birminghammail--2020-03-31--George Alagiah tests positive for coronavirus after cancer diagnosis

George Alagiah has shared a message of encouragement with fellow cancer patients after testing positive for Covid-19 .
The BBC newsreader said that “ if I can live with cancer , I can certainly live with Covid-19.
” Alagiah had decided earlier this month that he was going to stop appearing on air from the studio amid the virus outbreak following advice from doctors and colleagues .
He told BBC News At Six ’ s Sophie Raworth : “ I don ’ t want to trivialise because I seem to have had a mild dose , but actually , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) are living with cancer I think gives us an edge .
“ We ’ ve confronted those difficult , dark moments in our life .
“ And in some ways , I think that we , those of us living with cancer , are stronger because we kind of know what it is like to go into something where the outcomes are uncertain .
“ And I certainly feel that having had that experience , in my case six years as a cancer patient , I went into this feeling actually quite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancer , I can certainly live with Covid-19.
” The presenter said : “ She ’ s been through it a little bit and it ’ s kind of lasted a bit longer .
“ There doesn ’ t seem to be any rhyme or reason for how this plays out in individuals .
“ I don ’ t want to make light of it , because right now , Sophie , you and I both know there are people out there who are really finding this tricky , families going through a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with bowel cancer in April 2014 and again in December 2017 .

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George Alagiah has shared a message of encouragement with fellow cancer patients after testing positive for Covid-19.
The BBC newsreader said that “if I can live with cancer, I can certainly live with Covid-19.”
Alagiah had decided earlier this month that he was going to stop appearing on air from the studio amid the virus outbreak following advice from doctors and colleagues.
He told BBC News At Six’s Sophie Raworth: “I don’t want to trivialise because I seem to have had a mild dose, but actually, the very fact that we (cancer patients) are living with cancer I think gives us an edge.
“We’ve confronted those difficult, dark moments in our life.
“And in some ways, I think that we, those of us living with cancer, are stronger because we kind of know what it is like to go into something where the outcomes are uncertain.
“And I certainly feel that having had that experience, in my case six years as a cancer patient, I went into this feeling actually quite strong, if I can live with cancer, I can certainly live with Covid-19.”
Alagiah’s wife Fran has also experienced coronavirus symptoms.
(Image: Jeff Overs/BBC/PA Wire)
The presenter said: “She’s been through it a little bit and it’s kind of lasted a bit longer.
“There doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason for how this plays out in individuals.
“I don’t want to make light of it, because right now, Sophie, you and I both know there are people out there who are really finding this tricky, families going through a very anxious time.”
Alagiah was diagnosed with bowel cancer in April 2014 and again in December 2017.


birminghammail--2020-04-01--NHS nurse gifted with new car after helping dying coronavirus patient

A nurse who helped a dying pensioner with coronavirus symptoms after they were both involved in a car crash has been inundated with offers of help from the local community .
Lucy Duncan , 24 , from Wigan , suffered damage to her car after it was hit by another vehicle , which was being driven by an elderly man who was out trying to get food having isolated for 10 days with symptoms consistent with Covid-19 .
Ms Duncan , who had just finished a 12-hour shift at Wigan Infirmary , called an ambulance and went to hospital with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he underwent tests , before going home when she was told by staff there was nothing more she could do .
She later found out the man had died .
The story was widely reported in the media and caught the attention of a number of local businesses who got in touch with offers of help for Ms Duncan .
The nurse appeared on BBC Breakfast on Wednesday morning and was presented with a new car , supplied by a local dealer for her to use while her own is out of action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local events organiser offered to pay for the parts for her own car to be repaired , and a garage , Body Shop Golborne , will perform the work for free .
Meanwhile , friends , family and neighbours have been dropping off groceries and treats at her front door as she self-isolates following her encounter with the pensioner .
She told the programme : `` It 's been so overwhelming , I 've had so many lovely messages and comments .
She also received a personal message from boxer Anthony Joshua , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You definitely showed compassion , you definitely showed bravery , so I want to congratulate you on that .
`` Stay safe , and what you guys in the NHS are doing is unbelievable .
Keep it going - you guys are the unsung heroes . ''
Ms Duncan told the BBC the man had been slumped over the steering wheel and was having trouble breathing when she found him after the crash last week .
He reportedly told her he had no family except for a son who he had not spoken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News : `` The man was so grateful that I stayed with him and kept squeezing my hand and pulling it close to him . ''

