capital Partners , on behalf of Saudi Arabia 's Public Investment Fund , crack on with their £300 million plan to buy out Mike Ashley at Newcastle United , Bruce could be forgiven for thinking 'here we go again ' .
If he 's not changing clubs - swapping Sheffield Wednesday for Newcastle in a heartbeat - then clubs are being changed for him .
The 59-year-old may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on an even footing since his move to St James ' Park .
Now the ground shifts again and it would be entirely understandable if Bruce were to greet the latest developments around a takeover on Tyneside with a growing sense of foreboding given how his reign at Aston Villa unravelled .
It is important to remember that his final months at Villa were played out against a backdrop of emotional turmoil with the deaths of both of his parents .
Hardly helping matters back then was the uncertainty about his position at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of football 's good guys .
Even during his days as a regular Manchester United trophy winner his everyman quality shine through , and he has carried that persona with him ever since , but his self-deprecating , humour-filled demeanour slipped during the stresses of that summer and autumn period in 2018 .
Cast your minds back and you will remember that image of Bruce , wearing a coach driver-style short-sleeved white shirt , standing stunned in the Wembley technical area after a Championship play-off defeat to Fulham .
That loss set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would eventually drive the manager , the chairman , the chief executive and the sporting director out of Villa .
Just as significantly for Villa it would drive new owners - Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens - into the driving seat at the club .
When Villa reported back for pre-season training and jetted off to Portugal for a warm weather training camp , Bruce found himself fielding questions about the club 's worst summer in living memory .
Aston Villa Football Club , formed in 1874 , were on the brink , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unpaid tax-bill and , apparently , asking players to bring their own packed lunches to training to ease the financial burden on the Bodymoor Heath canteen .
Bruce , to his credit , took the situation and the burden of publicly fronting the crisis on those hefty centre-half shoulders of his , and conducted himself with dignity throughout an unbelievably fraught period for himself and the club .
Resigned to losing Jack Grealish to Tottenham Hotspur , Bruce 's transfer dealings were put on hold while owner Tony Xia and CEO Keith Wyness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a temporary board , including a promoted-way-above-his-station intern , tried to hold things together .
Still Bruce put on a brave face and cracked on .
It was the Thierry Henry rumours that did it .
Having tried his best to be statesmanlike at a football club in disarray , to lift his beaten play-off finalists off the floor , Bruce was n't able to enjoy the sight of billionaire saviours riding to the rescue in quite the same way everybody else in B6 were able to .
No sooner had news of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed on July 20 , 2018 , talk of Thierry dominated claret and blue conversations faster than you could say 'va va voom ' .
The new money-men - who had supposedly hatched their plan to rescue Villa while watching England lose a World Cup semi final to Croatia on a hotel room television set in Idaho while attending a business conference a week or so earlier - were considering bringing in their own man .
That man was Henry and the Arsenal and France legend 's camp were briefing that he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were unwilling or unable to quash the speculation .
The story would n't go away .
Bruce had been in the game long enough to know how these things can escalate , but already in a fragile state because of what had happened to him in both a professional and personal capacity , he felt premature talk about his potential successor was disrespectful in the extreme while his nameplate was still on the door .
Given that he had guided Villa to within touching distance of a Premier League return , and had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arund him were losing theirs during a summer of turmoil , he was seething at the Henry innuendo .
The usually genial Bruce let rip at one Midlands reporter ( for once it was n't me ) for having the audacity to call his assistant Stephen Clemence to get a handle on the rumours amid the information vacuum that spurred on the speculation around his situation .
With the World Cup done and dusted , and football 's focus back on the domestic game once again , the Henry links charged on , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used to gallop through opposition defences in the Premier League - and it was a long and gossipy five days between the arrival of Sawiris-Edens and an update to offer clarity over Bruce 's future .
Something had to give and ahead of a friendly against West Ham United at Walsall on the evening of Wednesday July 25 the club finally broke cover .
Photos of a half-smiling Bruce with his two new bosses were distributed by Villa along with a 25-word statement confirming Nas and Wes were backing the manager .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has met majority owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens and will continue as manager with their full support . ''
Local TV cameras trailed Bruce 's every move as he parked his car and strolled into the Banks 's Stadium that night .
A gaggle of fans had gathered outside reception to greet the new investors as they were driven to the door in a black Mercedes .
Paying the bills and keeping Grealish were the immediate priorities for the pair after which a very quick make-do-and-mend trolley dash was sanctioned to ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bruce was backed with some cash for permanent deals .
John McGinn and Orjan Nyland arrived .
Funds were also freed up to pay loan fees and wages for Axel Tuanzebe , Anwar El Ghazi , Yannick Bolassie , Tammy Abraham and , ahem , Andre Moreira .
To all intents and purposes , even if the new powerbrokers wanted their own man , they left Bruce to it .
He had to go forward ( or sit back , depending on your perspective ) without the previous campaign 's captain John Terry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnstone and Lewis Grabban .
Considering that weeks earlier the club 's very existence was under threat , they started the 2018-19 season with a competitive if unbalanced squad capable of mounting another promotion push .
As we now know , it did n't unfold that way , at least not for Bruce .
A series of patchy results prompted him to brand his critics the 'mad few ' , as opposed to his 'intelligent ' followers , and in the end the night of the thrown cabbage and a ridiculous 3-3 draw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the final indignity for the beleaguered Villa boss .
It was indignation , however , that characterised the closing chapter of his three year claret and blue career as he struggled to shake off the sense that all that 'Henry s*** ' , as he called it , had undermined him .
Having hopped back into management with Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship his Premier League return as Rafa Benitez 's replacement last summer would have been as much a shock to the boyhood Toon fan as it was to his fellow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will know better than this distant observer over whether 13th place in the Premier League ranks against Newcastle 's expectations , and for the man with the unenviable task of filling Rafa 's shoes , but here he is again .
Steady Steve , seemingly satisfied with the job he is doing against the odds , knowing from bitter experience that it might not be enough to appease the punters or his new paymasters daring to dream a bit bigger than Brucie .

