birminghammail--2020-01-10--One in four kids referred for mental health treatment turned away - despite self-harm, eating disord

One in four kids referred for mental health treatment turned away - despite self-harm, eating disorders and abuse

A staggering number of children referred for mental health treatment are turned away .
Kids being referred to specialist mental health services are finding themselves being rejected for treatment .
This is despite kids who have self-harmed , experienced abuse or have eating disorders being among them .
More than one in four children and young people referred to specialist mental health services are rejected , according to a new report .
The Education Policy Institute ( EPI ) , which carried out the study , said it was unclear what support was available to the approximately 133,000 youngsters who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data under the Freedom of Information Act from 62 mental health providers in England out of 64 .
The data showed that 26 % of all referrals in 2018/19 were rejected , with widespread variation across the country .
In London , providers rejected 17 % of referrals on average , compared with around 28 % in the South of England , the Midlands and the East of England , and 22 % in the North .
Referrals were most commonly rejected because providers considered young people 's conditions to be unsuitable for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CAMHS ) or because they did not meet the eligibility criteria or age specification for the service .
The study said growing number of children and young people `` with complex needs that do not fit clearly into diagnostic boxes , those with lower-level mental health needs and older adolescents may be unable to access the support they require '' .
Analysts also found that while median waiting times from referral to start of treatment have fallen since 2015 , children and young people waited an average of two months to begin treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposed four-week target .
In some areas of England , children typically wait as long as six months before they can access treatment .
The report said : `` Despite the £1.4 billion of extra spending over five years announced in 2015 , the proportion of rejected referrals has not changed since we started collecting this information four years ago .
`` Our previous research has highlighted that alternative mental health support services for those unable to access CAMHS have been decommissioned in many areas over the past eight years . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education outcomes regardless of social background , warned that the Government is unlikely to succeed in meeting its national CAMHS waiting time target of four weeks by 2022/23 .
The report concluded : `` Our newly-collected data reinforces the picture of a system that is failing to meet need across the country , despite significant extra spending on CAMHS since 2015 .
`` It remains unclear what support is available for the one in four children with mental health difficulties referred to , but not accepted into , treatment .
`` Children with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those with conduct difficulties , those in care , and those transitioning to adult mental health services , face a postcode lottery of provision . ''
The report found that the longest median waiting times were in London ( 65 days ) and the shortest in the Midlands and East of England ( 49 days ) .
Median waiting times for treatment across mental health providers varied from just one day to six months ( 182 days ) .
Providers in England with the longest median waiting times included the West London Mental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Tyneside and Sunderland ( 129 days ) , Alder Hey in Liverpool ( 124 days ) , and Leeds Community Healthcare ( 117 days ) .
Eating disorders - how to get help How do I get help ?
If you think you may have an eating disorder , even if you are n't sure , see your GP as soon as you can .
They 'll ask you questions about your eating habits and how you 're feeling , and will check your overall health and weight .
If they think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they should refer you to an eating disorder specialist or team of specialists .
It can be very hard to admit you have a problem and ask for help .
It may make things easier if you bring a friend or loved one with you to your appointment .
You can also talk in confidence to an adviser from eating disorders charity Beat by calling their adult helpline on 0808 801 0677 or youth helpline on 0808 801 0711 .
Whitney Crenna-Jennings , senior researcher at the EPI and author of the report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under great strain '' .
Denying children access to mental health treatment hinders academic performance and development , while mental ill-health is a barrier to social mobility , she added .
Emma Thomas , chief executive of mental health charity YoungMinds , said there could be `` devastating consequences '' if young people do not get support , including dropping out of school , self-harming or becoming suicidal .
An NHS spokesman said : `` The NHS is actually ahead of its target on ensuring as many children as possible receive mental health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , teenagers and young adults last year , a 14 % increase on the year before and 22 % more staff in services than five years ago , against a backdrop of rising referrals .
`` It is a shame that the authors failed to check basic facts and policy commitments in this flawed analysis , including accurately reflecting how modern services for families operate in partnership with other agencies , and it is not the first time we have had to point out why the assumption that every referral should get NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided elsewhere - for example from schools and local authorities - is wrong . ''
Dr Bernadka Dubicka , chairwoman of the Child and Adolescent Faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists , said : `` What we are seeing is the result of increasing demand , historical under-investment and a growing workforce crisis , as illustrated by our recent census which showed that one in eight consultant posts in child and adolescent psychiatry are unfilled .
`` But rejection rates do need to be looked at carefully as they will vary depending @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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A staggering number of children referred for mental health treatment are turned away.
Kids being referred to specialist mental health services are finding themselves being rejected for treatment.
This is despite kids who have self-harmed, experienced abuse or have eating disorders being among them.
More than one in four children and young people referred to specialist mental health services are rejected, according to a new report.
The Education Policy Institute (EPI), which carried out the study, said it was unclear what support was available to the approximately 133,000 youngsters who were turned away.
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The EPI gathered data under the Freedom of Information Act from 62 mental health providers in England out of 64.
The data showed that 26% of all referrals in 2018/19 were rejected, with widespread variation across the country.
In London, providers rejected 17% of referrals on average, compared with around 28% in the South of England, the Midlands and the East of England, and 22% in the North.
Referrals were most commonly rejected because providers considered young people's conditions to be unsuitable for child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) or because they did not meet the eligibility criteria or age specification for the service.
The study said growing number of children and young people "with complex needs that do not fit clearly into diagnostic boxes, those with lower-level mental health needs and older adolescents may be unable to access the support they require".
Analysts also found that while median waiting times from referral to start of treatment have fallen since 2015, children and young people waited an average of two months to begin treatment in 2018/19, double the Government's proposed four-week target.
Mental health support Bipolar disorder - bipolaruk.org, hearing-voices.org, intervoiceonline.org, nice.org.uk, rethink.org, sane.org.uk Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) - bipolaruk.org, hearing-voices.org, intervoiceonline.org, nice.org.uk, rethink.org, sane.org.uk Borderline personality disorder (BPD) - bipolaruk.org, hearing-voices.org, intervoiceonline.org, nice.org.uk, rethink.org, sane.org.uk Dissociation and dissociative disorders - Clinic for Dissociative Studies clinicfordissociativestudies.com, Epilepsy Action epilepsy.org.uk, European Society for Trauma and Dissociation estd.org, First Person Plural firstpersonplural.org.uk, The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) isst-d.org, Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder (NEAD) nonepilepticattackdisorder.org.uk, National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) nspcc.org.uk, Positive Outcomes for Dissociative Survivors (PODS) pods-online.org.uk, Survivors UK survivorsuk.org, The Survivors Trust thesurvivorstrust.org Eating disorders - You can also talk in confidence to an adviser from eating disorders charity Beat by calling their adult helpline on 0808 801 0677 or youth helpline on 0808 801 0711. Hoarding - British Psychological Society (BPS) bps.org.uk, Rainbow Red rainbowred.co.uk, 0845 390 6232 ocdaction.org.uk, ocduk.org, thesilverline.org.uk, hoardingdisordersuk.org, helpforhoarders.co.uk Hypomania and mania - Be Mindful bemindful.co.uk, Bipolar UK bipolaruk.org.uk , British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) babcp.com, British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) 01455 883 300 itsgoodtotalk.org.uk, hearing-voices.org, intervoiceonline.org, nice.org.uk, rethink.org, sane.org.uk Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) - 0845 390 6232 ocdaction.org.uk, ocduk.org Paranoia - therapeuticcommunities.org, talktofrank.com, napac.org.uk, nice.org.uk Postnatal depression & perinatal mental health - Action Postpartum Psychosis (APP) app-network.org, The Association for Post Natal Illness apni.org, Birth trauma association birthtraumaassociation.org.uk, The Breastfeeding Network 0300 100 0212 breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk, Elefriends elefriends.org.uk, Family Action family-action.org.uk, Family Lives familylives.org.uk, fatherhoodinstitute.org, home-start.org.uk The Lullaby Trust lullabytrust.org.uk, Maternal OCD maternalocd.org, The Miscarriage Association miscarriageassociation.org.uk, NCT nct.org.uk, Sands sands.org.uk, Start4Life nhs.uk/start4life and Tommy's tommys.org Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - Anxiety UK anxietyuk.org.uk, ASSIST trauma care assisttraumacare.org.uk, Birth Trauma birthtraumaassociation.org.uk, Combat Stress combatstress.org.uk, Disaster Action disasteraction.org.uk, EMDR UK & Ireland emdrassociation.org.uk/, Elefriends elefriends.org.uk, Freedom From Torture freedomfromtorture.org, Lifecentre lifecentre.uk.com, Moodjuice moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk, PTSD resolution ptsdresolution.org, Survivors Trust thesurvivorstrust.org Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) - British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) bacp.co.uk, IAPT iapt.nhs.uk/services, International Association for Premenstrual Disorders iapmd.org and National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome (NAPS) pms.org.uk Psychosis - bipolaruk.org, hearing-voices.org, intervoiceonline.org, nice.org.uk, rethink.org, sane.org.uk Schizoaffective disorder - babcp.com, bacp.co.uk, hearing-voices.org, intervoiceonline.org, sane.org.uk Schizophrenia - elefriends.org.uk, hearing-voices.org, nationalparanoianetwork.org, rcpsych.ac.uk Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) 0800 58 58 58, info@depressionuk.org, depressionuk.org, nice.org.uk, rethink.org, sane.org.uk Tardive dyskinesia - tremor.org.uk, dystonia.org.uk, hearing-voices.org, mhra.gov.uk, parkinsons.org.uk NHS Direct 0845 46 47
In some areas of England, children typically wait as long as six months before they can access treatment.
The report said: "Despite the £1.4 billion of extra spending over five years announced in 2015, the proportion of rejected referrals has not changed since we started collecting this information four years ago.
"Our previous research has highlighted that alternative mental health support services for those unable to access CAMHS have been decommissioned in many areas over the past eight years."
The EPI, which aims to promote high-quality education outcomes regardless of social background, warned that the Government is unlikely to succeed in meeting its national CAMHS waiting time target of four weeks by 2022/23.
The report concluded: "Our newly-collected data reinforces the picture of a system that is failing to meet need across the country, despite significant extra spending on CAMHS since 2015.
"It remains unclear what support is available for the one in four children with mental health difficulties referred to, but not accepted into, treatment.
"Children with complex or less well-understood needs, including those with conduct difficulties, those in care, and those transitioning to adult mental health services, face a postcode lottery of provision."
(Image: Time To Change)
The report found that the longest median waiting times were in London (65 days) and the shortest in the Midlands and East of England (49 days).
Median waiting times for treatment across mental health providers varied from just one day to six months (182 days).
Providers in England with the longest median waiting times included the West London Mental Health Trust (182 days), South Tyneside and Sunderland (129 days), Alder Hey in Liverpool (124 days), and Leeds Community Healthcare (117 days).
Eating disorders - how to get help How do I get help? If you think you may have an eating disorder, even if you aren't sure, see your GP as soon as you can. They'll ask you questions about your eating habits and how you're feeling, and will check your overall health and weight. If they think you may have an eating disorder, they should refer you to an eating disorder specialist or team of specialists. It can be very hard to admit you have a problem and ask for help. It may make things easier if you bring a friend or loved one with you to your appointment. You can also talk in confidence to an adviser from eating disorders charity Beat by calling their adult helpline on 0808 801 0677 or youth helpline on 0808 801 0711.
Whitney Crenna-Jennings, senior researcher at the EPI and author of the report, said the system was "operating under great strain".
Denying children access to mental health treatment hinders academic performance and development, while mental ill-health is a barrier to social mobility, she added.
Emma Thomas, chief executive of mental health charity YoungMinds, said there could be "devastating consequences" if young people do not get support, including dropping out of school, self-harming or becoming suicidal.
An NHS spokesman said: "The NHS is actually ahead of its target on ensuring as many children as possible receive mental health care - seeing an extra 53,000 children, teenagers and young adults last year, a 14% increase on the year before and 22% more staff in services than five years ago, against a backdrop of rising referrals.
"It is a shame that the authors failed to check basic facts and policy commitments in this flawed analysis, including accurately reflecting how modern services for families operate in partnership with other agencies, and it is not the first time we have had to point out why the assumption that every referral should get NHS treatment when more appropriate support might be provided elsewhere - for example from schools and local authorities - is wrong."
Dr Bernadka Dubicka, chairwoman of the Child and Adolescent Faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: "What we are seeing is the result of increasing demand, historical under-investment and a growing workforce crisis, as illustrated by our recent census which showed that one in eight consultant posts in child and adolescent psychiatry are unfilled.
"But rejection rates do need to be looked at carefully as they will vary depending on how referrals are managed."


