birminghammail--2020-02-18--'Left, right and centre' - The Manchester United trainee banging them in for Birmingham City

Birmingham City have played the entire 2019/2020 campaign with only two recognised centre forwards .
Lukas Jutkiewicz has remained a consistent presence throughout , while the January transfer window saw Alvaro Gimenez depart and Scott Hogan arrive .
Kerim Mrabti has filled in here and there but the door remains open for one of the many contenders from the Under 23s to step through .
There has been plenty of talk about Miguel Fernandez , the Spanish youngster signed from UE Cornella in the summer , but quietly it looks as though ex-Manchester United trainee Jayden Reid heads that particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be the case at present .
Reid has warmed up with the first team on a match day - and earlier this month was given a squad number – 49 .
And it ’ s him rather than Fernandez , who is injured again , or Odin Bailey who is actually the 23s ’ leading scorer .
A brace against Wolves last time out took his season total to eight .
Here ’ s what you need to know about him .
Reid is 18-years-old , brother of Swindon Town right back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer .
He spent a couple of years with the Under 18s at the Liberty Stadium , having joined them from United in 2017 .
How did the move come about ?
Knowing he would be leaving Swansea Reid arrived at Wast Hills at the end of last season , playing for the Under 18s in their final league match of the campaign .
He scored twice in a 4-2 win against Bolton and signed permanently in July .
Within four days of arriving he scored in a pre-season game against Solihull Moors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start but an ankle injury slowed him down and it took him until November to hit his stride .
He ’ s bagged eight goals in nine starts and seven appearances off the bench .
He got off the mark with two in a 6-0 win over Bolton in November and has been on fire lately , two more came against Barnsley , there was a sumptuous chip against Leeds and – earlier this month –a brace in a 2-2 draw with Wolves .
What has he said ?
Speaking in November he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an impact for the rest of the season for the squad .
If you do well in the 23s you are always looking to push on into the first team which is my aim for the season.
” And in February he added : “ The boys are hungry so you have got to be hungry as well and you have to prove why you should be in the squad.
” What have the coaches said ?
Steve Spooner speaking after Reid scored twice in a 2-2 draw with Wolves in February .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ vein of form at the moment and banging goals in left , right and centre .
“ But there is still so much of his game that needs to be better , he can ’ t just rest on scoring goals .
“ If he is really serious about what he wants to do he has to learn to refine other parts of his game as well .
“ He can still work harder , where he was 3-4 weeks ago he has come on leaps and bounds – credit to him but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has work to do as well.
” He signed a one-year professional deal last summer , but the club have an option to extend for another season .
Blues are considering whether to trigger than clause .

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Birmingham City have played the entire 2019/2020 campaign with only two recognised centre forwards.
Lukas Jutkiewicz has remained a consistent presence throughout, while the January transfer window saw Alvaro Gimenez depart and Scott Hogan arrive.
Kerim Mrabti has filled in here and there but this summer the door remains open for one of the many contenders from the Under 23s to step through.
There has been plenty of talk about Miguel Fernandez, the Spanish youngster signed from UE Cornella in the summer.
Adan George has done well for the Under 18s and 23s, while Josh Andrews is getting plenty of exposure with the development squad.
But quietly it looks as though ex-Manchester United trainee Jayden Reid has joined Odin Bailey at the head of that particular queue.
That’s certainly seems to be the case at present after Blues announced they have triggered the one year option in his contract.
Reid has warmed up with the first team on a match day - and in February was given a squad number – 49.
And it’s him rather than Fernandez or Bailey who is actually the 23s’ leading scorer.
A brace against Wolves earlier this season took his season total to eight.
Here’s what you need to know about him.
(Image: BCFC/Roy Smiljanic)
What’s his background?
Reid is 18-years-old, brother of Swindon Town right back Tyler and signed after leaving Swansea last summer.
He spent a couple of years with the Under 18s at the Liberty Stadium, having joined them from United in 2017.
How did the move come about?
Knowing he would be leaving Swansea Reid arrived at Wast Hills at the end of last season, playing for the Under 18s in their final league match of the campaign.
He scored twice in a 4-2 win against Bolton and signed permanently in July. Within four days of arriving he scored in a pre-season game against Solihull Moors.
He seemed set for a flying start but an ankle injury slowed him down and it took him until November to hit his stride.
Since then
He’s bagged eight goals in nine starts and seven appearances off the bench.
He got off the mark with two in a 6-0 win over Bolton in November and has been on fire lately, two more came against Barnsley, there was a sumptuous chip against Leeds and – earlier this month –a brace in a 2-2 draw with Wolves.
(Image: BCFC/Roy Smiljanic)
What has he said?
Speaking in November he said: “Hopefully I can make an impact for the rest of the season for the squad. If you do well in the 23s you are always looking to push on into the first team which is my aim for the season.”
And in February he added: “The boys are hungry so you have got to be hungry as well and you have to prove why you should be in the squad.”
What have the coaches said?
Steve Spooner speaking after Reid scored twice in a 2-2 draw with Wolves in February.
“He is in a good rich vein of form at the moment and banging goals in left, right and centre.
“But there is still so much of his game that needs to be better, he can’t just rest on scoring goals.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
“If he is really serious about what he wants to do he has to learn to refine other parts of his game as well.
“He can still work harder, where he was 3-4 weeks ago he has come on leaps and bounds – credit to him but if he wants to be a player he has work to do as well.”
What’s his contractual situation?
He signed a one-year professional deal last summer, the extension has been triggered and he'll get another season trying to prove himself to Pep Clotet.


birminghammail--2020-02-18--Major flood warning as River Severn levels to 'peak' at Ironbridge in matter of hours

A major flood warning is in place in Ironbridge where the River Severn levels are expected to 'peak ' tonight .
Around 30 homes which line the historic town have been evacuated as the Environment Agency declared a ‘ major incident ’ .
Flood defences could be breached as the river level is expected to peak at 10pm on Tuesday .
Cars have also been moved from low lying car parks as a precaution .
Motorists were being advised to avoid driving into the town centre , where 17 roads were closed , including Coton Hill and both the English @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , almost 200 flood warnings remain in place after Storm Dennis , including six severe - or “ danger to life ” - warnings .
Among the worst affected areas are south Wales , Herefordshire , Worcestershire and Shropshire .
Battered Bewdley residents have been warned that water levels are expected to rise again following the severe floods over the weekend .
West Mercia Police have said the flood barriers at Severnside North and Severnside South are expected to hold but the barriers at Beales Corner could be ‘ out-flanked ’ .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affected by the floodwater and the force have said if necessary , a rest centre would be established for residents who may have to leave their properties .
The Environment Agency said : “ River levels are rising at the Bewdley river gauge as a result of heavy rainfall .
Flooding may affect Riverside North including the road to Lickhill Manor and Acacia Avenue , Bewdley .
“ The access road to Lickhill Caravan Park and the Walkway may be affected and property and gardens flooded at Severnside , Stourport .
Bewdley river @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 5.4 m overnight tonight into Wednesday.
” A major operation is underway at Drayton Manor Theme Park after heavy rainfall caused the main park lake to burst its banks on Sunday afternoon .
Instead of welcoming hoards of families , staff are busy pumping thousands of litres of water out of the site near Tamworth .
Damage is “ due to be assessed ” in the coming days , a park spokeswoman said .
The site will now be closed for the duration of the half term holiday , reopening on February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manor told customers : “ Due to the extensive flooding in the park , we have had to make the difficult decision to close for the duration of half term for the clean-up operation to take place.
” Meanwhile , the River Trent , which had prompted a severe flood warning for Burton-on-Trent , also peaked at record levels of just below four metres on Tuesday .
Severe flood warnings remained in place for the River Severn at Upton upon Severn , Ironbridge and Uckinghall , the River Wye and the River Lugg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Environment Agency ( EA ) said 599 properties had been flooded across England as of Tuesday afternoon , as a result of the weekend 's storm .
But record-breaking river levels and continued rainfall means further flooding is possible , EA executive director of flood and coastal risk management John Curtin said .