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A nurse who helped a dying pensioner with coronavirus symptoms after they were both involved in a car crash has been inundated with offers of help from the local community.
Lucy Duncan, 24, from Wigan, suffered damage to her car after it was hit by another vehicle, which was being driven by an elderly man who was out trying to get food having isolated for 10 days with symptoms consistent with Covid-19.
Ms Duncan, who had just finished a 12-hour shift at Wigan Infirmary, called an ambulance and went to hospital with the man, staying with him while he underwent tests, before going home when
she was told by staff there was nothing more she could do.
She later found out the man had died.
The story was widely reported in the media and caught the attention of a number of local businesses who got in touch with offers of help for Ms Duncan.
The nurse appeared on BBC Breakfast on Wednesday morning and was presented with a new car, supplied by a local dealer for her to use while her own is out of action.
According to Wigan Today, a local events organiser offered to pay for the parts for her own car to be repaired, and a garage, Body Shop Golborne, will perform the work for free.
Meanwhile, friends, family and neighbours have been dropping off groceries and treats at her front door as she self-isolates following her encounter with the pensioner.
She told the programme: "It's been so overwhelming, I've had so many lovely messages and comments.
She also received a personal message from boxer Anthony Joshua, who said on the programme: "You definitely showed compassion, you definitely showed bravery, so I want to congratulate you on that.
"Stay safe, and what you guys in the NHS are doing is unbelievable. Keep it going - you guys are the unsung heroes."
Ms Duncan told the BBC the man had been slumped over the steering wheel and was having trouble breathing when she found him after the crash last week.
He reportedly told her he had no family except for a son who he had not spoken to in years.
She told BBC News: "The man was so grateful that I stayed with him and kept squeezing my hand and pulling it close to him."


birminghammail--2020-04-01--Liverpool fan who got 'Champions 2019-2020' tattoo has 'no regrets'