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Spare a thought for Steve Bruce.
There was a time when Brucie was better known for takeaways than takeovers but he is now facing his second change of club ownership in less than two years.
As PCP Capital Partners, on behalf of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, crack on with their £300 million plan to buy out Mike Ashley at Newcastle United, Bruce could be forgiven for thinking 'here we go again'.
If he's not changing clubs - swapping Sheffield Wednesday for Newcastle in a heartbeat - then clubs are being changed for him. The 59-year-old may have felt that he had got himself on an even footing since his move to St James' Park.
Now the ground shifts again and it would be entirely understandable if Bruce were to greet the latest developments around a takeover on Tyneside with a growing sense of foreboding given how his reign at Aston Villa unravelled.
It is important to remember that his final months at Villa were played out against a backdrop of emotional turmoil with the deaths of both of his parents.
Hardly helping matters back then was the uncertainty about his position at Villa.
Bruce is renowned as being one of football's good guys. Even during his days as a regular Manchester United trophy winner his everyman quality shine through, and he has carried that persona with him ever since, but his self-deprecating, humour-filled demeanour slipped during the stresses of that summer and autumn period in 2018.
Cast your minds back and you will remember that image of Bruce, wearing a coach driver-style short-sleeved white shirt, standing stunned in the Wembley technical area after a Championship play-off defeat to Fulham. That loss set in motion a chain of events that would eventually drive the manager, the chairman, the chief executive and the sporting director out of Villa.
Just as significantly for Villa it would drive new owners - Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens - into the driving seat at the club.
When Villa reported back for pre-season training and jetted off to Portugal for a warm weather training camp, Bruce found himself fielding questions about the club's worst summer in living memory.
Aston Villa Football Club, formed in 1874, were on the brink, facing a winding up order over an unpaid tax-bill and, apparently, asking players to bring their own packed lunches to training to ease the financial burden on the Bodymoor Heath canteen.
Bruce, to his credit, took the situation and the burden of publicly fronting the crisis on those hefty centre-half shoulders of his, and conducted himself with dignity throughout an unbelievably fraught period for himself and the club.
Resigned to losing Jack Grealish to Tottenham Hotspur, Bruce's transfer dealings were put on hold while owner Tony Xia and CEO Keith Wyness became embroiled in a bitter dispute while a temporary board, including a promoted-way-above-his-station intern, tried to hold things together.
Still Bruce put on a brave face and cracked on.
Until...
It was the Thierry Henry rumours that did it.
Having tried his best to be statesmanlike at a football club in disarray, to lift his beaten play-off finalists off the floor, Bruce wasn't able to enjoy the sight of billionaire saviours riding to the rescue in quite the same way everybody else in B6 were able to.
No sooner had news of the duo's investment in Villa been confirmed on July 20, 2018, talk of Thierry dominated claret and blue conversations faster than you could say 'va va voom'.
Claret & Blue podcast Have you tried our Claret & Blue podcast out? Claret & Blue is our expanded look at everything Aston Villa - and you can find it on iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube, as well as your podcast service of choice. Our writers will bring you the latest from Villa Park in their own unique style, taking a deeper look at the Villans while having a lot of fun along the way. What can you expect? Well,analysis, news, interviews and debate along with, yes, a fair amount of nonsense! That's not all though, you can find the podcast on Twitter here, and as a newsletter which you can subscribe to here. In our newsletter you'll get original articles like this and exclusive interviews before anyone else has access. What are you waiting for?
The new money-men - who had supposedly hatched their plan to rescue Villa while watching England lose a World Cup semi final to Croatia on a hotel room television set in Idaho while attending a business conference a week or so earlier - were considering bringing in their own man.
That man was Henry and the Arsenal and France legend's camp were briefing that he was in contention. Villa, meanwhile, were unwilling or unable to quash the speculation. The story wouldn't go away.
Bruce had been in the game long enough to know how these things can escalate, but already in a fragile state because of what had happened to him in both a professional and personal capacity, he felt premature talk about his potential successor was disrespectful in the extreme while his nameplate was still on the door.
Given that he had guided Villa to within touching distance of a Premier League return, and had tried to keep his head while all arund him were losing theirs during a summer of turmoil, he was seething at the Henry innuendo.
The usually genial Bruce let rip at one Midlands reporter (for once it wasn't me) for having the audacity to call his assistant Stephen Clemence to get a handle on the rumours amid the information vacuum that spurred on the speculation around his situation.
With the World Cup done and dusted, and football's focus back on the domestic game once again, the Henry links charged on, unchallenged like how the French forward himself used to gallop through opposition defences in the Premier League - and it was a long and gossipy five days between the arrival of Sawiris-Edens and an update to offer clarity over Bruce's future.
Something had to give and ahead of a friendly against West Ham United at Walsall on the evening of Wednesday July 25 the club finally broke cover.
(Image: Neville Williams / Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Photos of a half-smiling Bruce with his two new bosses were distributed by Villa along with a 25-word statement confirming Nas and Wes were backing the manager.
"Aston Villa can confirm manager Steve Bruce has met majority owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens and will continue as manager with their full support."
Local TV cameras trailed Bruce's every move as he parked his car and strolled into the Banks's Stadium that night. A gaggle of fans had gathered outside reception to greet the new investors as they were driven to the door in a black Mercedes.
Paying the bills and keeping Grealish were the immediate priorities for the pair after which a very quick make-do-and-mend trolley dash was sanctioned to ready Villa for the looming Championship campaign.
Bruce was backed with some cash for permanent deals. John McGinn and Orjan Nyland arrived. Funds were also freed up to pay loan fees and wages for Axel Tuanzebe, Anwar El Ghazi, Yannick Bolassie, Tammy Abraham and, ahem, Andre Moreira.
To all intents and purposes, even if the new powerbrokers wanted their own man, they left Bruce to it.
He had to go forward (or sit back, depending on your perspective) without the previous campaign's captain John Terry, and loanees Robert Snodgrass, Sam Johnstone and Lewis Grabban. Considering that weeks earlier the club's very existence was under threat, they started the 2018-19 season with a competitive if unbalanced squad capable of mounting another promotion push.
As we now know, it didn't unfold that way, at least not for Bruce. A series of patchy results prompted him to brand his critics the 'mad few', as opposed to his 'intelligent' followers, and in the end the night of the thrown cabbage and a ridiculous 3-3 draw against Preston at Villa Park proved to be the final indignity for the beleaguered Villa boss.
It was indignation, however, that characterised the closing chapter of his three year claret and blue career as he struggled to shake off the sense that all that 'Henry s***', as he called it, had undermined him.
Having hopped back into management with Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship his Premier League return as Rafa Benitez's replacement last summer would have been as much a shock to the boyhood Toon fan as it was to his fellow Geordies.
St James' Park regulars will know better than this distant observer over whether 13th place in the Premier League ranks against Newcastle's expectations, and for the man with the unenviable task of filling Rafa's shoes, but here he is again.
Steady Steve, seemingly satisfied with the job he is doing against the odds, knowing from bitter experience that it might not be enough to appease the punters or his new paymasters daring to dream a bit bigger than Brucie.