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A major flood warning is in place in Ironbridge where the River Severn levels are expected to 'peak' tonight.
Around 30 homes which line the historic town have been evacuated as the Environment Agency declared a ‘major incident’.
Flood defences could be breached as the river level is expected to peak at 10pm on Tuesday.
(Image: Getty Images)
Cars have also been moved from low lying car parks as a precaution.
Motorists were being advised to avoid driving into the town centre, where 17 roads were closed, including Coton Hill and both the English and Welsh bridges.
Around the UK, almost 200 flood warnings remain in place after Storm Dennis, including six severe - or “danger to life” - warnings.
Among the worst affected areas are south Wales, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire.
To keep up-to-date with the latest breaking news from across the city join our Facebook group here
Battered Bewdley residents have been warned that water levels are expected to rise again following the severe floods over the weekend.
West Mercia Police have said the flood barriers at Severnside North and Severnside South are expected to hold but the barriers at Beales Corner could be ‘out-flanked’.
It’s feared that homes may be affected by the floodwater and the force have said if necessary, a rest centre would be established for residents who may have to leave their properties.
The Environment Agency said: “River levels are rising at the Bewdley river gauge as a result of heavy rainfall. Flooding may affect Riverside North including the road to Lickhill Manor and Acacia Avenue, Bewdley.
“The access road to Lickhill Caravan Park and the Walkway may be affected and property and gardens flooded at Severnside, Stourport. Bewdley river gauge is predicted to peak between 5.1 to 5.4 m overnight tonight into Wednesday.”
A major operation is underway at Drayton Manor Theme Park after heavy rainfall caused the main park lake to burst its banks on Sunday afternoon.
Instead of welcoming hoards of families, staff are busy pumping thousands of litres of water out of the site near Tamworth.
Damage is “due to be assessed” in the coming days, a park spokeswoman said.
The site will now be closed for the duration of the half term holiday, reopening on February 29.
In a statement, Drayton Manor told customers: “Due to the extensive flooding in the park, we have had to make the difficult decision to close for the duration of half term for the clean-up operation to take place.”
Meanwhile, the River Trent, which had prompted a severe flood warning for Burton-on-Trent, also peaked at record levels of just below four metres on Tuesday.
Severe flood warnings remained in place for the River Severn at Upton upon Severn, Ironbridge and Uckinghall, the River Wye and the River Lugg at Hampton Bishop on Tuesday afternoon.
The Environment Agency (EA) said 599 properties had been flooded across England as of Tuesday afternoon, as a result of the weekend's storm.
But record-breaking river levels and continued rainfall means further flooding is possible, EA executive director of flood and coastal risk management John Curtin said.


birminghammail--2020-02-18--Final 11 Beales stores set to shut with hundreds of jobs at risk

The final 11 Beales department stores are set to shut , putting hundreds of jobs at risk .
The retailer slid into administration last month , before announcing plans to shut 12 of its 23 outlets , in the latest blow to the UK ’ s struggling high streets .
Administrators at KPMG said they are continuing discussions with “ a number of interest parties ” over a sale , but have started preparations to close the remaining stores after failing to receive any “ deliverable offers ” .
The 139-year-old business collapsed into administration in January after it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The company has also made a further 20 staff redundant at its head office in Bournemouth , KPMG said .
It added that the remaining stores are expected to trade for around eight weeks while closing down sales take place .
Employees across Beales stores will be retained as the stores continue to trade .
The administrators said they will continue to work closely with staff in the coming weeks .
Will Wright , joint administrator for the company , said : “ We ’ d like to thank all Beales employees for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration process .
“ We understand that the failure to achieve a sale so far will come as disappointing news , but can assure them that we will continue in our efforts to secure some form of positive outcome.
” KPMG added that , if a sale is not achieved , the precise closure date of each store will vary , depending on trading performance .
The 139-year-old business employed approximately 1,050 people before announcing its first closures .
It is the latest high street name to suffer from soaring business rates and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers .

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The final 11 Beales department stores are set to shut, putting hundreds of jobs at risk.
The retailer slid into administration last month, before announcing plans to shut 12 of its 23 outlets, in the latest blow to the UK’s struggling high streets.
Administrators at KPMG said they are continuing discussions with “a number of interest parties” over a sale, but have started preparations to close the remaining stores after failing to receive any “deliverable offers”.
The 139-year-old business collapsed into administration in January after it was unable to secure a last-minute buyer.
The company has also made a further 20 staff redundant at its head office in Bournemouth, KPMG said.
It added that the remaining stores are expected to trade for around eight weeks while closing down sales take place.
Employees across Beales stores will be retained as the stores continue to trade. The administrators said they will continue to work closely with staff in the coming weeks.
Will Wright, joint administrator for the company, said: “We’d like to thank all Beales employees for their wholehearted support and assistance during the administration process.
“We understand that the failure to achieve a sale so far will come as disappointing news, but can assure them that we will continue in our efforts to secure some form of positive outcome.”
(Image: Southport Visiter)
KPMG added that, if a sale is not achieved, the precise closure date of each store will vary, depending on trading performance.
The 139-year-old business employed approximately 1,050 people before announcing its first closures.
It is the latest high street name to suffer from soaring business rates and the public deserting shopping centres in record numbers.


birminghammail--2020-02-18--BRIT Awards 2020 best dressed as Laura Whitmore and Lizzo steal show

Lizzo stole the show when she arrived at the Brit Awards in a dress modelled on a Hershey ’ s chocolate wrapper .
The US singer was among the early arrivals at the ceremony , along with Billie Eilish and Laura Whitmore , who was making her first public appearance since she paid tribute to her friend and fellow Love Island presenter Caroline Flack .
Lizzo turned heads in her brown satin gown , which appeared to show the Hershey chocolate brand ’ s logo and was emblazoned with the words “ Milk chocolate ” .
The unusual dress even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Lizzo , who carried a purse that looked like a chocolate bar , wore her hair in an elegant updo .
Whitmore wore a short dress with what appeared to be a newspaper print design .
She teamed the sequinned dress with towering black heels .
Another star getting plenty of attention was Ashnikko , who turned up with her blue hair in such long bunches that she needed assistants to carry them .
The American singer wore a quirky one-shouldered blue outfit and chunky platform trainers , and two long bunches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accompanied by two people in white jumpsuits , who helped to carry her hair .
Tallia Storm looked dramatic in a full , one-shouldered black dress with a long thigh split , while presenter AJ Odudu went for a sequinned and feathered concoction .
Pussycat Dolls star Ashley Roberts braved the cold in a glittering top and skirt that left her midriff bare .
And singer-songwriter Mabel added a splash of colour in a bold red dress with bows at the sides .
The Brit Awards are being held at the O2 Arena @ @ @

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Lizzo stole the show when she arrived at the Brit Awards in a dress modelled on a Hershey’s chocolate wrapper.
The US singer was among the early arrivals at the ceremony, along with Billie Eilish and Laura Whitmore, who was making her first public appearance since she paid tribute to her friend and fellow Love Island presenter Caroline Flack.
Lizzo turned heads in her brown satin gown, which appeared to show the Hershey chocolate brand’s logo and was emblazoned with the words “Milk chocolate”.
The unusual dress even had a huge barcode on the side.
Lizzo, who carried a purse that looked like a chocolate bar, wore her hair in an elegant updo.
Whitmore wore a short dress with what appeared to be a newspaper print design.
She teamed the sequinned dress with towering black heels.
Another star getting plenty of attention was Ashnikko, who turned up with her blue hair in such long bunches that she needed assistants to carry them.
The American singer wore a quirky one-shouldered blue outfit and chunky platform trainers, and two long bunches that swept the floor.
She was accompanied by two people in white jumpsuits, who helped to carry her hair.
Tallia Storm looked dramatic in a full, one-shouldered black dress with a long thigh split, while presenter AJ Odudu went for a sequinned and feathered concoction.
Pussycat Dolls star Ashley Roberts braved the cold in a glittering top and skirt that left her midriff bare.
And singer-songwriter Mabel added a splash of colour in a bold red dress with bows at the sides.
The Brit Awards are being held at the O2 Arena, London.


birminghammail--2020-02-18--The Brit Awards 2020: When and where to watch it live on TV

The Brit Awards 2020 are here and the stars are already lining up on the red carpet for the UK music industry 's awards bonanza .
Those unable to get tickets to watch the show in all its glory need n't worry as the whole thing will air on ITV .
This year the Brits are being hosted by comedian Jack Whitehall , who will present the show for the third time , WalesOnline reports .
The performance line-up includes music from Harry Styles , Lizzo , Stormzy and Mabel , while Billie Eilish will perform her Bond song , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first time .
Sir Rod Stewart will close the show .
The Brit Awards will air on ITV at 8pm and has been given a two hour slot , ending at 10pm .
Singer Mabel , who is nominated in the new artist and best song categories , spoke about what she said is a lovely `` full-circle '' moment that her Brit Awards performance tonight will see her following in the footsteps of her famous mother , the musician Neneh Cherry .
Speaking on the red carpet , she said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mum performed at the Brits and it 's just so amazing and such a lovely , sort of full-circle moment .
Mainly I just feel so honoured to be here tonight , it 's been such a journey '' .
The 23-year-old addressed the lack of female nominees at this year 's ceremony , where only four nominations out of a possible 25 in the categories which are not gender-specific feature women .
She said : `` I mean I 'm obviously honoured to be where I am but also it 's important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so many other incredible females that also deserve to be in the spotlight .
I just feel honoured to be here tonight representing , obviously it 's a discussion in general - festival line-ups , things like that , there needs to be more women '' .