A die-hard Liverpool fan who had ‘ Premier League Champions 2019-2020 ’ tattooed on his arm has “ no regrets ” - and hopes to raise cash for the NHS .
Liverpool appeared to be coasting to their first title in the Premier League era in January when superfan Mark Gretton had the tatt done .
But when the coronavirus struck , all professional football in the UK was put on leaving Liverpool ’ s dream of a maiden Premier League title in limbo .
Mark , 53 , said : “ Some bookmakers had already started paying out because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liverpool would win .
“ We were about 1,000-1 on to win the title .
But then a pandemic came along - who could have foreseen that ?
You can ’ t plan for that.
” The lifelong supporter has vowed to keep the Liverbird tattoo as a mark of his team ’ s ‘ moral win ’ if the Premier League is cancelled , denying Liverpool the title .
Mark , a dad-of-four , said : “ I have no regrets .
If they cancel the league - which I doubt - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” He added : “ I ’ m sure there will soon be some sort of badge to show our respects to the NHS staff fighting for us on the front line .
I ’ ll add that to my tattoo.
” After Mark first revealed his tattoo in February , he was interviewed by Liverpool Echo , the city ’ s daily newspaper , from where his story quickly spread nationally .
Mark says he has received some stick for his tattoo , but wants to convert people ’ s responses into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ There have been some , let ’ s say , distasteful remarks made online .
But you take the rough with the smooth and I ’ m a pretty laid back guy .
He added : “ My message to anyone reading is , if my tattoo makes you laugh , donate a pound to the NHS.
” One of Mark ’ s friends tattooed the £100 body art for free at Oscar Jack 's Tattoo Parlour in Shoreham-by-Sea .
Mark decided to get tattooed after hearing a quip from comic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a live BT sport broadcast .
The superfan , who was watching the broadcast in person , said : “ As a joke , John said : ‘ I ’ ve had the tattoo booked in for 30 years.
’ The penny dropped .
“ After the programme I told John he had given me an idea .
He said : ‘ Really ?
It was only a joke.
’ Who knows maybe he has a similar tattoo but is hiding it ?
I hope he has seen mine.
” Mark , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , suspects he is not the only fan with a tattoo preempting his beloved team ’ s victory .
Jokingly , he said : “ There are others out there .
But have they got the balls to come out ?
“ I ’ m not the only one .
If you are out there and you have got a tattoo for Liverpool winning the league , grow some nuts .
If you don ’ t , there ’ s no respect.
” Mark , of Lancing , West Sussex , hopes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team he has supported all his life will be crowned champions .
He said : “ Liverpool fans are pretty optimistic people .
Eventually we will become league champions , and I think 90 per cent of fans know that .
“ They can ’ t cancel the league because it would break smaller clubs like Brighton if they have to pay Sky and BT for incomplete television contracts.
” Mark said he was concerned about how the Coronavirus pandemic is affecting the nation ’ s morale .
To get the country “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggesting that matches be played without audiences at select major grounds including Anfield , Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium .
He added : “ Football can be a great healer and bring the country back together .
“ We are getting so much rubbish about corona on social media , let ’ s open it up and have a bit of banter about football .
“ Everyone needs to stay safe .
I get that , and we need to support our doctors and nurses as much as we can .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off its knees and back where we belong .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (SWNS, James Rodger)

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A die-hard Liverpool fan who had ‘Premier League Champions 2019-2020’ tattooed on his arm has “no regrets” - and hopes to raise cash for the NHS.
Liverpool appeared to be coasting to their first title in the Premier League era in January when superfan Mark Gretton had the tatt done.
But when the coronavirus struck, all professional football in the UK was put on leaving Liverpool’s dream of a maiden Premier League title in limbo.
Mark, 53, said: “Some bookmakers had already started paying out because it was almost a forgone conclusion that Liverpool would win.
“We were about 1,000-1 on to win the title. But then a pandemic came along - who could have foreseen that? You can’t plan for that.”
The lifelong supporter has vowed to keep the Liverbird tattoo as a mark of his team’s ‘moral win’ if the Premier League is cancelled, denying Liverpool the title.
Mark, a dad-of-four, said: “I have no regrets. If they cancel the league - which I doubt - I will say we have morally won.”
He added: “I’m sure there will soon be some sort of badge to show our respects to the NHS staff fighting for us on the front line. I’ll add that to my tattoo.”
After Mark first revealed his tattoo in February, he was interviewed by Liverpool Echo, the city’s daily newspaper, from where his story quickly spread nationally.
(Image: Mark Gretton / SWNS.COM)
Mark says he has received some stick for his tattoo, but wants to convert people’s responses into a positive one.
The grandad-of-four said: “There have been some, let’s say, distasteful remarks made online. But you take the rough with the smooth and I’m a pretty laid back guy.
He added: “My message to anyone reading is, if my tattoo makes you laugh, donate a pound to the NHS.”
(Image: Mark Gretton / SWNS.COM)
One of Mark’s friends tattooed the £100 body art for free at Oscar Jack's Tattoo Parlour in Shoreham-by-Sea.
Mark decided to get tattooed after hearing a quip from comic and avid Liverpool fan John Bishop during a live BT sport broadcast.
The superfan, who was watching the broadcast in person, said: “As a joke, John said: ‘I’ve had the tattoo booked in for 30 years.’ The penny dropped.
“After the programme I told John he had given me an idea. He said: ‘Really? It was only a joke.’ Who knows maybe he has a similar tattoo but is hiding it? I hope he has seen mine.”
Mark, who works at a printing shop in Brighton, suspects he is not the only fan with a tattoo preempting his beloved team’s victory.
Jokingly, he said: “There are others out there. But have they got the balls to come out?
“I’m not the only one. If you are out there and you have got a tattoo for Liverpool winning the league, grow some nuts. If you don’t, there’s no respect.”
Mark, of Lancing, West Sussex, hopes the Premier League will eventually re-start and the team he has supported all his life will be crowned champions.
He said: “Liverpool fans are pretty optimistic people. Eventually we will become league champions, and I think 90 per cent of fans know that.
“They can’t cancel the league because it would break smaller clubs like Brighton if they have to pay Sky and BT for incomplete television contracts.”
Mark said he was concerned about how the Coronavirus pandemic is affecting the nation’s morale.
To get the country “off its knees'' he is now suggesting that matches be played without audiences at select major grounds including Anfield, Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium.
He added: “Football can be a great healer and bring the country back together.
“We are getting so much rubbish about corona on social media, let’s open it up and have a bit of banter about football.
“Everyone needs to stay safe. I get that, and we need to support our doctors and nurses as much as we can.
“But we need to get this country off its knees and back where we belong.”