birminghammail--2020-01-10--Pepe Reina to Aston Villa latest: AC Milan's stance and Liverpool transfer ally

Dean Smith has been left with two problem positions at Aston Villa .
Injuries to key pair Tom Heaton and Wesley mean Villa need to sign a goalkeeper and a striker before the transfer window shuts .
While there are a number of contenders to fill the vacancy up front , Pepe Reina has emerged as the leading candidate for the other point of concern .
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Reina has played just 13 games in the last two seasons for AC Milan with Gianluigi Donnarumma undisputed number one at the San Siro .
Here ’ s what we know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Villa Park : Sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch - otherwise known as ‘ Suso ’ - is leading negotiations to sign his compatriot .
Suso was once a transfer ally of Rafa Benitez during his Valencia days and it was , of course , Benitez who brought Reina to the Premier League with Liverpool in 2005 .
Suso and Reina are familiar with each other , while Villa CEO Christian Purslow also knows the goalkeeper from his time working at Liverpool .
While Smith focuses on preparing the squad for their upcoming Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handle transfer matters .
What Smith has said It ’ s Suso and Purslow who negotiate deals but Smith is the man who answers questions from the press .
The Villa boss was first asked about Reina after the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Leicester on Wednesday night .
As you would expect , Smith effectively straight-batted the question .
“ I have no idea , ” said Smith .
`` We ’ re looking at goalkeepers but whether we ’ re close or not , I don ’ t know .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ so I ’ ve left that to our sporting director at the moment.
” Given Reina ’ s age and standing as Milan ’ s back-up goalkeeper , a fee isn ’ t required to secure his services .
What is a potential stumbling block is that Milan don ’ t have adequate cover for number one Donnarumma if Reina leaves .
Stefano Pioli ’ s current third choice at the San Siro is Donnarumma ’ s older brother Antonio , who lacks match practice and is unlikely to be trusted to deputise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to find a replacement for Reina before agreeing to let him join Villa .
Reina ’ s agent Manuel Garcia Quilon gave a blunt reply when asked whether his client ’ s move to Villa had been agreed on Thursday morning .
“ No , ” he said .
Further talks are planned between Reina 's representative and Milan today .
Villa are covering their own backs According to the majority of reports which have emerged in Italy and Reina ’ s homeland Spain , Villa want to offer him a six-month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year if the club remains in the Premier League .
Reina ’ s salary at Milan is reportedly €3million which equates to £2.5million and works out at around £50,000 per week .
He would by no means be among Villa ’ s top earners , but the club wouldn ’ t be in a position to pay that kind of cash to a player should this season result in relegation .

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Dean Smith has been left with two problem positions at Aston Villa.
Injuries to key pair Tom Heaton and Wesley mean Villa need to sign a goalkeeper and a striker before the transfer window shuts.
While there are a number of contenders to fill the vacancy up front, Pepe Reina has emerged as the leading candidate for the other point of concern.
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Reina has played just 13 games in the last two seasons for AC Milan with Gianluigi Donnarumma undisputed number one at the San Siro.
Here’s what we know about the deal to bring Reina to Villa Park:
Two transfer allies
Sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch - otherwise known as ‘Suso’ - is leading negotiations to sign his compatriot.
Suso was once a transfer ally of Rafa Benitez during his Valencia days and it was, of course, Benitez who brought Reina to the Premier League with Liverpool in 2005.
Suso and Reina are familiar with each other, while Villa CEO Christian Purslow also knows the goalkeeper from his time working at Liverpool.
While Smith focuses on preparing the squad for their upcoming Premier League games, Suso and Purslow will handle transfer matters.
What Smith has said
It’s Suso and Purslow who negotiate deals but Smith is the man who answers questions from the press.
The Villa boss was first asked about Reina after the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Leicester on Wednesday night.
As you would expect, Smith effectively straight-batted the question.
“I have no idea,” said Smith. "We’re looking at goalkeepers but whether we’re close or not, I don’t know. I’ve been at the game so I’ve left that to our sporting director at the moment.”
AC Milan’s stance
Given Reina’s age and standing as Milan’s back-up goalkeeper, a fee isn’t required to secure his services.
What is a potential stumbling block is that Milan don’t have adequate cover for number one Donnarumma if Reina leaves. Stefano Pioli’s current third choice at the San Siro is Donnarumma’s older brother Antonio, who lacks match practice and is unlikely to be trusted to deputise.
Sources in Italy suggest Milan are trying to find a replacement for Reina before agreeing to let him join Villa.
Reina’s agent Manuel Garcia Quilon gave a blunt reply when asked whether his client’s move to Villa had been agreed on Thursday morning. “No,” he said.
Further talks are planned between Reina's representative and Milan today.
Villa are covering their own backs
According to the majority of reports which have emerged in Italy and Reina’s homeland Spain, Villa want to offer him a six-month contract with the option of a further year if the club remains in the Premier League.
Reina’s salary at Milan is reportedly €3million which equates to £2.5million and works out at around £50,000 per week.
He would by no means be among Villa’s top earners, but the club wouldn’t be in a position to pay that kind of cash to a player should this season result in relegation.


birminghammail--2020-01-10--ADVERTORIAL: What happens when you buy or sell a property at auction?