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The Brit Awards 2020 are here and the stars are already lining up on the red carpet for the UK music industry's awards bonanza.
Those unable to get tickets to watch the show in all its glory needn't worry as the whole thing will air on ITV.
This year the Brits are being hosted by comedian Jack Whitehall, who will present the show for the third time, WalesOnline reports.
The performance line-up includes music from Harry Styles, Lizzo, Stormzy and Mabel, while Billie Eilish will perform her Bond song, No Time To Die, for the first time. Sir Rod Stewart will close the show.
(Image: PA)
The Brit Awards will air on ITV at 8pm and has been given a two hour slot, ending at 10pm.
Singer Mabel, who is nominated in the new artist and best song categories, spoke about what she said is a lovely "full-circle" moment that her Brit Awards performance tonight will see her following in the footsteps of her famous mother, the musician Neneh Cherry.
Speaking on the red carpet, she said: "It's actually 30 years since my mum performed at the Brits and it's just so amazing and such a lovely, sort of full-circle moment. Mainly I just feel so honoured to be here tonight, it's been such a journey".
(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
The 23-year-old addressed the lack of female nominees at this year's ceremony, where only four nominations out of a possible 25 in the categories which are not gender-specific feature women.
She said: "I mean I'm obviously honoured to be where I am but also it's important to have the discussion that there are so many other incredible females that also deserve to be in the spotlight. I just feel honoured to be here tonight representing, obviously it's a discussion in general - festival line-ups, things like that, there needs to be more women".


birminghammail--2020-02-18--Tottenham join Aston Villa and Celtic in £18m transfer chase - reports

Tottenham are now tracking Serhou Guirassy as Premier League interest builds in the Amiens striker ahead of the summer transfer window , according to reports .
Guirassy was linked with a January move to Aston Villa as Dean Smith and his transfer team scoured the market for attacking reinforcements .
Reports last month in the national press claimed agent Mark McKay was asked to sound out potential interest from England and Villa ’ s response was positive .
Guirassy ended up staying with French Ligue 1 side Amiens while Villa brought in Mbwanna Samatta from Genk and Borja Baston from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fresh speculation about Guirassy ’ s future with the Daily Mail reporting Spurs are the latest club to run the rule over him .
They claim chief scout Brian Carey was in the stands to watch the 23-year-old scored twice against Paris Saint-Germain at the weekend , including a late equaliser in the 4-4 draw , and was impressed by what he saw .
The report adds that Villa , Leicester City and Celtic have also watched Guirassy , while Brighton and Bournemouth considered bids in January .
The former France youth international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for relegation candidates Amiens this season .
He cost £5m from Bundelisga side Koln and is now said to be valued at around £18m with two years left to run on his contract .

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Tottenham are now tracking Serhou Guirassy as Premier League interest builds in the Amiens striker ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports.
Guirassy was linked with a January move to Aston Villa as Dean Smith and his transfer team scoured the market for attacking reinforcements.
Reports last month in the national press claimed agent Mark McKay was asked to sound out potential interest from England and Villa’s response was positive.
Guirassy ended up staying with French Ligue 1 side Amiens while Villa brought in Mbwanna Samatta from Genk and Borja Baston from Swansea City.
But there is now fresh speculation about Guirassy’s future with the Daily Mail reporting Spurs are the latest club to run the rule over him.
They claim chief scout Brian Carey was in the stands to watch the 23-year-old scored twice against Paris Saint-Germain at the weekend, including a late equaliser in the 4-4 draw, and was impressed by what he saw.
The report adds that Villa, Leicester City and Celtic have also watched Guirassy, while Brighton and Bournemouth considered bids in January.
The former France youth international has scored eight goals in 21 appearances for relegation candidates Amiens this season.
He cost £5m from Bundelisga side Koln and is now said to be valued at around £18m with two years left to run on his contract.


birminghammail--2020-02-18--Rising flood water around the Midlands after Storm Dennis.

Rising flood water around the Midlands after Storm Dennis .
Water levels are at record levels after Storm Dennis battered @ @ @

News gallery
Rising flood water around the Midlands after Storm Dennis.
Water levels are at record levels after Storm Dennis battered the region.


birminghammail--2020-02-19--Flights diverted in Heathrow runway closure because of jet fuel emergency

Flights approaching Heathrow were forced to land at alternative airports because of a runway closure caused by a jet fuel @ @ @ @ @ UA924 from Washington DC declared an emergency on Wednesday morning due to running low on @ @ @ @ @ stated .
The Boeing 767 aircraft spent around half an hour in a holding pattern @ @ @ @ @ Gatwick , where it landed safely shortly after 10.30am .
Other diverted planes included four @ @ @ @ @ the PA news agency reports .
Flights from Belfast City and Hamburg landed at Gatwick @ @ @ @ @ and Brussels landed at Stansted .
A Heathrow spokeswoman said : `` For a matter @ @ @ @ @ runways was out of service as an aircraft was towed from the taxiway .
Heathrow @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The disruption comes after hundreds of flights were cancelled over the weekend and @ @ @ @ @ combination of Storm Dennis and a system failure .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Neil Lancefield, PA, Brett Gibbons)

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Flights approaching Heathrow were forced to land at alternative airports because of a runway closure caused by a jet fuel emergency.
United Airlines flight UA924 from Washington DC declared an emergency on Wednesday morning due to running low on fuel, aviation website AIRLIVE.net stated.
The Boeing 767 aircraft spent around half an hour in a holding pattern above Buckinghamshire before diverting to Gatwick, where it landed safely shortly after 10.30am.
Other diverted planes included four operated by British Airways, the PA news agency reports.
Flights from Belfast City and Hamburg landed at Gatwick, while flights from Edinburgh and Brussels landed at Stansted.
A Heathrow spokeswoman said: "For a matter of minutes one of the runways was out of service as an aircraft was towed from the taxiway. Heathrow is now operating as normal."
The disruption comes after hundreds of flights were cancelled over the weekend and into Monday due to a combination of Storm Dennis and a system failure.


birminghammail--2020-02-19--Primark sandals identical to £600 Prada pair send shoppers wild

Primark is selling a pair of sandals which are almost identical to a designer pair , for a fraction of the price .
In recent years it 's become known for offering shoppers designer look-a-like items which are much more affordable and the latest are very similar to Prada .
The budget retailer is now selling a pair of black sandals which look almost identical to ones sold by the designer brand and the biggest difference is the price , reports Liverpool Echo .
The Prada pair cost £610 while the Primark pair are just £12 - that means there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pairs .
We 'd call that an absolute steal !
Both are black with chunky soles and velcro straps .
The Prada pair has its logo on the straps while Primark 's are plain .
Last year , Primark released a £14 pair of trainers which were practically identical to one for £360 by Alexander McQueen .
Primark also restocked a drinks trolley last month , which was £360 cheaper than one sold by Oliver Bonas .
Primark operates multiple stores across Birmingham and throughout the Midlands region .
The world 's biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Birmingham and opened last year - with thousands turning out to visit .
It 's situated in the Pavilions .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Catherine Murphy, Katie Brooks)

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Primark is selling a pair of sandals which are almost identical to a designer pair, for a fraction of the price.
In recent years it's become known for offering shoppers designer look-a-like items which are much more affordable and the latest are very similar to Prada.
The budget retailer is now selling a pair of black sandals which look almost identical to ones sold by the designer brand and the biggest difference is the price, reports Liverpool Echo.
The Prada pair cost £610 while the Primark pair are just £12 - that means there's a difference of £598 between both pairs. We'd call that an absolute steal!
Both are black with chunky soles and velcro straps. The Prada pair has its logo on the straps while Primark's are plain.
Last year, Primark released a £14 pair of trainers which were practically identical to one for £360 by Alexander McQueen. Primark also restocked a drinks trolley last month, which was £360 cheaper than one sold by Oliver Bonas.
Primark operates multiple stores across Birmingham and throughout the Midlands region.
The world's biggest store can be found right here in Birmingham and opened last year - with thousands turning out to visit.
It's situated in the Pavilions.


birminghammail--2020-02-19--Workplaces told to give vegans their own shelf in fridge under new guidelines

New advice has been issued to support vegans in the workplace .
Among the new guidance , issued by the Vegan Society , is the suggestion followers of plant-based diets should have their own shelf in the fridge .
Companies are also urged to look after vegan staff by offering vegan menus at any events , and providing vegan-friendly workwear .
The Vegan Society also implored bosses to allow followers of eco-friendly diets to snub any work events at racecourses .
They also said employees who are vegan should be exempt from any `` hog roasts '' or summertime barbecues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colour-coded kitchen equipment for workers , too .
They should also separate areas to prepare meat-free food .
The Vegan Society would also like to see non-leather phone cases offered , with vegan workers exempt from purchasing non-vegan goods .
The Vegan Society writes : `` Fostering a general attitude of respect towards vegan employees is key .
`` If 'jokes ' made about an employee 's veganism become burdensome , steps should be made to improve this . ''
The Vegan Society adds : `` An employer has a duty to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ towards each other and vegans should also benefit from this .
`` If this duty is not extended to vegan employees , claims of unlawful harassment related to a protected belief will be taken seriously in employment tribunals . ''