birminghammail--2020-04-16--Eamonn Holmes' ominous hint over future of This Morning

This Morning presenter Eamonn Holmes has hinted at a radical This Morning shake-up .
The host , who presents the ITV1 daytime favourite alongside wife Ruth Langsford , spoke out on Thursday 's instalment .
Taking to the air on Thursday , Irish presenter Eamonn was quizzing Joel Dommett , who appeared via video link to promote his new show .
The comedian and former I 'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here campmate spoke to Eamonn and Ruth , who were standing in for Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield .
Holly and Phil have been busy presenting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the axing of several shows .
Coronation Street and Emmerdale , two of the channel 's biggest shows , were pulled by ITV and stopped filming .
Now , Eamonn reckons major changes are coming to This Morning as the country continues to battle the Covid-19 pandemic .
He told Joel , who was dialling in from his home : `` We 're looking at the future really .
`` I reckon not too long from now Ruth and I will be at home presenting This Morning , that ’ s the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s programme will be done from home . ''
He then told the comic : `` I think you ’ re ahead of the curve . ''
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV .

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This Morning presenter Eamonn Holmes has hinted at a radical This Morning shake-up.
The host, who presents the ITV1 daytime favourite alongside wife Ruth Langsford, spoke out on Thursday's instalment.
Taking to the air on Thursday, Irish presenter Eamonn was quizzing Joel Dommett, who appeared via video link to promote his new show.
The comedian and former I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here campmate spoke to Eamonn and Ruth, who were standing in for Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.
Holly and Phil have been busy presenting the show ever since the coronavirus lockdown sparked the axing of several shows.
Coronation Street and Emmerdale, two of the channel's biggest shows, were pulled by ITV and stopped filming.
Now, Eamonn reckons major changes are coming to This Morning as the country continues to battle the Covid-19 pandemic.
He told Joel, who was dialling in from his home: "We're looking at the future really.
"I reckon not too long from now Ruth and I will be at home presenting This Morning, that’s the way it will be.
"Everybody’s programme will be done from home."
He then told the comic: "I think you’re ahead of the curve."
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV.


birminghammail--2020-04-16--The heartwarming donation that will make Birmingham City fans proud