Cottons is a Birmingham based independent firm of Chartered Surveyors and one of the country ’ s leading auctioneers .
The company has been successfully selling a range of residential and commercial property , land , and ground rent investments at auction for more than 50 years .
The firm was established in 1924 by property developer Jack Cotton and organises a number of auctions each year at Aston Villa Football Club .
Here 's some expert advice on what to do if you 're thinking about buying or selling a property at auction .
Anyone who is interested in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prior to the actual auction date , will need to research the kinds of properties that are on offer and decide which ones appeal to them .
Cottons produce a catalogue of properties that they will be auctioning ahead of their events at Aston Villa Football Club .
You can register for a catalogue which lists the land and properties going under the hammer here .
If you see something you are interested in , Cottons will arrange a viewing of the property two weeks before auction .
If you are still interested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to buy , then you can attend one of Cottons ' auction rooms and register your interest .
You will then be given a bidding number so you can officially bid on the property of your choosing .
If you are successful you will be required to put a 10 % deposit down .
Completion of the transaction is usually completed within 28 days .
For more information click here .
The next two auctions at Villa Park will take place on 19 February and 1 April .
If you want to sell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the kind of price you can expect to achieve before you agree to place it on the market .
Cottons experts will visit and inspect the property and give the seller an auction appraisal as well as advice on a suitable guide and reserve price .
They will then place the property in a catalogue that will be available online and in print .
Cottons will then hold five viewing dates in the two weeks prior to the auction and following this will take the property to the auction room .
For more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ auctions at Villa Park will take place on 19 February and 1 April .
Ensure you have the finance in place before bidding You may not have the full amount to pay for your desired property outright .
In which case you may need a mortgage , so it is important to understand the processes of what this will entail before you put your bid in .
Ian Axon , Associate Auctions Partner at Cottons says a lot of people are worried when purchasing from auction that they wo n't be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you do require a mortgage we are more than happy to help your surveyor or bank obtain an evaluation prior to the auction , '' he said .
`` It 's a lot easier to lose a few hundred pounds getting a survey to determine whether you can obtain the finance rather than bidding on the property and then realising you can not fund the purchase and lose your 10 % deposit . ''
For more information click here .
The next two auctions at Villa Park will take place on 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a look If you do feel worried about purchasing from an auction Cottons ' advice is to attend an auction and see what goes on .
Public auctions are free to enter and those interested are encouraged to look at a catalogue , earmark a property they may be interested in and see what sort of price it goes under the hammer for .
You can also talk to Cottons experts on the day and seek advice about your particular situation .
If you want to research previous auctions and evaluate guide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cottons have an archive on its website that goes as far back as 2001 .
Where and when are Cottons having their next auction at Villa Park ?
If you are interested in buying a property or seeing how the events work pop down to one of Cotton Auctions at the Holte Suite at Villa Park .
Cottons can help first time attendees through the whole process from advertising beforehand and in the room procedures .
The next auction will take place on 19 February and to register for a catalogue call 0121 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Cottons is a Birmingham based independent firm of Chartered Surveyors and one of the country’s leading auctioneers.
The company has been successfully selling a range of residential and commercial property, land, and ground rent investments at auction for more than 50 years.
The firm was established in 1924 by property developer Jack Cotton and organises a number of auctions each year at Aston Villa Football Club.
Here's some expert advice on what to do if you're thinking about buying or selling a property at auction.
Buying a property at auction
Anyone who is interested in buying a property at auction will need to research the kinds of properties that are on offer and decide which ones appeal to them.
Cottons produce a catalogue of properties that they will be auctioning ahead of their events at Aston Villa Football Club.
You can register for a catalogue which lists the land and properties going under the hammer here .
If you see something you are interested in, Cottons will arrange a viewing of the property two weeks before auction.
If you are still interested in the property after viewing and looking to buy, then you can attend one of Cottons' auction rooms and register your interest.
You will then be given a bidding number so you can officially bid on the property of your choosing.
If you are successful you will be required to put a 10% deposit down.
Completion of the transaction is usually completed within 28 days.
For more information click here . The next two auctions at Villa Park will take place on 19 February and 1 April.
Selling a property at auction
If you want to sell a property it is important to understand the kind of price you can expect to achieve before you agree to place it on the market.
Cottons experts will visit and inspect the property and give the seller an auction appraisal as well as advice on a suitable guide and reserve price.
They will then place the property in a catalogue that will be available online and in print.
Cottons will then hold five viewing dates in the two weeks prior to the auction and following this will take the property to the auction room.
For more information click here . The next two auctions at Villa Park will take place on 19 February and 1 April.
Ensure you have the finance in place before bidding
You may not have the full amount to pay for your desired property outright. In which case you may need a mortgage, so it is important to understand the processes of what this will entail before you put your bid in.
Ian Axon, Associate Auctions Partner at Cottons says a lot of people are worried when purchasing from auction that they won't be able to get the finance in time.
"If you do require a mortgage we are more than happy to help your surveyor or bank obtain an evaluation prior to the auction," he said.
"It's a lot easier to lose a few hundred pounds getting a survey to determine whether you can obtain the finance rather than bidding on the property and then realising you cannot fund the purchase and lose your 10% deposit."
For more information click here . The next two auctions at Villa Park will take place on 19 February and 1 April.
Come and have a look
If you do feel worried about purchasing from an auction Cottons' advice is to attend an auction and see what goes on.
Public auctions are free to enter and those interested are encouraged to look at a catalogue, earmark a property they may be interested in and see what sort of price it goes under the hammer for. You can also talk to Cottons experts on the day and seek advice about your particular situation.
If you want to research previous auctions and evaluate guide and sale prices from past auctions then Cottons have an archive on its website that goes as far back as 2001.
Where and when are Cottons having their next auction at Villa Park?
If you are interested in buying a property or seeing how the events work pop down to one of Cotton Auctions at the Holte Suite at Villa Park.
Cottons can help first time attendees through the whole process from advertising beforehand and in the room procedures.
The next auction will take place on 19 February and to register for a catalogue call 0121 247 2233 or visit the Cottons website.


birminghammail--2020-01-10--Teacher who told pupil she had 'enormous breasts' and tapped bum with rolled-up newspaper spared ban

A science teacher who told a pupil she had `` enormous breasts '' and commented on her short skirt and `` magic fingers '' has avoided being banned from the profession .
Stephen Lindridge also tapped the vulnerable student on the bottom with a rolled up newspaper while working at Anthony Gell School in Wirksworth , Derbys .
A disciplinary panel found him guilty of engaging in `` inappropriate physical contact '' with the pupil by hugging her and kissing her cheek , head and neck .
But Mr Lindridge was sparred a teaching ban following the hearing in Coventry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found to be `` sexually motivated '' .
The Teaching Regulation Agency ( TRA ) found Mr Lindridge was `` genuinely remorseful '' , `` achieved good results '' and was considered `` very hardworking '' and `` caring '' .
The panel was told how the teacher was dismissed after the school where he had taught for six years launched an investigation into the pair 's relationship in 2018 .
They found Mr Lindridge had exchanged phone numbers with the girl and sent her a message saying : `` Why did I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in front of me in a short skirt having just taken your tights off . ''
He also wrote `` maybe I only miss your magic fingers '' and “ you need to change your perfume .
Men clearly ca n't help themselves around you '' .
He admitted several allegations including that he made comments that she had `` 'massive tits or words to that effect '' and engaged in `` inappropriate physical contact . ''
Mr Lindridge explained how the pupil had taken a photo of herself on his phone without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he told her : `` Your breasts look enormous . ''
He said : `` The picture was taken from stomach height angled upwards , so the lower half of the picture was much bigger than the top half .
`` I laughed and said it wasn ’ t her best look .
`` She asked what I meant and I said : 'Your head is tiny , your breasts look enormous and I can see up your nostrils ' . ''
Mr Lindridge claimed the comment made about “ magic fingers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself the pupil , which the panel found to be `` credible '' .
He accepted his actions could be interpreted as `` flirtatious '' , but the panel noted he `` vehemently denied '' they were ever sexual .
He also admitted tapping tapping the pupil on the bottom , and added : `` I hurried her out the door by tapping her on the bottom with the rolled-up papers…telling her to 'get out of here , cheeky ' . ''
Mr Lindridge agreed that he saw himself as his pupils ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was inappropriate .
Giving evidence , he said : `` I realise that I haven ’ t got the balance right between the personal and professional approach .
`` I am deeply sorry that I have acted in a way which is , and has been seen to be , inappropriate as a teacher .
`` My intentions were , and never have been , to act in a manner that could lead to a negative impact on any pupil , fellow member of staff or the excellent reputation and good name of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teaching . ''
The panel was satisfied that Mr Lindridge was guilty of unacceptable professional conduct .
However , they found no evidence of pre-planning of the actions involved , calling his actions `` spontaneous but naive '' and sparred him a teaching ban .
Chair of the panel Melvyn Kershaw said : `` The panel was satisfied that the conduct of Mr Lindridge in relation to allegations found proven amounted to misconduct which fell short of the standards expected of the profession .
`` The panel considered that engaging in an inappropriate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physical contact , exchanging messages and making personal comments about a pupil ’ s appearance , would have a negative impact on Mr Lindridge ’ s status as a teacher .
`` It would damage the public ’ s perception of him and therefore bring the profession into disrepute .
“ In light of the exceptional mitigating factors that were present in this case , the panel has determined that a recommendation for a prohibition order is not appropriate .
`` The panel considered Mr Lindridge to be a man of good character @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a valuable contribution to the profession , and in the panel ’ s view would continue to do so .
`` The panel was mindful that the teacher accepted that he had clearly overstepped boundaries but was of the view that this was due to his self-proclaimed enthusiasm for his pupils .
“ The panel has made a recommendation to the Secretary of State that Mr Lindridge should not be the subject of a prohibition order .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Ed Chatterton, James Rodger)