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New advice has been issued to support vegans in the workplace.
Among the new guidance, issued by the Vegan Society, is the suggestion followers of plant-based diets should have their own shelf in the fridge.
Companies are also urged to look after vegan staff by offering vegan menus at any events, and providing vegan-friendly workwear.
The Vegan Society also implored bosses to allow followers of eco-friendly diets to snub any work events at racecourses.
They also said employees who are vegan should be exempt from any "hog roasts" or summertime barbecues.
Bosses have been urged to provide colour-coded kitchen equipment for workers, too.
They should also separate areas to prepare meat-free food.
The Vegan Society would also like to see non-leather phone cases offered, with vegan workers exempt from purchasing non-vegan goods.
The Vegan Society writes: "Fostering a general attitude of respect towards vegan employees is key.
"If 'jokes' made about an employee's veganism become burdensome, steps should be made to improve this."
The Vegan Society adds: "An employer has a duty to ensure that all employees behave respectfully and courteously towards each other and vegans should also benefit from this.
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"If this duty is not extended to vegan employees, claims of unlawful harassment related to a protected belief will be taken seriously in employment tribunals."


birminghammail--2020-02-19--Wolves vs Espanyol press conference LIVE: Nuno and Conor Coady meet the media

Wolves are back in Europa League action on Thursday night when they welcome Espanyol to Molineux .
The Spanish outfit @ @ @ @ @ Sunday ’ s 2-2 draw at Sevilla which left them rooted to the bottom of @ @ @ @ @ in England without club-record signing Raul de Tomas - who has scored four times in @ @ @ @ @ appearances for Espanyol – after he was left out of the 21-man travelling squad .
@ @ @ @ @ misses out .
Wolves go into the historic knockout game , well-rested , if a @ @ @ @ @ draw with Leicester last Friday night .
Nuno Espirito Santo will start his pre-match press @ @ @ @ @ Conor Coady also taking questions afterwards .
Brian Dick will be in the media room @ @ @ @ @ the breaking news and comment as it happens .
Stay tuned as the excitement builds @

Wolves are back in Europa League action on Thursday night when they welcome Espanyol to Molineux.
The Spanish outfit arrive on the back of Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Sevilla which left them rooted to the bottom of La Liga.
They arrive in England without club-record signing Raul de Tomas - who has scored four times in his first four La Liga appearances for Espanyol – after he was left out of the 21-man travelling squad. Influential midfielder Marc Roca also misses out.
Wolves go into the historic knockout game, well-rested, if a little frustrated by their 0-0 draw with Leicester last Friday night.
Nuno Espirito Santo will start his pre-match press conference from 1pm, with Conor Coady also taking questions afterwards.
Brian Dick will be in the media room at Compton bringing you all the breaking news and comment as it happens. Stay tuned as the excitement builds.


birminghammail--2020-02-19--Aston Villa fans are all saying the same thing after major injury update

Aston Villa fans are in dreamland after reports have suggested that John McGinn is set to return to training .
The Scotland international has been out of action since fracturing his ankle in December and has missed the last eight Premier League games .
At the time , there were fears that McGinn could miss the rest of the campaign , but he could be ready to feature for Villa 's crucial run-in .
The Athletic reports that he will begin running drills at Villa 's Bodymoor Heath training ground , either today or tomorrow .
Dean Smith has previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City on March 1 at Wembley .
And although that still seems an optimistic target , Villa supporters on social media are excited to see the influential midfielder return to the fold : @ B6Broadcast : Will still probably miss the cup final , which I 'm okay with anyway .
Better to only bring him back when he 's really ready , we 'll need him at his best for the final stretch @ RealBadListener : This could literally be the difference between us staying up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lacklustre without him @ Ryan_AV96 : McGinn back soon , the Villa ’ s staying up @ stevenevetsd : McGinn back at full fitness in time for the last day of the season .
The game vs West Ham decides who stays in the Prem .
He scores a 95th min winner .
I change my name by deed poll to Super John McGinn .
@ benjmesiter85 : I 'm really hoping , like Jack last season , he 's a catalyst and can pull us away from the drop zone .
Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Would be massive for the cup final but I ’ d rather he wasn ’ t risked if it is a risk , will be essential in our survival .
I ’ m confident as is we can get at least 3 wins from remaining fixtures but there ’ s 5 winnable games there and McGinn would be the difference .
@ SaneSam : I would n't think it would take him long to get back his fitness , hes one of those players that 's just naturally fit anyway , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we think

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Aston Villa fans are in dreamland after reports have suggested that John McGinn is set to return to training.
The Scotland international has been out of action since fracturing his ankle in December and has missed the last eight Premier League games.
At the time, there were fears that McGinn could miss the rest of the campaign, but he could be ready to feature for Villa's crucial run-in.
The Athletic reports that he will begin running drills at Villa's Bodymoor Heath training ground, either today or tomorrow.
Dean Smith has previously suggested McGinn is targeting a return for the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City on March 1 at Wembley.
And although that still seems an optimistic target, Villa supporters on social media are excited to see the influential midfielder return to the fold:
@JoeWilsonAVFC: Title push time imo
@B6Broadcast: Will still probably miss the cup final, which I'm okay with anyway. Better to only bring him back when he's really ready, we'll need him at his best for the final stretch
@AVGrant1: Announce champions league push
@RealBadListener: This could literally be the difference between us staying up or going down Midfield has been so lacklustre without him
@Ryan_AV96: McGinn back soon, the Villa’s staying up
@stevenevetsd: McGinn back at full fitness in time for the last day of the season. The game vs West Ham decides who stays in the Prem. He scores a 95th min winner. I change my name by deed poll to Super John McGinn.
@benjmesiter85: I'm really hoping, like Jack last season, he's a catalyst and can pull us away from the drop zone. Our midfield has missed him desperately
@GarethAVL: Would be massive for the cup final but I’d rather he wasn’t risked if it is a risk, will be essential in our survival. I’m confident as is we can get at least 3 wins from remaining fixtures but there’s 5 winnable games there and McGinn would be the difference.
@SaneSam: I wouldn't think it would take him long to get back his fitness, hes one of those players that's just naturally fit anyway, I think he will be back quicker than we think


birminghammail--2020-02-19--Why Peter Pan Goes Wrong at the Alexandra Theatre hits exactly the right spot

The genius of Peter Pan Goes Wrong is that it is a show within a show , where the actors take on the roles of amateur dramatic wannabes at the 'Cornley Youth Theatre ' who are putting on a Peter Pan production .
Throughout there are hints as to what 's going on behind the scenes - love triangles , power struggles and more - and these end up being played out on the main stage as the plot unfolds .
Everything that possibly could go wrong does , from slapstick tumbles and collapsing beds to full black-outs and people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Dennis , who has leading roles of John Darling and Mr Smee but ca n't remember any of his lines and so has to be prompted through headphones .
It results in him repeating stage directions , insults and even radio updates as many wires get crossed !
And there 's Lucy who has stage fright and ends up with a broken leg , Chris the director who plays Mrs Darling and Captain Hook and argues with the audience that the show 'is not a panto ! '
And then there 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) who is hopelessly in love with Sandra ( Wendy ) but she 's hooked up with Jonathan ( Peter Pan ) .
Yikes .
The plot is really clever , following J.M .
Barrie 's story perfectly but adding in so many asides as to what 's really going on behind the scenes .
Everything gets so mixed up that , by the end , the audience is cheering on the lovable crocodile ( Max ) and booing Peter Pan ( Jonathan ) .
Recommended for families with children aged 8+ , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finish , saying the production at Brum 's Alexandra Theatre was even better than the TV adaption of the show ( starring David Suchet ) that they love so much .
Phoebe Ellabani steals the show as Annie who undergoes multiple roles as Tinkerbell , Mrs Darling , Lisa the maid and Cecco the pirate in a myriad of fast costume changes that leave her half-dressed at times as she tries to 'stay professional ' .
Her boundless energy was incredibly .
We particularly liked her light-up fairy tutu , which required a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around , carrying the electric extension lead !
Tom Babbage was endearing as Max , the crocodile , and Oliver Senton was funny as thespian Robert who continually tries to turn his characters ( Peter 's shadow , Nana the dog and Starkey the pirate ) into much bigger roles .
The Mischief Theatre Company had the audience chuckling before the curtain rose , with members of the backstage crew making blunders and suffering technical difficulties , and they kept them laughing-out-loud right until the end , when they received a standing ovation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right spot .
I should imagine it 's actually a lot harder to make things go wrong ( in a funny way ) than right which is what makes the cast of 'Cornley Youth Theatre ' so very talented indeed .
Go see it while you can !
Runs until Saturday February 22 at The Alexandra Theatre .
Book tickets here