Birmingham City and the community trust have made a generous donation to Birmingham Children ’ s Trust amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The club have decided to donate 1,250 packets of crisps , 2,500 bottles of drinks and 400 packs of biscuits to the newly opened resource hub .
A centre which will provide support for the most disadvantaged children and families in Birmingham .
The goods were supposed to be used in the remaining Blues home games , before the COVID-19 outbreak suspended the Championship season .
On the decision to donate the products , Blues ’ chief commercial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With Championship matches suspended indefinitely many of these perishable products may have gone to waste .
“ We are therefore delighted that we are able to use these provisions and support such an essential organisation and vital cause during these unprecedented times.
” Antony Isherwood , Community Director of BCFC Community Trust , said : “ Birmingham Children ’ s Trust is delivering a crucial operation during lockdown which we are proud to do our bit to support .
“ We are always looking for ways to contribute to the community of Birmingham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stakeholders across the city for further opportunities .
“ If any individuals , business , or community groups are in need of our support then please get in touch.
” Andy Couldrick , Chief Executive of Birmingham Children ’ s Trust , said : “ We are so grateful for the continued and unwavering support being given to our children , young people and families by Birmingham City FC and the BCFC Community Trust .
“ Like all organisations that are supporting vulnerable families during this lockdown , we have had to adapt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has included creating , from scratch , a resource hub where we can provide food , drink and other essential goods like nappies to those in the most need .
“ This generous donation of food and drink is most gratefully appreciated and will be packaged up and delivered safely directly to family homes this week thanks to our staff and our volunteer workforce .
”

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Birmingham City and the community trust have made a generous donation to Birmingham Children’s Trust amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The club have decided to donate 1,250 packets of crisps, 2,500 bottles of drinks and 400 packs of biscuits to the newly opened resource hub. A centre which will provide support for the most disadvantaged children and families in Birmingham.
The goods were supposed to be used in the remaining Blues home games, before the COVID-19 outbreak suspended the Championship season.
On the decision to donate the products, Blues’ chief commercial officer, Ian Dutton said: “With Championship matches suspended indefinitely many of these perishable products may have gone to waste.
“We are therefore delighted that we are able to use these provisions and support such an essential organisation and vital cause during these unprecedented times.”
Antony Isherwood, Community Director of BCFC Community Trust, said: “Birmingham Children’s Trust is delivering a crucial operation during lockdown which we are proud to do our bit to support.
“We are always looking for ways to contribute to the community of Birmingham and have been in constant dialogue with stakeholders across the city for further opportunities.
“If any individuals, business, or community groups are in need of our support then please get in touch.”
Andy Couldrick, Chief Executive of Birmingham Children’s Trust, said: “We are so grateful for the continued and unwavering support being given to our children, young people and families by Birmingham City FC and the BCFC Community Trust.
“Like all organisations that are supporting vulnerable families during this lockdown, we have had to adapt at an incredible pace, and this has included creating, from scratch, a resource hub where we can provide food, drink and other essential goods like nappies to those in the most need.
“This generous donation of food and drink is most gratefully appreciated and will be packaged up and delivered safely directly to family homes this week thanks to our staff and our volunteer workforce.”


birminghammail--2020-04-16--Lifting coronavirus lockdown 'even slightly' could trigger second peak

The delicate balancing act of reducing the infection rate of Covid-19 means that relaxing the social distancing measures even slightly could lead to a second peak in deaths , health officials have warned .
The average person-to-person transmission rate , or R0 value , of the virus is now believed to sit somewhere between 0.5 and just below 1 .
Before the shutdown was imposed , scientists estimated every Covid-19 positive person went on to infect an average of 2.6 other people .
Despite an apparent plateauing in deaths and infections , the Government 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a very real possibility if social distancing rules were relaxed .
Speaking at the daily Downing Street press conference , he said the fact that on average each infected person is passing the virus on to less than one person was `` an important change '' .
`` It means in the community it is likely that the virus and the epidemic is now shrinking , '' he said .
He warned there might have been a growth in transmission in some settings such as hospital and social care , but added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one , but we ca n't say by how much . ''
Sir Patrick said : `` The closer it is to one , the more likely it is that even small changes in the measures that are in place could lead to the R0 going above one .
`` If the R0 goes above one , ( cases ) start to grow again fast , and it may be quite difficult to predict and detect that growth .
`` Then we run the risk of a second peak with all of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy . ''
Sir Patrick said it was important all measures remain in place if the pandemic is to be brought under control .
The briefing was chaired by Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab .
Mr Raab said `` there is light at the end of the tunnel '' but refused to set out a `` definitive time frame '' for easing the lockdown measures .
He added a second peak would lead to a second lockdown , increasing the economic damage .
`` It 's not a trade-off here , if we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just damaging for people 's health and public safety , we will also end up back in a second lockdown which will prolong the economic risks , '' he said .
`` So we are taking the right decision at the right time , as we have always said . ''