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A science teacher who told a pupil she had "enormous breasts" and commented on her short skirt and "magic fingers" has avoided being banned from the profession.
Stephen Lindridge also tapped the vulnerable student on the bottom with a rolled up newspaper while working at Anthony Gell School in Wirksworth, Derbys.
A disciplinary panel found him guilty of engaging in "inappropriate physical contact" with the pupil by hugging her and kissing her cheek, head and neck.
But Mr Lindridge was sparred a teaching ban following the hearing in Coventry last November after his actions were not found to be "sexually motivated".
The Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) found Mr Lindridge was "genuinely remorseful", "achieved good results" and was considered "very hardworking" and "caring".
(Image: SWNS)
The panel was told how the teacher was dismissed after the school where he had taught for six years launched an investigation into the pair's relationship in 2018.
They found Mr Lindridge had exchanged phone numbers with the girl and sent her a message saying: "Why did I get so distracted when you were sat in front of me in a short skirt having just taken your tights off."
He also wrote "maybe I only miss your magic fingers" and “you need to change your perfume. Men clearly can't help themselves around you".
He admitted several allegations including that he made comments that she had "'massive tits or words to that effect" and engaged in "inappropriate physical contact."
Mr Lindridge explained how the pupil had taken a photo of herself on his phone without his permission and when he saw it, he told her: "Your breasts look enormous."
(Image: SWNS)
He said: "The picture was taken from stomach height angled upwards, so the lower half of the picture was much bigger than the top half.
"I laughed and said it wasn’t her best look.
"She asked what I meant and I said: 'Your head is tiny, your breasts look enormous and I can see up your nostrils'."
Mr Lindridge claimed the comment made about “magic fingers” was in fact a joke between himself the pupil, which the panel found to be "credible".
He accepted his actions could be interpreted as "flirtatious", but the panel noted he "vehemently denied" they were ever sexual.
(Image: SWNS)
He also admitted tapping tapping the pupil on the bottom, and added: "I hurried her out the door by tapping her on the bottom with the rolled-up papers…telling her to 'get out of here, cheeky'."
Mr Lindridge agreed that he saw himself as his pupils’ "friend" and he realised this was inappropriate.
Giving evidence, he said: "I realise that I haven’t got the balance right between the personal and professional approach.
"I am deeply sorry that I have acted in a way which is, and has been seen to be, inappropriate as a teacher.
"My intentions were, and never have been, to act in a manner that could lead to a negative impact on any pupil, fellow member of staff or the excellent reputation and good name of the school and of the profession of teaching."
The panel was satisfied that Mr Lindridge was guilty of unacceptable professional conduct.
However, they found no evidence of pre-planning of the actions involved, calling his actions "spontaneous but naive" and sparred him a teaching ban.
Chair of the panel Melvyn Kershaw said: "The panel was satisfied that the conduct of Mr Lindridge in relation to allegations found proven amounted to misconduct which fell short of the standards expected of the profession.
"The panel considered that engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a vulnerable pupil by making physical contact, exchanging messages and making personal comments about a pupil’s appearance, would have a negative impact on Mr Lindridge’s status as a teacher.
"It would damage the public’s perception of him and therefore bring the profession into disrepute.
“In light of the exceptional mitigating factors that were present in this case, the panel has determined that a recommendation for a prohibition order is not appropriate.
"The panel considered Mr Lindridge to be a man of good character and a talented teacher who has made a valuable contribution to the profession, and in the panel’s view would continue to do so.
"The panel was mindful that the teacher accepted that he had clearly overstepped boundaries but was of the view that this was due to his self-proclaimed enthusiasm for his pupils.
“The panel has made a recommendation to the Secretary of State that Mr Lindridge should not be the subject of a prohibition order.”


birminghammail--2020-01-10--Thousands of fish spill onto road as dual carriageway shut for hours with passing drivers 'knocked s

Thousands of fish spill onto road as dual carriageway shut for hours with passing drivers 'knocked sick'

This video shows thousands of FISH spread across the road after spilling onto a busy dual carriageway .
The A39 was blocked for nearly three hours after a lorry shed its load of fish .
Witnesses said they could smell the fish more than a mile away and were left almost vomiting while passing the site near Truro , Cornwall , at around 2pm on Thursday .
Passenger Nick Flower said : `` We were stuck in the traffic for 45 minutes prior to passing the lorry but we could smell the fish from over a mile away .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fish for 150 yards down the road and what looked like a slush on the road from the contents of the lorry .
`` There was three police vehicles and one fire engine on the scene .
`` We had just spent the day in Truro shopping for my girlfriend 's birthday .
It 's just the last thing you expect to see coming out of Truro . ''
Another motorist added : `` It was such a disgusting smell that we were almost sick as we drove past .
There were so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it is not often you see a main road looking like that . ''
After a large scale clean-up operation was carried out the road was finally clear at around 5pm .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Tom Bevan and Jamie Hawkins, James Rodger)

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This video shows thousands of FISH spread across the road after spilling onto a busy dual carriageway.
The A39 was blocked for nearly three hours after a lorry shed its load of fish.
Witnesses said they could smell the fish more than a mile away and were left almost vomiting while passing the site near Truro, Cornwall, at around 2pm on Thursday.
Passenger Nick Flower said: "We were stuck in the traffic for 45 minutes prior to passing the lorry but we could smell the fish from over a mile away.
(Image: SWNS)
"When we passed there were trails of fish for 150 yards down the road and what looked like a slush on the road from the contents of the lorry.
"There was three police vehicles and one fire engine on the scene.
"We had just spent the day in Truro shopping for my girlfriend's birthday. It's just the last thing you expect to see coming out of Truro."
(Image: SWNS)
Another motorist added: "It was such a disgusting smell that we were almost sick as we drove past. There were so many fish it was impossible to count but it is not often you see a main road looking like that."
After a large scale clean-up operation was carried out the road was finally clear at around 5pm.


birminghammail--2020-01-10--'The idea' - Pep Guardiola on the tactics he could use against Aston Villa

Pep Guardiola could line up his Manchester City side to match Aston Villa - at least at the back .
Like Dean Smith , Guardiola switched from a 4-3-3 formation to field three central defenders at times this season .
The City boss has made it clear that this formation change is not a radical change as a reaction to any perceived defensive weakness .
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News , Guardiola confirmed that the formation will still be used as an option when centre-back Aymeric Laporte fully returns from injury .
“ Why not ?
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full-backs.
” “ We have Mendy , Kyle , Angelino … and Angelino is one of the most clever guys when he arrives in the box .
He made four or five clear assists , sometimes with the quality we have .
“ I don ’ t think you are more solid with five , it ’ s more how we suffer in playing simple balls , that ’ s not about playing five or four .
“ In some games it ’ s good , in some not good - it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the quality of the players we have , to control the counter attacks , more passes , that ’ s the idea.
” His opposition on at Aston Villa , Smith , has deployed a 3-4-3 against Burnley and Leicester City this season to positive effect .
Tyrone Mings , Kortney Hause and Ezri Konsa have helped tighten Villa 's leaky back-line when playing as a trio .
Against Leicester , Villa 's back-three and goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland stood tall - forcing Leicester out wide and denying plenty of solid chances .
Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester City after its positive introduction at the start of the year .
After the Leicester match , Smith highlighted that a back three has helped Villa at the back .
`` What it ’ s helped us do is defend better .
We ’ ve conceded too many chances in the Premier League this season and we ’ ve had to make sure we got a lot more stability in the team . ''

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Pep Guardiola could line up his Manchester City side to match Aston Villa - at least at the back.
Like Dean Smith, Guardiola switched from a 4-3-3 formation to field three central defenders at times this season.
The City boss has made it clear that this formation change is not a radical change as a reaction to any perceived defensive weakness.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Guardiola confirmed that the formation will still be used as an option when centre-back Aymeric Laporte fully returns from injury.
“Why not? It’s a way we can play with the full-backs.”
(Image: Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty Images)
“We have Mendy, Kyle, Angelino … and Angelino is one of the most clever guys when he arrives in the box. He made four or five clear assists, sometimes with the quality we have.
“I don’t think you are more solid with five, it’s more how we suffer in playing simple balls, that’s not about playing five or four.
“In some games it’s good, in some not good - it’s nice to have alternatives. With the quality of the players we have, to control the counter attacks, more passes, that’s the idea.”
His opposition on at Aston Villa, Smith, has deployed a 3-4-3 against Burnley and Leicester City this season to positive effect.
Tyrone Mings, Kortney Hause and Ezri Konsa have helped tighten Villa's leaky back-line when playing as a trio.
Against Leicester, Villa's back-three and goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland stood tall - forcing Leicester out wide and denying plenty of solid chances.
Villa will likely use the same formation against Manchester City after its positive introduction at the start of the year.
After the Leicester match, Smith highlighted that a back three has helped Villa at the back .
"What it’s helped us do is defend better. We’ve conceded too many chances in the Premier League this season and we’ve had to make sure we got a lot more stability in the team."


birminghammail--2020-01-10--Historic Queen's Arms pub where TV's Line of Duty filmed is put up for sale