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The genius of Peter Pan Goes Wrong is that it is a show within a show, where the actors take on the roles of amateur dramatic wannabes at the 'Cornley Youth Theatre' who are putting on a Peter Pan production.
Throughout there are hints as to what's going on behind the scenes - love triangles, power struggles and more - and these end up being played out on the main stage as the plot unfolds.
Everything that possibly could go wrong does, from slapstick tumbles and collapsing beds to full black-outs and people being knocked out and injured.
(Image: Alastair Muir)
There's Dennis, who has leading roles of John Darling and Mr Smee but can't remember any of his lines and so has to be prompted through headphones. It results in him repeating stage directions, insults and even radio updates as many wires get crossed!
And there's Lucy who has stage fright and ends up with a broken leg, Chris the director who plays Mrs Darling and Captain Hook and argues with the audience that the show 'is not a panto!' And then there's Max (Michael Darling and the crocodile) who is hopelessly in love with Sandra (Wendy) but she's hooked up with Jonathan (Peter Pan). Yikes.
The plot is really clever, following J.M. Barrie's story perfectly but adding in so many asides as to what's really going on behind the scenes. Everything gets so mixed up that, by the end, the audience is cheering on the lovable crocodile (Max) and booing Peter Pan (Jonathan).
Recommended for families with children aged 8+, my kids were howling from start to finish, saying the production at Brum's Alexandra Theatre was even better than the TV adaption of the show (starring David Suchet) that they love so much.
(Image: Alastair Muir)
Phoebe Ellabani steals the show as Annie who undergoes multiple roles as Tinkerbell, Mrs Darling, Lisa the maid and Cecco the pirate in a myriad of fast costume changes that leave her half-dressed at times as she tries to 'stay professional'. Her boundless energy was incredibly. We particularly liked her light-up fairy tutu, which required a member of the crew to follow her around, carrying the electric extension lead!
Tom Babbage was endearing as Max, the crocodile, and Oliver Senton was funny as thespian Robert who continually tries to turn his characters (Peter's shadow, Nana the dog and Starkey the pirate) into much bigger roles.
The Mischief Theatre Company had the audience chuckling before the curtain rose, with members of the backstage crew making blunders and suffering technical difficulties, and they kept them laughing-out-loud right until the end, when they received a standing ovation.
Peter Pan Goes Wrong hits exactly the right spot. I should imagine it's actually a lot harder to make things go wrong (in a funny way) than right which is what makes the cast of 'Cornley Youth Theatre' so very talented indeed. Go see it while you can!
Runs until Saturday February 22 at The Alexandra Theatre. Book tickets here


birminghammail--2020-02-19--Aston Villa transfer news LIVE: Smith given major boost as Man Utd make Grealish decision

Welcome to Wednesday 's live Aston Villa blog , brought to you by BirminghamLive .
After the crushing 3-2 defeat @ @ @ @ @ attentions are now turning to another , vital , Premier League encounter .
Dean Smith @ @ @ @ @ to St Mary 's to face Southampton , looking to build a buffer between them @ @ @ @ @ Villa 's relegation rivals , West Ham , meet Manchester City tonight , where a @ @ @ @ @ see the Villans drop into the relegation zone .
As well as updates and previews @ @ @ @ @ south coast , we will have all of the last transfer news and gossip .
@ @ @ @ @ with everything happening on B6 in our dedicated blog below .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Alex Dicken, Ben Husband)

Welcome to Wednesday's live Aston Villa blog, brought to you by BirminghamLive.
After the crushing 3-2 defeat to Spurs on Sunday, attentions are now turning to another, vital, Premier League encounter.
Dean Smith's men make the trip to St Mary's to face Southampton, looking to build a buffer between them and the bottom three.
Villa's relegation rivals, West Ham, meet Manchester City tonight, where a win for the Hammers will see the Villans drop into the relegation zone.
As well as updates and previews for the game on the south coast, we will have all of the last transfer news and gossip.
To keep up to date with everything happening on B6 in our dedicated blog below.


birminghammail--2020-02-19--Huge worries over back gardens in Solihull that could be turned into homes

Housing developments which have caused huge concern in many Solihull streets could be subject to stricter rules in future .
The council has drawn up new guidelines for so-called `` garden grabbing '' schemes , which involve homes being built on the land behind existing properties .
Neighbours often complain that the creation of miniature cul-de-sacs - or sometimes much larger estates - means less green space , access issues and an increased flooding risk .
But developers have argued that the approach can boost the housing supply in highly desirable areas .
With the council having received a glut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them highly controversial , a policy has been drafted and will be put to the public for comment later this year .
Speaking this week , planning officer Kim Allen said : `` I think , as many of us know , backland development has caused a lot of anxiety to residents of the borough .
`` And it 's something that never seems to quite go away . ''
She said some schemes could help meet the demand for new homes , but that the policy would help guide planners on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the public aware of the sort of proposals the council wanted to avoid .
Applications which sit `` isolated '' at the end of long driveways , which are likely to cause road safety issues or crowd a location are among those singled out for criticism .
Cllr Max McLoughlin ( Green , Shirley South ) said one problem with `` garden grabbing '' schemes was the tendency for developers to hack down trees and other greenery before they even submitted an application .
Since the land in question is private , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tree Preservation Orders ( TPOs ) would be in place , and that many valuable specimens could be lost .
`` There is n't any number of saplings which will offer on day 2 , day 10 or day 365 the same biodiversity .
[ They will ] in 50 years ' time , possibly more ... '' Ms Allen said that the council was committed to ensuring that there was n't any incentive for developers to clear sites before handing in their plans , but Cllr McLoughlin 's comments would be taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Lib Dem group leader and a member of the planning committee , welcomed the extra guidance .
`` I know how difficult it is for us very often when these type of applications come through , '' she said .
`` I think this gives the developer a good insight into what is going to be allowed and what is n't going to be allowed . ''
Streets including Birchy Leasowes Lane , in Dickens Heath , and Alderbrook Road , near Solihull town centre , are among those to have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
Although the issue of garden grabbing goes back much further and in the noughties was characterised by often contentious applications in the likes of Marston Green .
In 2010 the government had promised greater powers for councils to block these types of development , although they continue to be brought to planning committee on a regular basis .
Only last month , a proposal for Lawnswood Avenue , in Shirley , was thrown out in the face of ferocious local opposition .
Cllr Andy Mackiewicz , cabinet member for climate change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the draft policy out to consultation .
With the finishing touches being made to the guidance , this exercise is now set to be held after the local elections in early May .

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Housing developments which have caused huge concern in many Solihull streets could be subject to stricter rules in future.
The council has drawn up new guidelines for so-called "garden grabbing" schemes, which involve homes being built on the land behind existing properties.
Neighbours often complain that the creation of miniature cul-de-sacs - or sometimes much larger estates - means less green space, access issues and an increased flooding risk.
But developers have argued that the approach can boost the housing supply in highly desirable areas.
With the council having received a glut of applications in recent years, many of them highly controversial, a policy has been drafted and will be put to the public for comment later this year.
Speaking this week, planning officer Kim Allen said: "I think, as many of us know, backland development has caused a lot of anxiety to residents of the borough.
"And it's something that never seems to quite go away."
(Image: Cllr Ken Hawkins)
She said some schemes could help meet the demand for new homes, but that the policy would help guide planners on what was acceptable and make both developers and the public aware of the sort of proposals the council wanted to avoid.
Applications which sit "isolated" at the end of long driveways, which are likely to cause road safety issues or crowd a location are among those singled out for criticism.
Cllr Max McLoughlin (Green, Shirley South) said one problem with "garden grabbing" schemes was the tendency for developers to hack down trees and other greenery before they even submitted an application.
Since the land in question is private, he said there was less likelihood that Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) would be in place, and that many valuable specimens could be lost.
"There isn't any number of saplings which will offer on day 2, day 10 or day 365 the same biodiversity. [They will] in 50 years' time, possibly more..."
Ms Allen said that the council was committed to ensuring that there wasn't any incentive for developers to clear sites before handing in their plans, but Cllr McLoughlin's comments would be taken on board.
Cllr Glenis Slater, the Lib Dem group leader and a member of the planning committee, welcomed the extra guidance.
"I know how difficult it is for us very often when these type of applications come through," she said.
"I think this gives the developer a good insight into what is going to be allowed and what isn't going to be allowed."
Streets including Birchy Leasowes Lane, in Dickens Heath, and Alderbrook Road, near Solihull town centre, are among those to have been the centre of high-profile battles in recent years.
Although the issue of garden grabbing goes back much further and in the noughties was characterised by often contentious applications in the likes of Marston Green.
(Image: Fiona Somerville)
In 2010 the government had promised greater powers for councils to block these types of development, although they continue to be brought to planning committee on a regular basis.
Only last month, a proposal for Lawnswood Avenue, in Shirley, was thrown out in the face of ferocious local opposition.
Cllr Andy Mackiewicz, cabinet member for climate change, planning and housing, approved taking the draft policy out to consultation.
With the finishing touches being made to the guidance, this exercise is now set to be held after the local elections in early May.