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The delicate balancing act of reducing the infection rate of Covid-19 means that relaxing the social distancing measures even slightly could lead to a second peak in deaths, health officials have warned.
The average person-to-person transmission rate, or R0 value, of the virus is now believed to sit somewhere between 0.5 and just below 1.
Before the shutdown was imposed, scientists estimated every Covid-19 positive person went on to infect an average of 2.6 other people.
Despite an apparent plateauing in deaths and infections, the Government's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance warned a second peak in deaths was a very real possibility if social distancing rules were relaxed.
Speaking at the daily Downing Street press conference, he said the fact that on average each infected person is passing the virus on to less than one person was "an important change".
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"It means in the community it is likely that the virus and the epidemic is now shrinking," he said.
He warned there might have been a growth in transmission in some settings such as hospital and social care, but added: "Overall the R0 is below one, but we can't say by how much."
Sir Patrick said: "The closer it is to one, the more likely it is that even small changes in the measures that are in place could lead to the R0 going above one.
(Image: PA)
"If the R0 goes above one, (cases) start to grow again fast, and it may be quite difficult to predict and detect that growth.
"Then we run the risk of a second peak with all of the damage that will cause to health and the economy."
Sir Patrick said it was important all measures remain in place if the pandemic is to be brought under control.
The briefing was chaired by Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab.
Mr Raab said "there is light at the end of the tunnel" but refused to set out a "definitive time frame" for easing the lockdown measures.
He added a second peak would lead to a second lockdown, increasing the economic damage.
"It's not a trade-off here, if we get a second peak it's not just damaging for people's health and public safety, we will also end up back in a second lockdown which will prolong the economic risks," he said.
"So we are taking the right decision at the right time, as we have always said."


birminghammail--2020-04-16--Beverley Knight's NHS song inspired by mum and brother's Covid-19 fight

Beverley Knight has said she was inspired to help create a music video in aid of NHS workers after her mother and brother were struck down with suspected cases of Covid-19 .
The singer , 47 , told the PA news agency that both her family members struggled to cope with the virus despite generally being in good health .
She has appeared alongside fellow singer Joss Stone as part of the NHS Relief campaign which saw the pair cover Lean On Me by Bill Withers alongside more than 100 other artists from across the UK .
Knight said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , very strong , athletic type of man and it took him out for a month .
He really struggled . ''
She said that her mother , who is 72 and used to work as a nurse , is very healthy for her age but also struggled with the illness .
`` My mum , to be perfectly honest with you , frightened me , '' Knight said .
`` She was very ill , very ill indeed . ''
Her mother and brother had to be taken to hospital at different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both of their conditions have subsequently improved , Knight said .
She added that she has a `` deep-rooted family history '' with the NHS because many of her relatives have worked for the health service .
The singer said her sister and her colleagues , who work for the 111 information service , had a `` cameo '' in the music video `` having a little dance and singing outside '' .
The song , which will be made available across streaming platforms , is raising money for the NHS Charities Together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Knight said : `` I hope that people will love it enough to donate whatever they can , that 's the aim of the game here .
`` We are trying to raise as much money as we can for the various NHS charities . ''
This Morning star Dr Ranj Singh has also been recruited to help lead the campaign .
He said : `` The NHS is a big part of my life and I know how important it is and how important it is right now .
`` Anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make people on the front line feel more appreciated is vital , because they 're doing an incredible job for all of us .
`` This is a really lovely thing to do for them in return . ''

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Beverley Knight has said she was inspired to help create a music video in aid of NHS workers after her mother and brother were struck down with suspected cases of Covid-19.
The singer, 47, told the PA news agency that both her family members struggled to cope with the virus despite generally being in good health.
She has appeared alongside fellow singer Joss Stone as part of the NHS Relief campaign which saw the pair cover Lean On Me by Bill Withers alongside more than 100 other artists from across the UK.
Knight said: "My brother is a very fit, very strong, athletic type of man and it took him out for a month. He really struggled."
She said that her mother, who is 72 and used to work as a nurse, is very healthy for her age but also struggled with the illness.
"My mum, to be perfectly honest with you, frightened me," Knight said.
"She was very ill, very ill indeed."
Her mother and brother had to be taken to hospital at different times while they fought the illness but both of their conditions have subsequently improved, Knight said.
She added that she has a "deep-rooted family history" with the NHS because many of her relatives have worked for the health service.
The singer said her sister and her colleagues, who work for the 111 information service, had a "cameo" in the music video "having a little dance and singing outside".
(Image: Getty Images)
The song, which will be made available across streaming platforms, is raising money for the NHS Charities Together and You Okay, Doc? charities.
Knight said: "I hope that people will love it enough to donate whatever they can, that's the aim of the game here.
"We are trying to raise as much money as we can for the various NHS charities."
This Morning star Dr Ranj Singh has also been recruited to help lead the campaign.
He said: "The NHS is a big part of my life and I know how important it is and how important it is right now.
"Anything we can do to boost morale and make people on the front line feel more appreciated is vital, because they're doing an incredible job for all of us.
"This is a really lovely thing to do for them in return."


birminghammail--2020-04-16--Joe Lycett drops Hugo Boss name change with one final jibe at designer