An historic Victorian Birmingham pub where scenes from hit TV show Line of Duty was filmed has been put up for sale .
A leasehold for the Queen 's Arms , based on Newhall Street , has gone on the market for £125,000 .
The pub dates back to 1870 and was used in the first series of the popular BBC police show .
Scenes used in the series included shots of the unique interior of the grade II listed boozer .
It is famous for its stunning art nouveau tiling .
Agents Christie & Co is marketing the sale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refurbished and is available leasehold .
The 4,500sq ft pub comes with a manager flat and boasts a bar and restaurant with 100 covers .
It is located in the Colmore Business District .
It is famous for its tiled art nouveau signage on its exterior which was remodelled in 1901 to the designs of the architect Joseph D Ward for then owners , Mitchells and Butlers .
The red brick building sits on the corner of Charlotte Street and Newhall Street on the edge of the edge of the city 's Jewellery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ status in April 2004 .
The pub serves a range of traditional meals with a modern twist , sourced from local quality suppliers .
A quiz is held every Tuesday from 8.30pm .
There are regular cask ales and beers include Sharp 's Doom bar and Wye Valley HPA .
Line of Duty was written by Jed Mercurio who grew up in Cannock and studied at the University of Birmingham Medical School .
The first series premiered in June 2012 and became BBC Two 's best performing drama series in ten years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been five series in total .
The BBC has ordered a sixth series .
It won the Royal Relevision Society Award and Broadcasting Press Guild Award for Best Drama Series .
Customers have taken to Trip Advisor to leave reviews about the Queen 's Arms with a high percentag leaving excellent and very good ratings .
One man , under the name Emotional Baggage , said : `` Visited the Queen 's Arms one Sunday evening recently when in town on business .
`` I wanted something more interesting to eat than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hotel .
`` Fancying a pie and a pint I went to the Arms , only to be told that , sadly , the kitchen was closed ( told you it was late ) however , the good selection of beer on offer , as well as the chatty and friendly bar staff persuaded me to stay for a pint of very good beer in a friendly and convivial atmosphere .
I 'll definitely go back - and go earlier - next time I 'm back in Birmingham . ''
Louise posted : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weather was awful and just around the corner from our accommodation ( Stay City ) .
Really liked the appearance , nice old-school pub feeling .
The staff were super friendly , let us come in early before they 'd properly opened , as the weather was dire .
`` Had a few drinks ( decently priced ) and food .
A limited menu , but typical pub grub style food with some nice twists .
Buttermilk chicken starter with the hot sauce was lovely !
`` Sadly , the main meal , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but given the prices I was not expecting freshly made there and then .
Either way the food was still lovely .
I 'd definitely pop in again . ''
Kseniya posted : `` Delicious delicious delicious squid , fresh made to order .
Amazing selection of beers and ales , Charles you should be proud of your chef !
Great place to have a quiet drink and not be bothered .
Dog friendly . ''
Caribecove posted : `` This is an interesting building in the Jewellery Quarter , which serves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a friendly , relaxed environment . ''

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An historic Victorian Birmingham pub where scenes from hit TV show Line of Duty was filmed has been put up for sale.
A leasehold for the Queen's Arms, based on Newhall Street, has gone on the market for £125,000.
The pub dates back to 1870 and was used in the first series of the popular BBC police show.
Scenes used in the series included shots of the unique interior of the grade II listed boozer. It is famous for its stunning art nouveau tiling.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Agents Christie & Co is marketing the sale of the pub which has recently been refurbished and is available leasehold.
The 4,500sq ft pub comes with a manager flat and boasts a bar and restaurant with 100 covers. It is located in the Colmore Business District.
It is famous for its tiled art nouveau signage on its exterior which was remodelled in 1901 to the designs of the architect Joseph D Ward for then owners, Mitchells and Butlers.
(Image: Birmingham Post and Mail)
The red brick building sits on the corner of Charlotte Street and Newhall Street on the edge of the edge of the city's Jewellery Quarter and was given Grade II listed status in April 2004.
The pub serves a range of traditional meals with a modern twist, sourced from local quality suppliers.
A quiz is held every Tuesday from 8.30pm. There are regular cask ales and beers include Sharp's Doom bar and Wye Valley HPA.
Line of Duty was written by Jed Mercurio who grew up in Cannock and studied at the University of Birmingham Medical School.
(Image: BBC/World Productions Ltd)
The first series premiered in June 2012 and became BBC Two's best performing drama series in ten years.
It won widespread critical acclaim and there has been five series in total. The BBC has ordered a sixth series.
It won the Royal Relevision Society Award and Broadcasting Press Guild Award for Best Drama Series.
Customers have taken to Trip Advisor to leave reviews about the Queen's Arms with a high percentag leaving excellent and very good ratings.
One man, under the name Emotional Baggage, said: "Visited the Queen's Arms one Sunday evening recently when in town on business.
"I wanted something more interesting to eat than the bland fare on offer in my hotel.
"Fancying a pie and a pint I went to the Arms, only to be told that, sadly, the kitchen was closed (told you it was late) however, the good selection of beer on offer, as well as the chatty and friendly bar staff persuaded me to stay for a pint of very good beer in a friendly and convivial atmosphere. I'll definitely go back - and go earlier - next time I'm back in Birmingham."
(Image: Google Street View)
Louise posted: "Visited this pub, as the weather was awful and just around the corner from our accommodation (Stay City). Really liked the appearance, nice old-school pub feeling. The staff were super friendly, let us come in early before they'd properly opened, as the weather was dire.
"Had a few drinks (decently priced) and food. A limited menu, but typical pub grub style food with some nice twists. Buttermilk chicken starter with the hot sauce was lovely!
"Sadly, the main meal, you could it was all from frozen, but given the prices I was not expecting freshly made there and then. Either way the food was still lovely. I'd definitely pop in again."
Kseniya posted: "Delicious delicious delicious squid, fresh made to order. Amazing selection of beers and ales, Charles you should be proud of your chef! Great place to have a quiet drink and not be bothered. Dog friendly."
Caribecove posted: "This is an interesting building in the Jewellery Quarter, which serves a decent selection of beers, in a friendly, relaxed environment."


birminghammail--2020-01-10--Aston Villa transfer news live: Pep Reina update, Barry fury and Arsenal star wanted

Hello and welcome to Friday 's LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive .
Villa completed their first signing of the @ @ @ @ @ international Danny Drinkwater joining in a loan deal from Chelsea until the end of the @ @ @ @ @ men will now be looking for a replacement for striker Wesley Moraes , who is @ @ @ @ @ and bolstering the squad ahead of the second half of their Premier League campaign .
@ @ @ @ @ latest news , rumours and links on any transfer news on incomings and outgoings at @ @ @ @ @ look ahead to the weekend as Villa play hosts to Man City .
So stick @ @ @ @ @ you all the latest news LIVE from Villa Park as we get it .
Follow @ @ @ @ @

Hello and welcome to Sunday's LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive.
Villa completed their first signing of the transfer window with former England international Danny Drinkwater joining in a loan deal from Chelsea until the end of the season.
Dean Smith's men will now be looking for a replacement for striker Wesley Moraes, who is out for the season, and bolstering the squad ahead of the second half of their Premier League campaign.
We will have all the latest news, rumours and links on any transfer news on incomings and outgoings at Villa Park.
On the pitch, Villa were hammered 6-1 by Manchester City.
So stick with us as we bring you all the latest news LIVE from B6 as we get it.
Follow all the action below...


birminghammail--2020-01-10--Thousands of 'kids go free' holiday places on offer from Birmingham Airport

Tour operator TUI is offering thousands of 'kids go free ' places on holidays for 2020 .
The popular deal is back and includes dates across the Easter break , May half-term , school summer holidays and October half-term break .
The discount is valid for children up to 16 years old with inclusive , half board and self catered options available .
It can be used to a number of holiday destinations including Spain , the Canary Islands , Greece and Portugal , with flights from many airports , including Birmingham .
However , the deal is restricted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children 's price applicable for other youngsters on the booking .
But the offer can still make a big difference to a holiday budget with hundreds of pounds off a child 's travel and hotel cost .
To find out more and to book go to www.tui.co.uk/destinations/free-child-places , enter the number of adults , children and their ages and then you can filter to departure airport and destination .
TUI is also currently offering £100 off bookings costing £750 , £150 from those costing £2000 and £200 from holidays of more than £3000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 and October 31 and can be found on the website .
Use the code 'SALE ' during checkout .

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Tour operator TUI is offering thousands of 'kids go free' places on holidays for 2020.
The popular deal is back and includes dates across the Easter break, May half-term, school summer holidays and October half-term break.
The discount is valid for children up to 16 years old with inclusive, half board and self catered options available.
It can be used to a number of holiday destinations including Spain, the Canary Islands, Greece and Portugal, with flights from many airports, including Birmingham.
However, the deal is restricted to just one child pr booking with full children's price applicable for other youngsters on the booking.
But the offer can still make a big difference to a holiday budget with hundreds of pounds off a child's travel and hotel cost.
To find out more and to book go to www.tui.co.uk/destinations/free-child-places , enter the number of adults, children and their ages and then you can filter to departure airport and destination.
TUI is also currently offering £100 off bookings costing £750, £150 from those costing £2000 and £200 from holidays of more than £3000.
This is for departures between May 1 and October 31 and can be found on the website .
Use the code 'SALE' during checkout.


birminghammail--2020-01-10--The best Umrah packages for 2020 from Saudi Airlines, Emirates and more

With 2020 under way and Ramadan not very far away , thoughts are turning to planning the Mecca pilgrimages known as the Hajj and the Umrah .
The Hajj is at a fixed time of year - and is expected to be from July 28 to August 2 this year - while the Umrah can be done at any time of year .
So when is the best time to go and what are the best Umrah packages available to travel out there ?
When to go on the Umrah Although the Umrah can , in theory , be undertaken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are recommended times to go - and times when it is not possible to travel out there for the pilgrimage .
Many people want to go on the Umrah during Ramadan - but that means planning in advance rather than leaving it to just before the month of fasting begins .
The Umrah season closes 10-15 days into Ramadan so that Saudi Arabia can start preparing for the Hajj later in the year , according to MuslimTravelGirl , so if you 'd like to go during Ramadan it will have to be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Umrah season then reopens after the Hajj is finished and it 's usually possible to go out there around the time of Muharram , the first month of the new year - which is expected to fall on August 20 this year according to the Islamic Calendar Saudi Air is offering a number of three , four and five star Umrah packages .
Each includes returns flights , hotel accommodation and an Umrah visa and are based on four people sharing .
Prices for 4 star packages go from £255 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ packages the cost ranges from £1199 to £1499 per person .
Check out all the deals and book here Emirates also offers flights to Saudi Arabia - book here - or you can look for deals on Skyscanner Also check out the package deals on Muslims Holy Travel where there are 3 star packages from £750 , 4 star from £805 and 5 star from £890 .
Makkak Tour is offering 3 star Umrah packages from £640 per person , while Islamic Travel has packages from £499 for this 3 Star 7 Nights @ @