birminghammail--2020-02-19--Royal Mail staff sniff out parcel stuffed with cannabis at Halesowen depot

A parcel packed with cannabis has been intercepted by suspicious Royal Mail staff in Halesowen .
Police were called to Coombs Wood Delivery Office on Saturday morning ( February 15 ) due to concerns about a package .
When officers opened the padded envelope , they discovered multiple bags containing the class B drug .
The envelope was then seized and put into an evidence bag , along with its illicit contents - which had the tag line 'we 'll be your best buds ' printed on the packaging .
Halesowen Police took to Twitter to share a photograph of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` one parcel that wo n't be going out for delivery '' .
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said : `` We are investigating after a parcel containing cannabis was received at a Royal Mail delivery office in Halesowen just before 8.30am on Saturday .
`` Enquiries continue and anyone with information is urged to contact us . ''
To keep up-to-date with crime in your community , join our dedicated Facebook group here .
People can get in touch with police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue a warning or an on-the-spot fine of £90 if you are found with cannabis .
Being found in possession of class B drugs can result in up to five years in prison , an unlimited fine or both .
Those convicted for supplying or production of class B drugs can face up to 14 years in prison , an unlimited fine or both .

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A parcel packed with cannabis has been intercepted by suspicious Royal Mail staff in Halesowen.
Police were called to Coombs Wood Delivery Office on Saturday morning (February 15) due to concerns about a package.
When officers opened the padded envelope, they discovered multiple bags containing the class B drug.
The envelope was then seized and put into an evidence bag, along with its illicit contents - which had the tag line 'we'll be your best buds' printed on the packaging.
Halesowen Police took to Twitter to share a photograph of the discovery, adding that it was "one parcel that won't be going out for delivery".
Black Country Live has approached Royal Mail for comment.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "We are investigating after a parcel containing cannabis was received at a Royal Mail delivery office in Halesowen just before 8.30am on Saturday.
"Enquiries continue and anyone with information is urged to contact us."
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To keep up-to-date with crime in your community, join our dedicated Facebook group here.
People can get in touch with police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, quoting crime reference 20DY/44621F/20.
Alternatively, call 101 anytime or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Police can issue a warning or an on-the-spot fine of £90 if you are found with cannabis.
Being found in possession of class B drugs can result in up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.
Those convicted for supplying or production of class B drugs can face up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.


birminghammail--2020-02-19--Newcastle United handed another ticket allocation for West Brom FA Cup tie

Newcastle United have boosted their following even further ahead of their journey south for the FA Cup fifth round clash with West Brom next month .
The Premier League Magpies head to The Hawthorns on Tuesday March 3 to battle for a place in the quarter finals of the prestigious competition , and they ’ ll be well backed .
Indeed the entire Smethwick End will be black and white ; having sold out the initial allocation of 4,000 , the Tyneside club applied for another 900 tickets .
This is your round up of all things West Brom ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ updated on the latest goings on at the club and beyond .
Transfers , injuries , match-days and managers , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest on the Baggies throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our handy daily catch up ... For all your latest WBA news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our West Brom reporter Joseph Chapman on Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before even members of supporters awaiting a general sale could get their hands on them .
The Magpies managed to acquire 150 more seats in the Smethwick End on Wednesday morning , meaning they ’ ll be Steve Bruce ’ s side will be cheered on by more than 5,000 away supporters .
For Albion , meanwhile , their tickets remain on sale for season ticket holders and , as of Wednesday , have gone on sale to members too .
They will hit general sale on Monday , 24 February .
Tickets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are being charged £5 .
That will change on the day of the match , though - on the turnstiles admission for adults is £20 and under 18s £10 .
Albion won 1-0 at Charlton and 1-0 at West Ham in the third and fourth rounds respectively to reach this stage of the competition , while the Toon have needed replays to see off lower league opponents in both rounds .
In the third round they were forced to host Rochdale at St James ’ s Park .
They then needed extra time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kassam Stadium , after 210 minutes of football .

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Newcastle United have boosted their following even further ahead of their journey south for the FA Cup fifth round clash with West Brom next month.
The Premier League Magpies head to The Hawthorns on Tuesday March 3 to battle for a place in the quarter finals of the prestigious competition, and they’ll be well backed.
Indeed the entire Smethwick End will be black and white; having sold out the initial allocation of 4,000, the Tyneside club applied for another 900 tickets.
They sold quickly too, before even members of supporters awaiting a general sale could get their hands on them.
The Magpies managed to acquire 150 more seats in the Smethwick End on Wednesday morning, meaning they’ll be Steve Bruce’s side will be cheered on by more than 5,000 away supporters.
For Albion, meanwhile, their tickets remain on sale for season ticket holders and, as of Wednesday, have gone on sale to members too.
They will hit general sale on Monday, 24 February.
Tickets for adults cost £15 and under 18s are being charged £5. That will change on the day of the match, though - on the turnstiles admission for adults is £20 and under 18s £10.
Albion won 1-0 at Charlton and 1-0 at West Ham in the third and fourth rounds respectively to reach this stage of the competition, while the Toon have needed replays to see off lower league opponents in both rounds.
In the third round they were forced to host Rochdale at St James’s Park. They then needed extra time to see off Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium, after 210 minutes of football.


birminghammail--2020-02-19--Man posts picture of 'perfect toast' - but people spot huge problems

It 's a staple of our diets - but how many times have you truly , truly perfected it ?
Toast is one of life 's little luxuries - and we all have our own particular tastes when it comes to sampling the staple foodstuff .
Whether you eat it for breakfast or late at night , as a post-dinner and pre-bed treat , you 've probably devoured plenty of slices in your time .
You 'll use butter , of course , but your other toppings could range across sweet and savoury - from Marmite , baked beans and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other chocolate spreads .
Too often , we eat toast in a rush - and that means we simply are n't taking our time to perfect it .
Unless you 've got plenty of time to spare , your preparation will probably leave something lacking .
Behold , then , this Twitter user , who claims he has made the perfect slice in history .
Callum sent the internet into meltdown when he shared a photo of the food , writing : “ I present the perfect toast.
” Since he posted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racked up 57,200 likes and 4,900 retweets .
But nobody could seem to agree .
`` Too much butter , '' one reasoned , with a second saying : `` It 's burnt . ''
Another fumed : “ Buttered too soon with non cold butter .
Where is the chunks of cold slated Lurpak you mad man .
And it ’ s not cut into triangles to perfect the flavour . ''
But plenty of people backed Callum 's toast , with one saying : `` Brilliant . ''
`` Great effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third chipping in with : “ Mate , you just made me so hungry.
” You and us both , pal .

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It's a staple of our diets - but how many times have you truly, truly perfected it?
Toast is one of life's little luxuries - and we all have our own particular tastes when it comes to sampling the staple foodstuff.
Whether you eat it for breakfast or late at night, as a post-dinner and pre-bed treat, you've probably devoured plenty of slices in your time.
You'll use butter, of course, but your other toppings could range across sweet and savoury - from Marmite, baked beans and cheese, to strawberry jam, Nutella and other chocolate spreads.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Too often, we eat toast in a rush - and that means we simply aren't taking our time to perfect it.
Unless you've got plenty of time to spare, your preparation will probably leave something lacking.
Behold, then, this Twitter user, who claims he has made the perfect slice in history.
Callum sent the internet into meltdown when he shared a photo of the food, writing: “I present the perfect toast.”
Since he posted two days ago, his photo has racked up 57,200 likes and 4,900 retweets.
But nobody could seem to agree.
"Too much butter," one reasoned, with a second saying: "It's burnt."
Another fumed: “Buttered too soon with non cold butter. Where is the chunks of cold slated Lurpak you mad man. And it’s not cut into triangles to perfect the flavour."
But plenty of people backed Callum's toast, with one saying: "Brilliant."
"Great effort," another agreed, with a third chipping in with: “Mate, you just made me so hungry.”
You and us both, pal.


birminghammail--2020-02-19--People being touched 'inappropriately' on packed trains horror reports reveal