Joe Lycett , who changed his name to taunt a fashion brand Hugo Boss , has revealed he is returning to his original name .
The TV star legally changed his name to that of the German luxury designer after the brand used trademark claims to target small businesses and charities who use `` boss '' in their branding .
He had posted a letter on Twitter purporting to be from the UK Deed Poll Office , which committed him to `` absolutely and entirely renounce , relinquish and abandon the use of my said former name '' .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his original name because he does not want the fashion company to be associated with the latest triumph on his Channel 4 consumer show Got Your Back .
He wrote on Twitter : `` A little over a month ago I changed my name by deed poll to Hugo Boss .
This was to raise awareness about the fact that fashion behemoth Hugo Boss have issued cease and desist letters to small businesses that have the word 'boss ' in their name , including independent Swansea brewery , Boss Brewing .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ became world news with headlines across the globe and also Dick n Dom from da Bungalow said I should be knighted .
`` Hugo Boss released a statement saying they 'welcome the comedian formerly known as Joe Lycett to the Hugo Boss family ' .
`` Well I have decided to go back to the Lycetts .
They do n't target small businesses , if you ignore the time mum posted a dump to the local florist .
`` It 's time for me to return to Joe Lycett .
In tomorrow 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the biggest financial victories ever seen on a consumer TV show .
It is worth millions .
`` It would be wrong for the company Hugo Boss to in any way take claim of this victory , or indeed the many other victories across the series .
`` I would however like to take this opportunity to issue one final statement as Hugo Boss .

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Joe Lycett, who changed his name to taunt a fashion brand Hugo Boss, has revealed he is returning to his original name.
The TV star legally changed his name to that of the German luxury designer after the brand used trademark claims to target small businesses and charities who use "boss" in their branding.
He had posted a letter on Twitter purporting to be from the UK Deed Poll Office, which committed him to "absolutely and entirely renounce, relinquish and abandon the use of my said former name".
However, he said he is now returning to his original name because he does not want the fashion company to be associated with the latest triumph on his Channel 4 consumer show Got Your Back.
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
He wrote on Twitter: "A little over a month ago I changed my name by deed poll to Hugo Boss. This was to raise awareness about the fact that fashion behemoth Hugo Boss have issued cease and desist letters to small businesses that have the word 'boss' in their name, including independent Swansea brewery, Boss Brewing.
"And raise awareness it did - it became world news with headlines across the globe and also Dick n Dom from da Bungalow said I should be knighted.
"Hugo Boss released a statement saying they 'welcome the comedian formerly known as Joe Lycett to the Hugo Boss family'.
"Well I have decided to go back to the Lycetts. They don't target small businesses, if you ignore the time mum posted a dump to the local florist.
"It's time for me to return to Joe Lycett. In tomorrow's episode me and my team secure one of the biggest financial victories ever seen on a consumer TV show. It is worth millions.
"It would be wrong for the company Hugo Boss to in any way take claim of this victory, or indeed the many other victories across the series.
"I would however like to take this opportunity to issue one final statement as Hugo Boss.
"Hugo Boss has a smelly bum bum."


birminghammail--2020-04-16--Primary school places revealed despite lockdown

When schools reopen following the coronavirus lockdown almost 90 per cent of students starting reception in Dudley and Walsall will be joining their first-choice school .
Figures released by Walsall Council and Dudley Council show that 91 per cent of children will attend their first-choice school in Walsall .
And more than 90 per cent will attend their school in Dudley after the promising statistics were unveiled on Thursday , April 16 .
Thirty-five children in Walsall and 3.5 per cent of pupils in Dudley will have to go to their third choice school .
Councillor Chris Towe , portfolio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council said : `` We have invested significantly in our primary schools and increased the number of places available .
`` In Walsall , 3,525 applications were received on time with 3,231 ( 91.7 per cent ) receiving their first preference , 151 ( 4.3 per cent ) their second preference and 35 ( 1 per cent ) their third preference . ''
`` Every applicant who applied on time was offered a place at a school in the borough .
`` The figures show that this long-term approach has paid off with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preferred school , which is excellent news . ''
While councillor Ruth Buttery , cabinet member for children ’ s services at Dudley Council , said : `` Dudley Council has received just over 3,700 primary applications for this September and I am delighted to confirm that 90 per cent of children have been offered their parents ’ first choice and a total of 96.5 per cent of pupils have been offered a place in one of their top three preferences .
`` Although we know most parents will be happy with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have the right of appeal to any school which has refused their child a place .
`` We are awaiting further government guidance around the appeal arrangements , which may alter due to the coronavirus outbreak by taking place by telephone , video conference or through a paper-based means .
`` I would like to take this chance to thank schools , parents and carers for all they continue to do for our children throughout the current crisis and I can assure families that they will be kept fully informed in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refused admission to their preferred school can appeal through the independent appeal panel set up by the Admission Authority .
The appeal process used by the relevant authorities follows strict national guidance .
Parents of children who have not been offered a place at their preferred school will receive a letter explaining the appeals process .
This will explain why your child has not been offered a place at your preferred school .
The letter will ask you to either accept a place for your child at the nearest school with places available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Results of the appeal will be revealed after July 2020 .