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With 2020 under way and Ramadan not very far away, thoughts are turning to planning the Mecca pilgrimages known as the Hajj and the Umrah.
The Hajj is at a fixed time of year - and is expected to be from July 28 to August 2 this year - while the Umrah can be done at any time of year.
So when is the best time to go and what are the best Umrah packages available to travel out there?
When to go on the Umrah
Although the Umrah can, in theory, be undertaken at any time of year, there are recommended times to go - and times when it is not possible to travel out there for the pilgrimage.
Many people want to go on the Umrah during Ramadan - but that means planning in advance rather than leaving it to just before the month of fasting begins.
The Umrah season closes 10-15 days into Ramadan so that Saudi Arabia can start preparing for the Hajj later in the year, according to MuslimTravelGirl, so if you'd like to go during Ramadan it will have to be in the first 10 days of the month.
The Umrah season then reopens after the Hajj is finished and it's usually possible to go out there around the time of Muharram, the first month of the new year - which is expected to fall on August 20 this year according to the Islamic Calendar
Umrah packages
Saudi Air is offering a number of three, four and five star Umrah packages.
Each includes returns flights, hotel accommodation and an Umrah visa and are based on four people sharing.
They include:
7 nights 3 star Umrah package from £199 per person
8 nights 3 star Umrah package from £299 per person
10 nights 3 star Umrah package from £319 per person
14 nights 3 star Umrah package from £399 per person
Prices for 4 star packages go from £255 to £859 per person and for 5 star packages the cost ranges from £1199 to £1499 per person. Check out all the deals and book here
Emirates also offers flights to Saudi Arabia - book here - or you can look for deals on Skyscanner
Also check out the package deals on Muslims Holy Travel where there are 3 star packages from £750, 4 star from £805 and 5 star from £890.
Makkak Tour is offering 3 star Umrah packages from £640 per person, while Islamic Travel has packages from £499 for this 3 Star 7 Nights Umrah deal


birminghammail--2020-01-10--The Aston Villa player who's ideally suited to causing Manchester City problems

Aston Villa have a tough weekend fixture on the horizon , as Dean Smith 's men are tasked with facing Manchester City at Villa Park .
Pep Guardiola 's team are currently chasing Liverpool and Leicester City in the Premier League , and have won four matches in a row in all competitions .
The test will be difficult for the home side , especially considering the team 's current position in the table is 17th , but inspiration can be sought from one player in particular .
Jack Grealish is the man in question .
The club captain holds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggle to handle based on the defensive problems that have been evidenced this season .
Under the Spaniard 's leadership , City consistently dominate possession , while taking plenty of shots from good locations and restricting the opposition to few opportunities .
That in a nutshell , is essentially the crux of why City are so difficult to compete with .
Guardiola ’ s side shoot roughly 18.4 times per match in the Premier League based on this season , and face only 7.5 on the defensive side .
That mostly derives from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proactive without the ball and press as a unit high up the field , which forces opposing players into panicking and making ill-advised decisions .
The Etihad club usually regain possession easily as a consequence before recirculating and restarting another attack , as most players are n't comfortable with being pressed .
However , Grealish is different to the usual player .
The English midfielder is composed , relaxed , bold and brave on the ball , and he 's a difficult player to disrupt and dispossess .
Rather than overreacting when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solutions .
He 's inclined to dribble out of tight spaces or find teammates that are free , which is dangerous for City , with an example pictured below .
The Villa man assumed possession against Burnley and had limited space to use , with three opposing players nearby .
Grealish managed to beat the man ahead of him , though , before darting towards the final third and playing a through pass to his teammate , as shown below .
Some 62 central midfielders have amassed over 1,000 minutes in the Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top for dribbles attempted per 90 .
He 's ahead of the likes of Bernardo Silva , Kevin De Bruyne , James Maddison and Mateo Kovacic which captures his tendency to engage with opponents .
Grealish 's success rate is also better than most at around 60 % , and he also shows up well in regard to progressive runs per 90 .
A progressive run is loosely defined as a carry that moves the ball considerably forward without taking on a player .
The stat offers an insight into players that tend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final third .
Again , based on the group of 62 central midfielders , Grealish is top .
Whenever City 's press is beaten , a clear-cut opportunity tends to follow considering the vast space behind the team 's defence .
If Grealish is able to have an influence on proceedings by remaining calm whenever he 's pressed and spotting any opportunities that arise , then it 's likely that he 'll cause City problems .
He 's the most capable player that Smith possesses in regard to escaping tricky scenarios and interpreting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grealish is unpredictable on the ball and he constantly embraces risks rather than opting for the safe option .
Ultimately , City are a difficult opponent to compete with but in Grealish , Villa have a player that suited to coping with the demands that Guardiola 's team present .

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Aston Villa will compete with Manchester City this weekend to determine which team will lift the first domestic trophy of the campaign.
The Carabao Cup will take place at Wembley, with Pep Guardiola's side being widely considered as heavy favourites.
However, despite the strength of the Etihad club, Dean Smith can seek inspiration from one player in particular.
Jack Grealish is the man in question. The club captain holds the qualities that Guardiola's team typically struggle to handle based on the defensive problems that have been evidenced this season.
Under the Spaniard's leadership, City consistently dominate possession, while taking plenty of shots from good locations and restricting the opposition to few opportunities. That in a nutshell, is essentially the crux of why City are so difficult to compete with.
Guardiola’s side shoot roughly 18.4 times per match in the Premier League based on this season, and face only 6.8 on the defensive side.
That mostly derives from how City defend. The team are proactive without the ball and press as a unit high up the field, which forces opposing players into panicking and making ill-advised decisions.
The Manchester club usually regain possession easily as a consequence before recirculating and restarting another attack, as most players aren't comfortable with being pressed.
However, Grealish is different to the usual player. The English midfielder is composed, relaxed, bold and brave on the ball, and he's a difficult player to disrupt and dispossess.
Rather than overreacting when he's closed down, Grealish instead finds solutions. He's inclined to dribble out of tight spaces or find teammates that are free, which is dangerous for City, with an example pictured below.
The Villa man assumed possession against Burnley and had limited space to use, with three opposing players nearby.
Grealish managed to beat the man ahead of him, though, before darting towards the final third and playing a through pass to his teammate, as shown below.
Some 162 outfielders have amassed over 1,500 minutes in the Premier League this season, with Grealish seventh for dribbles attempted per 90. He's ahead of the likes of Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, James Maddison and Mateo Kovacic which captures his tendency to engage with opponents.
Grealish's success rate is also better than most at around 57.5%, and he also shows up well in regard to progressive runs per 90.
A progressive run is loosely defined as a carry that moves the ball considerably forward without taking on a player. The stat offers an insight into players that tend to drive their team dynamically towards the final third.
Again, based on the group of 162 outfielders, Grealish is second behind only Adama Traore.
Whenever City's press is beaten, a clear-cut opportunity tends to follow considering the vast space behind the team's defence. If Grealish is able to have an influence on proceedings by remaining calm whenever he's pressed and spotting any opportunities that arise, then it's likely that he'll cause City problems.
He's the most capable player that Smith possesses in regard to escaping tricky scenarios and interpreting situations differently to the typical player. Grealish is unpredictable on the ball and he constantly embraces risks rather than opting for the safe option.
Ultimately, City are a difficult opponent to compete with but in Grealish, Villa have a player that suited to coping with the demands that Guardiola's team present.
Will the Villa skipper be able to deliver cup final glory?


birminghammail--2020-01-10--The best performing supermarket in the UK over Christmas 2019 revealed

Low-cost supermarket Lidl claimed it outperformed every rival on the high street over the Christmas period , with bosses revealing families switched £110 million of their spend to the discounter .
During the four weeks to December 29 , sales rose 11 per cent compared with the same period last year , with its busiest day on December 23 .
The company , which has a host of stores across Birmingham , said the number of customers coming through its doors was a record high too , with strong growth in beer , wine and spirits sales - up 13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly shone through , with sales up 20 per cent over the last year .
But attempts to win over more affluent customers took a slight dent as the supermarket chain said its best-selling wines - a Rioja Joven DOC and an Argentinian Malbec - were both under £5 a bottle .
More than 1,000 tonnes of cheese was snapped up - helping boost sales up 55 per cent - and non-food sales also enjoyed a boost , rising nine per cent .
Christian Hartnagel , Lidl GB chief executive , said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25th Christmas since first opening our doors in Britain , and what a Christmas it 's been , with more customers shopping at Lidl than ever before .
`` We continued to open our doors to more communities across the country , which has no doubt contributed to our success .
`` However , the number of customers switching to us in the lead-up to Christmas shows the continued appeal of the Lidl offer . ''
The company added it has continued to invest in its store portfolio during the festive period , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Christmas .
Lidl did not provide details of how many positions were created .
Bosses have already revealed plans to invest £1.45 billion in investment to expand to 1,000 stores by the end of 2023 .
The results come after its main rival Aldi revealed it too had its best Christmas on record , banking more than £1 billion in the four weeks to December 24 - although the four-week period covered by Aldi is different to that covered by Lidl .