Horrified passengers claim they have been inappropriately touched and fear for their safety when travelling on packed trains across Birmingham and the West Midlands .
Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said he has been contacted by 1,500 people who have recounted their horror stories about travelling on trains in the region .
Before Christmas , he invited the public to write to him about the issue after he himself witnessed aggressive behaviour on a crowded carriage .
As well as aggression , people said they have been `` inappropriately touched '' or felt threatened when on packed trains - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hearing will now take place at Lloyd House on Friday where passengers will share their experiences .
Mr Jamieson said Network Rail and train companies have also been invited .
He said : `` Before Christmas I called for evidence from the public about safety on the trains .
I had concerns about people 's personal safety on the trains , some of which are hugely overcrowded .
`` In that period just before Christmas I saw things on the train that I 'd have preferred not to see - pushing , shoving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I asked the public for their views and expected a few hundreds replies .
I did n't expect 1,500 people to write to me in much stronger terms than I would have ever expressed .
`` So their concerns about safety are far greater than I first expected .
We 've had indications from people who feel they ca n't use the trains anymore because they are so packed .
`` The train I got on this morning again was packed .
Many people I could see were uncomfortable .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been inappropriately touched on the trains when they have been very packed and people have felt like fainting and people with disabilities or are less able have felt very threatened by the environment . ''
A hearing will take place this Friday ( February 21 ) and we will be hearing from quite a few witnesses , people who are giving their own personal experiences they have suffered on the trains .
`` What we will be doing then is putting a report together and passing that through to Government and the Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the feelings and expressions of concern that have been given by members of the public . ''

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Horrified passengers claim they have been inappropriately touched and fear for their safety when travelling on packed trains across Birmingham and the West Midlands.
Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said he has been contacted by 1,500 people who have recounted their horror stories about travelling on trains in the region.
Before Christmas, he invited the public to write to him about the issue after he himself witnessed aggressive behaviour on a crowded carriage.
As well as aggression, people said they have been "inappropriately touched" or felt threatened when on packed trains - particularly if they are disabled.
A hearing will now take place at Lloyd House on Friday where passengers will share their experiences. Mr Jamieson said Network Rail and train companies have also been invited.
He said: "Before Christmas I called for evidence from the public about safety on the trains. I had concerns about people's personal safety on the trains, some of which are hugely overcrowded.
"In that period just before Christmas I saw things on the train that I'd have preferred not to see - pushing, shoving, things actually getting quite challenging.
"I asked the public for their views and expected a few hundreds replies. I didn't expect 1,500 people to write to me in much stronger terms than I would have ever expressed.
"So their concerns about safety are far greater than I first expected. We've had indications from people who feel they can't use the trains anymore because they are so packed.
"The train I got on this morning again was packed. Many people I could see were uncomfortable.
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"We've had people also say they have been inappropriately touched on the trains when they have been very packed and people have felt like fainting and people with disabilities or are less able have felt very threatened by the environment."
A hearing will take place this Friday (February 21) and we will be hearing from quite a few witnesses, people who are giving their own personal experiences they have suffered on the trains.
"What we will be doing then is putting a report together and passing that through to Government and the Department of Transport so they are better informed about the feelings and expressions of concern that have been given by members of the public."


birminghammail--2020-02-19--The crucial changes Dean Smith could make to save Aston Villa from more pain

Dean Smith has some huge calls to make this week .
Aston Villa have entered the final straight and need to find victories from a daunting set of fixtures .
Due to the Carabao Cup final , Villa only have one league fixture to play before March 9 and that comes against Southampton at St Mary ’ s on Saturday .
The match against the Saints - who have lost three of their last four league games - isn ’ t quite ‘ must win ’ territory , but it ’ s verging on it .
Anything other than three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under immense pressure heading into a final 11 matches which includes eight of the top 10 Premier League teams .
But how will Smith line his troops up on the south coast ?
Villa are set to be boosted by John McGinn ’ s return to training this week - but he won ’ t feature against Southampton .
One man who Smith is desperate to have at his disposal is star defender Tyrone Mings .
The England man missed the defeat to Spurs due to tonsillitis but told supporters he feels ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steer and Keinan Davis are also nursing injuries , while Tom Heaton and Wesley Moraes won ’ t play again this season .
Smith shifted away from his preferred 4-3-3 formation on New Year after a succession of poor results .
He has recently spoken about his belief that a three-man defence of Mings , Ezri Konsa and Kortney Hause has made Villa more solid at the back .
However , the fact of the matter remains that Villa haven ’ t kept a clean sheet this calendar year and now have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The midfield two deployed in Smith ’ s 3-4-3 system have also been found wanting in recent weeks with Danny Drinkwater , Douglas Luiz and Marvelous Nakamba all culpable of making mistakes .
Maybe a return to 4-3-3 - a system which Villa have used in all but two months of Smith ’ s managerial reign - would be beneficial .
Smith hopes to have Mings back to protect Pepe Reina .
Alongside Mings will be either Konsa or Engels should Smith play a flat back four .
You would presume Konsa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belgian ’ s costly errors against Tottenham .
Frederic Guilbert and Matt Targett are now very much Villa ’ s first choice full-backs and will likely start in whatever formation Smith selects .
Midfield is key .
Anyone can see Chelsea loanee Drinkwater is still searching for his best form , but Villa can ’ t carry passengers in this relegation fight .
Nakamba and Douglas are Villa ’ s most combative midfielders - excluding the injured McGinn - while Conor Hourihane is quite possibly the most adept in possession .
Each individual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ balance to a midfield which has been worryingly exposed in recent games .
Mbwana Samatta offered Villans bags of encouragement with an impressive display at the weekend .
The Tanzanian looked sharp and troubled two fine Premier League centre-backs in Toby Alderweireld and Davinson Sanchez .
He will be Villa ’ s focal point once more with star man Jack Grealish to his left .
Anwar El Ghazi has done little wrong in recent weeks and continues to edge the battle with Trezeguet to complete Smith ’ s front three .
It wouldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smith persist with his 3-4-3 formation .
In that case…

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Dean Smith has some huge calls to make this week.
Aston Villa have entered the final straight and need to find victories from a daunting set of fixtures.
Due to the Carabao Cup final, Villa only have one league fixture to play before March 9 and that comes against Southampton at St Mary’s on Saturday.
The match against the Saints - who have lost three of their last four league games - isn’t quite ‘must win’ territory, but it’s verging on it.
Anything other than three points puts Villa’s inexperienced squad under immense pressure heading into a final 11 matches which includes eight of the top 10 Premier League teams.
But how will Smith line his troops up on the south coast?
(Image: PA)
Team news
Villa are set to be boosted by John McGinn’s return to training this week - but he won’t feature against Southampton.
One man who Smith is desperate to have at his disposal is star defender Tyrone Mings. The England man missed the defeat to Spurs due to tonsillitis but told supporters he feels ‘much better’ this week.
Jed Steer and Keinan Davis are also nursing injuries, while Tom Heaton and Wesley Moraes won’t play again this season.
Formation
Smith shifted away from his preferred 4-3-3 formation on New Year after a succession of poor results. He has recently spoken about his belief that a three-man defence of Mings, Ezri Konsa and Kortney Hause has made Villa more solid at the back.
However, the fact of the matter remains that Villa haven’t kept a clean sheet this calendar year and now have the worst defensive record in the Premier League.
The midfield two deployed in Smith’s 3-4-3 system have also been found wanting in recent weeks with Danny Drinkwater, Douglas Luiz and Marvelous Nakamba all culpable of making mistakes.
Maybe a return to 4-3-3 - a system which Villa have used in all but two months of Smith’s managerial reign - would be beneficial.
The defence
Smith hopes to have Mings back to protect Pepe Reina. Alongside Mings will be either Konsa or Engels should Smith play a flat back four. You would presume Konsa has the edge on Engels after the Belgian’s costly errors against Tottenham.
Frederic Guilbert and Matt Targett are now very much Villa’s first choice full-backs and will likely start in whatever formation Smith selects.
The midfield
Midfield is key. Anyone can see Chelsea loanee Drinkwater is still searching for his best form, but Villa can’t carry passengers in this relegation fight.
Nakamba and Douglas are Villa’s most combative midfielders - excluding the injured McGinn - while Conor Hourihane is quite possibly the most adept in possession.
Each individual has his flaws but they also bring balance to a midfield which has been worryingly exposed in recent games.
The attack
Mbwana Samatta offered Villans bags of encouragement with an impressive display at the weekend. The Tanzanian looked sharp and troubled two fine Premier League centre-backs in Toby Alderweireld and Davinson Sanchez.
He will be Villa’s focal point once more with star man Jack Grealish to his left. Anwar El Ghazi has done little wrong in recent weeks and continues to edge the battle with Trezeguet to complete Smith’s front three.
Our XI
(4-3-3): Reina; Guilbert, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Hourihane, Nakamba, Douglas; El Ghazi, Samatta, Grealish
Smith’s alternative
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Smith persist with his 3-4-3 formation. In that case…
(3-4-3): Reina; Konsa, Mings, Hause; Guilbert, Nakamba, Douglas, Targett; El Ghazi, Samatta, Grealish


birminghammail--2020-02-19--Morrisons becomes first UK supermarket to sell only free range eggs