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When schools reopen following the coronavirus lockdown almost 90 per cent of students starting reception in Dudley and Walsall will be joining their first-choice school.
Figures released by Walsall Council and Dudley Council show that 91 per cent of children will attend their first-choice school in Walsall.
And more than 90 per cent will attend their school in Dudley after the promising statistics were unveiled on Thursday, April 16.
Thirty-five children in Walsall and 3.5 per cent of pupils in Dudley will have to go to their third choice school.
Councillor Chris Towe, portfolio holder for education and skills at Walsall Council said: "We have invested significantly in our primary schools and increased the number of places available.
"In Walsall, 3,525 applications were received on time with 3,231 (91.7 per cent) receiving their first preference, 151 (4.3 per cent) their second preference and 35 (1 per cent) their third preference."
"Every applicant who applied on time was offered a place at a school in the borough.
"The figures show that this long-term approach has paid off with more families being offered places at their preferred school, which is excellent news."
While councillor Ruth Buttery, cabinet member for children’s services at Dudley Council, said: "Dudley Council has received just over 3,700 primary applications for this September and I am delighted to confirm that 90 per cent of children have been offered their parents’ first choice and a total of 96.5 per cent of pupils have been offered a place in one of their top three preferences.
"Although we know most parents will be happy with the school they have been offered, they will have the right of appeal to any school which has refused their child a place.
"We are awaiting further government guidance around the appeal arrangements, which may alter due to the coronavirus outbreak by taking place by telephone, video conference or through a paper-based means.
"I would like to take this chance to thank schools, parents and carers for all they continue to do for our children throughout the current crisis and I can assure families that they will be kept fully informed in the weeks ahead."
Appealing refused admission
Those who are refused admission to their preferred school can appeal through the independent appeal panel set up by the Admission Authority.
The appeal process used by the relevant authorities follows strict national guidance.
Parents of children who have not been offered a place at their preferred school will receive a letter explaining the appeals process.
This will explain why your child has not been offered a place at your preferred school. The letter will ask you to either accept a place for your child at the nearest school with places available or advise on the appeal process.
Results of the appeal will be revealed after July 2020.


birminghammail--2020-04-16--Manchester United fans split after Jack Grealish transfer twist

Manchester United fans are divided after reports that Jack Grealish is no longer a transfer priority .
The Red Devils have been heavily linked with the Aston Villa talisman for much of the season , with suggestions that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had him at the top of his transfer wishlist .
However , according to the Athletic United will now prioritise a move for a defensive midfield player , rather than a playmaker like Jack Grealish .
United , have also been linked with Borussia Dortmund 's Jadon Sancho , with Birmingham City 's Jude Bellingham holding initial talks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be in for the likes of Declan Rice from West Ham United and Thomas Partey of Atletico Madrid , two holding central midfield players .
After months of continuous links , United fans on social media have been reacting to the news , that a move for Grealish may no longer be on the cards : @ UTDBenito : This is the content I love to see .
Nobody can afford Pogba this summer and we need a DM @ CSTManUtd : declan rice .
i 'd be very happy with that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'd rather get Partey than Grealish , if not both @ LiamJoeSouth88 : Do n't get these defensive midfielder rumours .
We have Matic , McTominay and Fred who all play that role why would we want another ?
Makes little sense .
@ _Sganesh : yes we need cdm ..more than grealish @ Marvelous_Mr10 : Why are people sad .
We should be happy that he ’ s going in for a DM @ fess0161 : Better be Ndidi or Partey , I ’ ve been saying CDM for a long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most important position in this squad @ 4rina20 : Good news .
We do n't need Grealish with Pogba and Bruno available .
We need holding midfielder now @ EugeneC01193330 : But we have many CDMs ... ?
?
?
I just do n't understand ...

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Manchester United fans are divided after reports that Jack Grealish is no longer a transfer priority.
The Red Devils have been heavily linked with the Aston Villa talisman for much of the season, with suggestions that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had him at the top of his transfer wishlist.
However, according to the Athletic United will now prioritise a move for a defensive midfield player, rather than a playmaker like Jack Grealish.
United, have also been linked with Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho, with Birmingham City's Jude Bellingham holding initial talks to join the club.
Solskjaer is said to be in for the likes of Declan Rice from West Ham United and Thomas Partey of Atletico Madrid, two holding central midfield players.
After months of continuous links, United fans on social media have been reacting to the news, that a move for Grealish may no longer be on the cards:
@UTDBenito: This is the content I love to see. Nobody can afford Pogba this summer and we need a DM
@CSTManUtd: declan rice. i'd be very happy with that signing.
@Korbinio7: Good, I'd rather get Partey than Grealish, if not both
@LiamJoeSouth88: Don't get these defensive midfielder rumours. We have Matic, McTominay and Fred who all play that role why would we want another? Makes little sense.
@_Sganesh: yes we need cdm ..more than grealish
@Marvelous_Mr10: Why are people sad. We should be happy that he’s going in for a DM
@fess0161: Better be Ndidi or Partey, I’ve been saying CDM for a long time, it’s probably the most important position in this squad
@4rina20: Good news. We don't need Grealish with Pogba and Bruno available. We need holding midfielder now
@EugeneC01193330: But we have many CDMs...??? I just don't understand...


birminghammail--2020-04-16--Salma Yaqoob thanks well-wishers as medic brother recovers