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Low-cost supermarket Lidl claimed it outperformed every rival on the high street over the Christmas period, with bosses revealing families switched £110 million of their spend to the discounter.
During the four weeks to December 29, sales rose 11 per cent compared with the same period last year, with its busiest day on December 23.
The company, which has a host of stores across Birmingham, said the number of customers coming through its doors was a record high too, with strong growth in beer, wine and spirits sales - up 13 per cent.
Bosses added that wine particularly shone through, with sales up 20 per cent over the last year.
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But attempts to win over more affluent customers took a slight dent as the supermarket chain said its best-selling wines - a Rioja Joven DOC and an Argentinian Malbec - were both under £5 a bottle.
More than 1,000 tonnes of cheese was snapped up - helping boost sales up 55 per cent - and non-food sales also enjoyed a boost, rising nine per cent.
Christian Hartnagel, Lidl GB chief executive, said in a statement: "This was our 25th Christmas since first opening our doors in Britain, and what a Christmas it's been, with more customers shopping at Lidl than ever before.
"We continued to open our doors to more communities across the country, which has no doubt contributed to our success.
"However, the number of customers switching to us in the lead-up to Christmas shows the continued appeal of the Lidl offer."
The company added it has continued to invest in its store portfolio during the festive period, creating jobs across the country in time for Christmas. Lidl did not provide details of how many positions were created.
Bosses have already revealed plans to invest £1.45 billion in investment to expand to 1,000 stores by the end of 2023.
The results come after its main rival Aldi revealed it too had its best Christmas on record, banking more than £1 billion in the four weeks to December 24 - although the four-week period covered by Aldi is different to that covered by Lidl.


birminghammail--2020-01-10--The worst Birmingham train stations for crime revealed - where you're most likely to fall victim

Rail passengers at Birmingham Hall Green station were the most likely to witness a crime last year .
An analysis of UK Police data has revealed that there were 13 crimes that took place at the station in the 12 months to December 2019 .
When compared to the latest passenger statistics that works out as 3.1 crimes for every 100,000 people entering or exiting the station - the highest figure in Birmingham .
That ’ s looking only at stations where more than ten crimes took place .
Hall Green was followed by Gravelly Hill ( 2.3 crimes for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 2.3 ) and Northfield ( 2.2 ) .
Birmingham New Street saw the highest number of crimes - 784 - but it also had the highest number of passengers .
Across Birmingham , the figures show that there were 1,184 crimes recorded by British Transport Police that took place on or near railway stations in the 12 months to December 2019 .
That ’ s down by 11 % on the year before , when there were 1,130 .
Most types of crime fell , though the number of robberies rose from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 29 % ) , and criminal damage rose from 91 to 102 offences ( up 12 % ) .
The most common type of crime was public order offences ( 243 crimes ) , followed by theft ( other than shoplifting or bike theft - 242 ) and violence and sexual offences ( 220 crimes ) .
Looking nationally , the number of crimes recorded by British Transport Police rose slightly in the last year ( by 1.4 % ) .
There were 56,257 crimes in the year to December 2019 , compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hanstock , Deputy Chief Constable at British Transport Police said : “ Like forces throughout Britain , we have seen an increase in notifiable crime within the national network .
“ With record levels of passengers using the railway , we anticipated there could be a subsequent rise in crime .
“ As stations become increasingly commercial environments , a large proportion of this increase is as a result of theft of passenger property , anti-social behaviour or shoplifting .
“ Despite this increase , when put into context it is important to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victim of crime on the railway is very low .
“ Of course , any rise in crime is of concern to us and we are tackling this head on through our problem-solving initiatives at key locations.
” The increase was mainly driven by an increase in theft ( up 51 % ) , robbery ( up 27 % ) and drug offences ( up 23 % ) .
The statistics show that the number of crimes involving the possession of weapons fell by 27 % last year at Britain ’ s railway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year to December 2019 - down 27 % from the 985 crimes recorded in the previous 12 months .
However that was still higher than the 474 recorded in the year to December 2017 .
DCC Hanstock said : “ Nationwide , our patrols and high-profile operations have included a number of overt and covert tactics to tackle knife crime .
“ By using knife arches and stop and search powers in an controlled way , we ’ ve been able to seize weapons before they ’ re used to potentially take a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a weapon on the railway are extremely rare , and these decisive steps are part of our commitment to keeping our railways safe.
” Looking at stations with more than 50 crimes , Cambridge North was the worst for crime across the country .
There were 19.6 crimes there for every 100,000 passengers in the year to December 2019 .
That was followed by Hull station , ( 8.6 crimes for every 100,000 passengers ) , Fareham ( 7.5 crimes for every 100,000 passengers ) and Ramsgate ( 6.5 crimes for every 100,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area at which you are most likely to experience a crime On or near Hall Green ( Station ) // 13 // 3.1 On or near Gravelly Hill ( Station ) // 18 // 2.3 On or near Acocks Green ( Station ) // 11 // 2.3 On or near Northfield ( Station ) // 19 // 2.2 On or near Kings Norton ( Station ) // 28 // 2.1 On or near Erdington ( Station ) // 19 // 2.0 On or near Four Oaks ( Station ) // 15 // 2.0 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Station ) // 764 // 1.7 On or near Longbridge ( Station ) // 17 // 1.7 On or near Bournville ( Station ) // 12 // 1.0 On or near Selly Oak ( Station ) // 28 // 1.0 On or near Sutton Coldfield ( Station ) // 15 // 0.9 On or near Birmingham Moor Street ( Station ) // 59 // 0.9 On or near Birmingham Snow Hill ( Station ) // 39 // 0.9 On or near University ( Station ) // 14 // 0.4

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Michael Goodier, James Rodger)

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Rail passengers at Birmingham Hall Green station were the most likely to witness a crime last year.
An analysis of UK Police data has revealed that there were 13 crimes that took place at the station in the 12 months to December 2019.
When compared to the latest passenger statistics that works out as 3.1 crimes for every 100,000 people entering or exiting the station - the highest figure in Birmingham.
That’s looking only at stations where more than ten crimes took place.
Hall Green was followed by Gravelly Hill (2.3 crimes for every 100,000 passengers), Acocks Green (2.3) and Northfield (2.2).
Birmingham New Street saw the highest number of crimes - 784 - but it also had the highest number of passengers.
Across Birmingham, the figures show that there were 1,184 crimes recorded by British Transport Police that took place on or near railway stations in the 12 months to December 2019.
That’s down by 11% on the year before, when there were 1,130.
Most types of crime fell, though the number of robberies rose from 14 to 18 (an increase of 29%), and criminal damage rose from 91 to 102 offences (up 12%).
The most common type of crime was public order offences (243 crimes), followed by theft (other than shoplifting or bike theft - 242) and violence and sexual offences (220 crimes).
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Looking nationally, the number of crimes recorded by British Transport Police rose slightly in the last year (by 1.4%).
There were 56,257 crimes in the year to December 2019, compared to 55,481 the year before.
Adrian Hanstock, Deputy Chief Constable at British Transport Police said: “Like forces throughout Britain, we have seen an increase in notifiable crime within the national network.
“With record levels of passengers using the railway, we anticipated there could be a subsequent rise in crime.
“As stations become increasingly commercial environments, a large proportion of this increase is as a result of theft of passenger property, anti-social behaviour or shoplifting.
“Despite this increase, when put into context it is important to remember that the chance of becoming a victim of crime on the railway is very low.
“Of course, any rise in crime is of concern to us and we are tackling this head on through our problem-solving initiatives at key locations.”
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
The increase was mainly driven by an increase in theft (up 51%), robbery (up 27%) and drug offences (up 23%).
The statistics show that the number of crimes involving the possession of weapons fell by 27% last year at Britain’s railway stations.
There were 719 in the year to December 2019 - down 27% from the 985 crimes recorded in the previous 12 months.
However that was still higher than the 474 recorded in the year to December 2017.
DCC Hanstock said: “Nationwide, our patrols and high-profile operations have included a number of overt and covert tactics to tackle knife crime.
“By using knife arches and stop and search powers in an controlled way, we’ve been able to seize weapons before they’re used to potentially take a life.
“Fortunately, assaults involving a weapon on the railway are extremely rare, and these decisive steps are part of our commitment to keeping our railways safe.”
Looking at stations with more than 50 crimes, Cambridge North was the worst for crime across the country.
There were 19.6 crimes there for every 100,000 passengers in the year to December 2019.
That was followed by Hull station, (8.6 crimes for every 100,000 passengers), Fareham (7.5 crimes for every 100,000 passengers) and Ramsgate (6.5 crimes for every 100,000 passengers).
The stations in our area at which you are most likely to experience a crime
Station // Crimes (Dec18 -Nov19) // Crimes per 100,000 passengers
On or near Hall Green (Station) // 13 // 3.1
On or near Gravelly Hill (Station) // 18 // 2.3
On or near Acocks Green (Station) // 11 // 2.3
On or near Northfield (Station) // 19 // 2.2
On or near Kings Norton (Station) // 28 // 2.1
On or near Erdington (Station) // 19 // 2.0
On or near Four Oaks (Station) // 15 // 2.0
On or near Birmingham New Street (Station) // 764 // 1.7
On or near Longbridge (Station) // 17 // 1.7
On or near Bournville (Station) // 12 // 1.0
On or near Selly Oak (Station) // 28 // 1.0
On or near Sutton Coldfield (Station) // 15 // 0.9
On or near Birmingham Moor Street (Station) // 59 // 0.9
On or near Birmingham Snow Hill (Station) // 39 // 0.9
On or near University (Station) // 14 // 0.4


birminghammail--2020-01-10--Blubbering thief's WhatsApp confession after being caught stealing from deaf granddad