Morrisons has become the first major supermarket to end the sale of caged eggs , as it goes full free-range across its stores .
The retailer , which sells over 10 million eggs a week , said it has moved to a fully free-range supply five years ahead of previous plans .
In 2016 , the Bradford-based business said it would end the sale of caged eggs by 2025 following a consumer campaign by teenager Lucy Gavaghan .
It has now beaten its initial target after doubling the number of farmers the firm works with and increasing egg supply at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the commitment will mean that all its eggs will come from hens that have outdoor access for at least eight hours each day , as well as nest boxes .
The group said it will also ensure that all the eggs used as ingredients in its products will be from free-range from 2025 .
Morrisons is also dropping the price of a pack of six free range eggs from 80p to 75p .
Robert Hofmann , egg buyer at Morrisons , said : `` Improving animal welfare is very important to customers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We source our eggs directly from farms and have worked hard to help them all move to free range .
`` From today , all our eggs will come from free-range hens that are able to roam freely outdoors - typically during daylight hours - and then return to nest boxes in the evening . ''
Dr Tracey Jones , director of food business at Compassion in World Farming , said : `` It 's great to see Morrisons achieving their commitment to be 100 % free range on shell eggs ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ending the use of cages for laying hens is growing and Morrisons are leading the way . ''

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Morrisons has become the first major supermarket to end the sale of caged eggs, as it goes full free-range across its stores.
The retailer, which sells over 10 million eggs a week, said it has moved to a fully free-range supply five years ahead of previous plans.
In 2016, the Bradford-based business said it would end the sale of caged eggs by 2025 following a consumer campaign by teenager Lucy Gavaghan.
It has now beaten its initial target after doubling the number of farmers the firm works with and increasing egg supply at its own manufacturing site.
Morrisons said the commitment will mean that all its eggs will come from hens that have outdoor access for at least eight hours each day, as well as nest boxes.
The group said it will also ensure that all the eggs used as ingredients in its products will be from free-range from 2025.
Morrisons is also dropping the price of a pack of six free range eggs from 80p to 75p.
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Robert Hofmann, egg buyer at Morrisons, said: "Improving animal welfare is very important to customers and it's very important to us.
"We source our eggs directly from farms and have worked hard to help them all move to free range.
"From today, all our eggs will come from free-range hens that are able to roam freely outdoors - typically during daylight hours - and then return to nest boxes in the evening."
Dr Tracey Jones, director of food business at Compassion in World Farming, said: "It's great to see Morrisons achieving their commitment to be 100% free range on shell eggs ahead of their target.
"Momentum on ending the use of cages for laying hens is growing and Morrisons are leading the way."


birminghammail--2020-02-19--CPS defends decision to pursue Caroline Flack charge - but drop Nicky Butt's

The Crown Prosecution Service has defended its decision to drop an assault charge against former footballer Nicky Butt but pursue the case against Caroline Flack .
Ex-Manchester United player Butt , 45 , had been accused of beating his estranged wife Shelley Barlow last April , but the case was discontinued when prosecutors offered no evidence .
It is understood that Mr Butt 's defence was that he accidentally damaged her mobile phone , and did not know how she had sustained a cut to her hand .
The CPS came under fire in the wake of the death of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apparently took her own life while awaiting trial for allegedly assaulting her boyfriend .
A spokesman said that the circumstances of the two cases were different , and that no more details could be revealed because they involved private family matters that had not been discussed in open court .
When deciding whether to pursue a case , prosecutors must consider firstly whether there is enough evidence , and secondly whether it is in the public interest to do so .
The CPS spokesman said : `` It is not appropriate to compare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public interest test is met depends on the individual circumstances of each complaint . ''
Ms Barlow did not want to give evidence against her estranged husband , and Ms Flack 's boyfriend Lewis Burton had said he did not support the prosecution against her .
Former chief crown prosecutor for the North West Nazir Afzal said that , while the case against Caroline Flack was an allegedly deliberate assault , Mr Butt maintained that he had accidentally damaged his former partner 's phone .
Mr Afzal told the PA news agency : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's virtually impossible to rebut a defence of accident . ''
On Wednesday Ms Flack 's family released an unpublished Instagram post written by the presenter in which she maintained that the incident was an accident .
She said : `` I have always taken responsibility for what happened that night .
Even on the night .
But the truth is ... .
It was an accident .
`` I 've been having some sort of emotional breakdown for a very long time .
`` But I am not a domestic abuser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an accident happened .
An accident . ''

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The Crown Prosecution Service has defended its decision to drop an assault charge against former footballer Nicky Butt but pursue the case against Caroline Flack.
Ex-Manchester United player Butt, 45, had been accused of beating his estranged wife Shelley Barlow last April, but the case was discontinued when prosecutors offered no evidence.
It is understood that Mr Butt's defence was that he accidentally damaged her mobile phone, and did not know how she had sustained a cut to her hand.
The CPS came under fire in the wake of the death of TV presenter Flack, 40, who apparently took her own life while awaiting trial for allegedly assaulting her boyfriend.
A spokesman said that the circumstances of the two cases were different, and that no more details could be revealed because they involved private family matters that had not been discussed in open court.
When deciding whether to pursue a case, prosecutors must consider firstly whether there is enough evidence, and secondly whether it is in the public interest to do so.
The CPS spokesman said: "It is not appropriate to compare unconnected cases, as deciding whether the public interest test is met depends on the individual circumstances of each complaint."
Ms Barlow did not want to give evidence against her estranged husband, and Ms Flack's boyfriend Lewis Burton had said he did not support the prosecution against her.
Former chief crown prosecutor for the North West Nazir Afzal said that, while the case against Caroline Flack was an allegedly deliberate assault, Mr Butt maintained that he had accidentally damaged his former partner's phone.
Mr Afzal told the PA news agency: "Without the complainant giving evidence, it's virtually impossible to rebut a defence of accident."
On Wednesday Ms Flack's family released an unpublished Instagram post written by the presenter in which she maintained that the incident was an accident.
She said: "I have always taken responsibility for what happened that night. Even on the night. But the truth is .... It was an accident.
"I've been having some sort of emotional breakdown for a very long time.
"But I am not a domestic abuser.
"We had an argument and an accident happened. An accident."


birminghammail--2020-02-19--Papa Johns Pizza giving couples chance to win £5,000 prize to mark leap year

Pizza chain Papa John ’ s is swapping its cheesy crusts for cheesy love stories to mark Leap Year .
The takeaway , which has outlets across Birmingham , has partnered with iconic London jewellers , DC Jewellery in Hatton Garden , to create a set of handmade 18k gold cuff links , worth £5,000 which can be won by a lucky customer .
All customers need to do for a chance of winning the original piece of jewellery is to submit their own tale of love - the cheesier the better .
The unique cufflinks have been created in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first romantic move by proposing to their partners in true leap year fashion .
This bespoke gift contains a creative interpretation of Papa John ’ s signature dough , hidden within the Ruby and Tsavorite-encrusted surface , to resemble a classic American hot pizza .
Papa John ’ s marketing director , Giles Codd said : “ We wanted to create something unique to celebrate the leap year and we think our 18k gold cufflinks are the perfect combination of romance and innovation .
“ We never thought we ’ d be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it ’ s happened , and we ’ re excited to contribute towards making one couple ’ s dream proposal come true.
” Papa John ’ s is also offering the Papa ’ s Engagement Package alongside the chance to win the cufflinks to ensure that it ’ s a memorable occasion for all .
The service will include a photographer to capture the special moment , celebratory champagne and of course , pizzas on the house .
To enter the competition , women who are keen to make the leap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ submit their love stories on how they met their partner to pizzalove @ wcommunications.co.uk by February 25 , 2020 .

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Pizza chain Papa John’s is swapping its cheesy crusts for cheesy love stories to mark Leap Year.
The takeaway, which has outlets across Birmingham, has partnered with iconic London jewellers, DC Jewellery in Hatton Garden, to create a set of handmade 18k gold cuff links, worth £5,000 which can be won by a lucky customer.
All customers need to do for a chance of winning the original piece of jewellery is to submit their own tale of love - the cheesier the better.
The unique cufflinks have been created in a bid to encourage women to make the first romantic move by proposing to their partners in true leap year fashion.
(Image: Birmingham Post and Mail)
This bespoke gift contains a creative interpretation of Papa John’s signature dough, hidden within the Ruby and Tsavorite-encrusted surface, to resemble a classic American hot pizza.
Papa John’s marketing director, Giles Codd said: “We wanted to create something unique to celebrate the leap year and we think our 18k gold cufflinks are the perfect combination of romance and innovation.
“We never thought we’d be able to incorporate our dough into jewellery, but it’s happened, and we’re excited to contribute towards making one couple’s dream proposal come true.”
Papa John’s is also offering the Papa’s Engagement Package alongside the chance to win the cufflinks to ensure that it’s a memorable occasion for all. The service will include a photographer to capture the special moment, celebratory champagne and of course, pizzas on the house.
To enter the competition, women who are keen to make the leap with their love this year, must submit their love stories on how they met their partner to pizzalove@wcommunications.co.uk by February 25, 2020.