Former city councillor Salma Yaqoob has thanked well wishers for their support as her doctor brother recovers from coronavirus .
But the mental health worker blasted the lack of PPE and testing for frontline NHS staff and the 'suffering that could have been prevented ' .
Ms Yaqoob , a mother-of-three , spoke to BirminghamLive as she also recovered from illness and self-isolation .
Earlier this week she had tweeted that her younger sibling Hassan , an NHS doctor , was self-isolating after developing symptoms of the deadly virus .
The former West Midlands mayoral candidate asked her followers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Please pray for my baby bro Hassan .
`` He 's an NHS doctor and has come down with symptoms so is having to self isolate .
I have lost two close family friends in the past week alone .
Being restricted in physically helping or offering comfort is adding to the devastation . ''
Ms Yaqoob said her brother was 'doing well ' after self-isolating for a number of days and appeared to be 'over the worst of it . '
She added : `` He ’ s been overwhelmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to convey their concern and good wishes .
He ’ s been reassuring us that his symptoms are relatively mild , and is confident he ’ ll be back to work very soon .
`` We are not allowed to visit him but talking to him over Facetime am relieved to see he is much better .
My thoughts and prayers are with all those worried or grieving for their loved ones .
`` Some of the pain , anxiety and loss is unavoidable due to the nature of the pandemic . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ PPE for frontline medics , she said : `` To be honest , words can not express the anger and frustration I feel about the suffering that could have been prevented if frontline staff were equipped with sufficient PPE and testing as countries like Germany and New Zealand have managed to do .
`` They have significantly fewer cases and deaths as a result .
Even now frontline staff are literally begging for PPE as it has not been provided , and testing is not widespread .
`` Warm words and platitudes from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They do not protect the population or the selfless key workers who are literally risking their lives to serve others .
Only sufficient PPE , testing and contact tracing will do that . ''
Over the last fortnight the NHS Supply Chain says it has delivered 397 million pieces of PPE equipment including , masks , surgical masks and other PPE equipment to NHS trusts and 58,000 healthcare settings including GPs , pharmacies and community providers .
And this week it delivered more than five million aprons , one million face masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million gloves to the NHS- a total of over 45.5 million to 280 trusts and providers .
Government ministers had reassured Birmingham City Council this week that a delivery was on its way to solve the immediate crisis .
But instead it fell way short of demand , by a shocking 60 per cent .
The local authority is even appealing for donations of personal protective equipment for use by its front-line staff , care providers , social workers and volunteers who are delivering essential services across the City .
It says it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or Nitrell gloves , face masks , hand sanitiser , eye protection and overshoes .
On its website , the council states : `` Birmingham City Council is doing everything it can to support providers locally while ensuring that this matter is raised at the most senior levels . ''
You can read more here .
On Monday evening ( April 13 ) , foreign secretary , Dominic Raab , admitted there had been supply problems with PPE saying there was “ a competitive market out there ” .

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Former city councillor Salma Yaqoob has thanked well wishers for their support as her doctor brother recovers from coronavirus.
But the mental health worker blasted the lack of PPE and testing for frontline NHS staff and the 'suffering that could have been prevented'.
Ms Yaqoob, a mother-of-three, spoke to BirminghamLive as she also recovered from illness and self-isolation.
Earlier this week she had tweeted that her younger sibling Hassan, an NHS doctor, was self-isolating after developing symptoms of the deadly virus. The former West Midlands mayoral candidate asked her followers to pray for him.
Her post said: "Please pray for my baby bro Hassan.
"He's an NHS doctor and has come down with symptoms so is having to self isolate. I have lost two close family friends in the past week alone. Being restricted in physically helping or offering comfort is adding to the devastation."
Ms Yaqoob said her brother was 'doing well' after self-isolating for a number of days and appeared to be 'over the worst of it.'
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She added: "He’s been overwhelmed with so many people getting in touch to convey their concern and good wishes. He’s been reassuring us that his symptoms are relatively mild, and is confident he’ll be back to work very soon.
"We are not allowed to visit him but talking to him over Facetime am relieved to see he is much better. My thoughts and prayers are with all those worried or grieving for their loved ones.
"Some of the pain, anxiety and loss is unavoidable due to the nature of the pandemic."
Taking a swipe at the lack of PPE for frontline medics, she said: "To be honest, words cannot express the anger and frustration I feel about the suffering that could have been prevented if frontline staff were equipped with sufficient PPE and testing as countries like Germany and New Zealand have managed to do.
"They have significantly fewer cases and deaths as a result. Even now frontline staff are literally begging for PPE as it has not been provided, and testing is not widespread.
"Warm words and platitudes from government ministers about key workers ring hollow. They do not protect the population or the selfless key workers who are literally risking their lives to serve others. Only sufficient PPE, testing and contact tracing will do that."
Over the last fortnight the NHS Supply Chain says it has delivered 397 million pieces of PPE equipment including, masks, surgical masks and other PPE equipment to NHS trusts and 58,000 healthcare settings including GPs, pharmacies and community providers.
And this week it delivered more than five million aprons, one million face masks, six million surgical masks and 21 million gloves to the NHS- a total of over 45.5 million to 280 trusts and providers.
Government ministers had reassured Birmingham City Council this week that a delivery was on its way to solve the immediate crisis.
But instead it fell way short of demand, by a shocking 60 per cent.
The local authority is even appealing for donations of personal protective equipment for use by its front-line staff, care providers, social workers and volunteers who are delivering essential services across the City.
It says it needs items including disposable aprons, latex or Nitrell gloves, face masks, hand sanitiser, eye protection and overshoes.
On its website, the council states: "Birmingham City Council is doing everything it can to support providers locally while ensuring that this matter is raised at the most senior levels."
You can read more here.
On Monday evening (April 13), foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, admitted there had been supply problems with PPE saying there was “a competitive market out there”.