The grovelling WhatsApp messages written by a thief who was caught stealing from a deaf grandfather and her best friend have been revealed .
In shocking messages , Melissa Collier admits stealing from her own granddad - and targeting her best pal .
The 28-year-old , from Hull , was branded a `` sly '' thief after she branded herself an `` idiot '' for not managing her own money .
Ms Collier admitted she did not think she would get caught , reports Hull Live , telling her friend : `` I 'm an idiot for doing it cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for me to have even considered , let alone done . ''
She added : I am sincerely sorry . ''
She let herself into her grandparents ' home and `` crept '' past her deaf granddad , 92 , who was confined to a chair , when she knew her grandma , 83 , was out and stole their money `` multiple times '' .
Collier also stole from her best friend , Samantha Wood , who caught her in the act on a secret camera .
Unbeknown to Miss Wood , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Collier 's grandparents ' home .
After being caught red-handed , Collier confessed all to her best friend Miss Wood , 27 , on the day she was arrested in a series of lengthy text messages .
She tried to explain her actions , blaming her debts , and says she `` did n't have the guts '' to ask for financial help .
Collier , who lives in Hull city centre , wrote : `` I 'm gon na be really honest with you , I 've been taking money from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they 've got suspicious and contacted police ( rightly so ) and I got arrested today .
`` I took £10 from your purse last week and I 'm so sorry .
I know you contacted police and have got evidence .
`` I 've been struggling really bad recently trying to pay off old debts and just being too proud to ask for help and being an idiot and done a stupid stupid thing .
`` I had no right to do that and I have completely broken your trust .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best friends of 14 years had spoken about the thefts .
A heartbroken Miss Wood had kept quiet for months while the investigations were ongoing .
Miss Wood told her she `` loved her like a sister '' and told her she did not believe the money was to pay off debts .
She replied : `` I know everything you 've done .
I know you 've been stealing off me for months .
Did our friendship mean nothing ?
`` You say you 've been stealing from me ( multiple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pay debts but you stole £20/30 quid off me one night and then came round the next day with loads of stuff you 'd bought for your flat , I knew what you 'd bought then was with the money you 'd stole from me and could n't believe you actually came round and showed me .
`` If you 'd asked , I would have given you it .
I loved you like a sister , I 'd of asked my dad for you . ''
Collier then admitted she `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and said she just `` could not get a grip on it '' .
Although she was only prosecuted for stealing £10 , she admitted taking at least £150 when Miss Wood asked her how much she had taken .
Collier said : `` In honesty I 've taken £150 and I 'm sorry .
In time I will pay you back .
`` I 'm sorry Sammy , like I said my head has n't been in the right place and I 'm not using it as an excuse .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I 've chosen a stupid mistake .
I know I 'm sorry Sammy it just was n't a thought process at the time .
`` I just thought if I ask [ for money ] I 'll look like I 'm failing and I 'm trying to have my head above water and hold a facade so I knew this was my only option .
`` I 'm sorry cause I know I 've hurt you .
I 've felt guilty all the time and I 'm gon na have to live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knows she should have stopped , but just `` could not get a grip on it '' .
She said : `` I have n't been able to manage my money for a while .
`` Like I said Sammy I was n't thinking and I was being selfish and at the time of me doing it I did n't put you into consideration and it 's disgusting but I have felt guilty once I 've done it .
`` I know I should 've stopped a long time ago .
I just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I just felt too proud to ask .
I felt like a failure asking and that was my stupid decision to make . ''
Collier pleaded guilty to five counts of burglary and one count of theft .
She was jailed on Tuesday for two nights while Judge Paul Watson QC , Honorary Recorder of Hull considered her punishment .
She returned to Hull Crown Court on Thursday , and before she learned her fate , a victim impact statement , written by Miss Wood was read to the court .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Collier 's crime had an impact on her both mentally and physically which was `` a greater impact than she expected '' .
She described Collier as not only a friend , but a confidant , and someone who was like a family member to her and who her and her son loved and trusted .
She said when Collier stole from her , she `` took food from the table '' and made it difficult for her to pay for bills .
A victim impact statement from the elderly couple 's daughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not read to the court was said to say the entire family were devastated to discover she was the thief .
Judge Paul Watson QC suspended Collier 's sentence for 18 months and she walked free from court .
He said the fact it was her first offence and that she had showed remorse and the fact there is `` little '' chance of her re-offending , he could suspend the sentence .
Collier 's war-hero granddad , who has not been named , died before Collier apologised and did not see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miss Wood said she is just glad it is all over .
`` I waited for her at court and she apologised to me and I gave her a hug and I told her that I hope she moves on from this and I hope she does better , '' she said .
`` I do n't hold grudges , I am just glad that it 's done .
We expected a suspended sentence , I do n't know how I feel about it , nothing was going to make it better .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been stupid , given what other people get away with .
She 's apologised and hopefully she can learn from this . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Joanna Lovell, James Rodger)

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The grovelling WhatsApp messages written by a thief who was caught stealing from a deaf grandfather and her best friend have been revealed.
In shocking messages, Melissa Collier admits stealing from her own granddad - and targeting her best pal.
The 28-year-old, from Hull, was branded a "sly" thief after she branded herself an "idiot" for not managing her own money.
Ms Collier admitted she did not think she would get caught, reports Hull Live , telling her friend: "I'm an idiot for doing it cause I know it's an awful thing for me to have even considered, let alone done."
She added: I am sincerely sorry."
She let herself into her grandparents' home and "crept" past her deaf granddad, 92, who was confined to a chair, when she knew her grandma, 83, was out and stole their money "multiple times".
Collier also stole from her best friend, Samantha Wood, who caught her in the act on a secret camera.
Unbeknown to Miss Wood, police had also set up a camera at Collier's grandparents' home.
After being caught red-handed, Collier confessed all to her best friend Miss Wood, 27, on the day she was arrested in a series of lengthy text messages.
She tried to explain her actions, blaming her debts, and says she "didn't have the guts" to ask for financial help.
Collier, who lives in Hull city centre, wrote: "I'm gonna be really honest with you, I've been taking money from my grandparents for the past few weeks, they've got suspicious and contacted police (rightly so) and I got arrested today.
"I took £10 from your purse last week and I'm so sorry. I know you contacted police and have got evidence.
"I've been struggling really bad recently trying to pay off old debts and just being too proud to ask for help and being an idiot and done a stupid stupid thing.
"I had no right to do that and I have completely broken your trust."
The text messages were the first the best friends of 14 years had spoken about the thefts.
A heartbroken Miss Wood had kept quiet for months while the investigations were ongoing. Miss Wood told her she "loved her like a sister" and told her she did not believe the money was to pay off debts.
She replied: "I know everything you've done. I know you've been stealing off me for months. Did our friendship mean nothing?
"You say you've been stealing from me (multiple times) because you've been struggling to pay debts but you stole £20/30 quid off me one night and then came round the next day with loads of stuff you'd bought for your flat, I knew what you'd bought then was with the money you'd stole from me and couldn't believe you actually came round and showed me.
"If you'd asked, I would have given you it. I loved you like a sister, I'd of asked my dad for you."
Collier then admitted she "didn't think she could get caught" and said she just "could not get a grip on it".
Although she was only prosecuted for stealing £10, she admitted taking at least £150 when Miss Wood asked her how much she had taken.
Collier said: "In honesty I've taken £150 and I'm sorry. In time I will pay you back.
"I'm sorry Sammy, like I said my head hasn't been in the right place and I'm not using it as an excuse. I'm just saying I've been struggling and I've chosen a stupid mistake. I know I'm sorry Sammy it just wasn't a thought process at the time.
"I just thought if I ask [for money] I'll look like I'm failing and I'm trying to have my head above water and hold a facade so I knew this was my only option.
"I'm sorry cause I know I've hurt you. I've felt guilty all the time and I'm gonna have to live with it."
Collier said she knows she should have stopped, but just "could not get a grip on it".
She said: "I haven't been able to manage my money for a while.
"Like I said Sammy I wasn't thinking and I was being selfish and at the time of me doing it I didn't put you into consideration and it's disgusting but I have felt guilty once I've done it.
"I know I should've stopped a long time ago. I just couldn't get a grip on it.
"I just felt too proud to ask. I felt like a failure asking and that was my stupid decision to make."
Collier pleaded guilty to five counts of burglary and one count of theft.
She was jailed on Tuesday for two nights while Judge Paul Watson QC, Honorary Recorder of Hull considered her punishment.
She returned to Hull Crown Court on Thursday, and before she learned her fate, a victim impact statement, written by Miss Wood was read to the court.
In the statement, Miss Wood said Collier's crime had an impact on her both mentally and physically which was "a greater impact than she expected".
She described Collier as not only a friend, but a confidant, and someone who was like a family member to her and who her and her son loved and trusted.
She said when Collier stole from her, she "took food from the table" and made it difficult for her to pay for bills.
A victim impact statement from the elderly couple's daughter (Collier's auntie), which was not read to the court was said to say the entire family were devastated to discover she was the thief.
Judge Paul Watson QC suspended Collier's sentence for 18 months and she walked free from court.
He said the fact it was her first offence and that she had showed remorse and the fact there is "little" chance of her re-offending, he could suspend the sentence.
Collier's war-hero granddad, who has not been named, died before Collier apologised and did not see her convicted.
Speaking after sentencing, Miss Wood said she is just glad it is all over.
"I waited for her at court and she apologised to me and I gave her a hug and I told her that I hope she moves on from this and I hope she does better," she said.
"I don't hold grudges, I am just glad that it's done. We expected a suspended sentence, I don't know how I feel about it, nothing was going to make it better.
"A long custodial sentence would have been stupid, given what other people get away with. She's apologised and hopefully she can learn from this."