birminghammail--2020-04-01--Security to guard cemeteries in town after they were closed over coronavirus

Security staff will patrol cemeteries in Solihull from today after they were closed due to the coronavirus outbreak .
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council said its `` priority must be to ensure everyone ’ s safety and to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 . ''
They said security would guard access points to cemeteries to `` ensure people abide by the decision . ''
The council 's unprecedented measure to close cemeteries came into effect on Monday ( March 30 ) after they are normally open every day of the year .
The council lists three cemeteries on its website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shirley , Woodlands Cemetery and Crematorium in Coleshill and Widney Manor Cemetery in Bentley Heath .
Funerals are still going ahead in the borough - but attendance is limited to six mourners from the immediate family .
A Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council spokesperson said : `` The Prime Minister announced on Monday 23 March that all events - excluding funerals - must now be stopped in order to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 ( coronavirus ) .
`` In Solihull this means that a maximum of six mourners from the immediate family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cremation at one of the Council ’ s cemeteries or crematoria .
`` It also means that cemetery grounds are now closed to everyone else for the time being .
`` In order to ensure the safety of our mourners , from 1 April access to the cemeteries will be managed by our security team to make sure that people abide by this decision .
`` We realise that this is very difficult for people but our priority must be to ensure everyone ’ s safety and to help reduce the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may wish to think about a celebration of life or a memorial after the pandemic has finished . ''

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Security staff will patrol cemeteries in Solihull from today after they were closed due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council said its "priority must be to ensure everyone’s safety and to help reduce the spread of COVID-19."
They said security would guard access points to cemeteries to "ensure people abide by the decision."
The council's unprecedented measure to close cemeteries came into effect on Monday (March 30) after they are normally open every day of the year.
(Image: Copyright Unknown)
The council lists three cemeteries on its website - Robin Hood Cemetery and Crematorium in Shirley, Woodlands Cemetery and Crematorium in Coleshill and Widney Manor Cemetery in Bentley Heath.
Funerals are still going ahead in the borough - but attendance is limited to six mourners from the immediate family.
A Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council spokesperson said: "The Prime Minister announced on Monday 23 March that all events - excluding funerals - must now be stopped in order to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus).
"In Solihull this means that a maximum of six mourners from the immediate family are permitted to attend a burial or cremation at one of the Council’s cemeteries or crematoria.
"It also means that cemetery grounds are now closed to everyone else for the time being.
"In order to ensure the safety of our mourners, from 1 April access to the cemeteries will be managed by our security team to make sure that people abide by this decision.
"We realise that this is very difficult for people but our priority must be to ensure everyone’s safety and to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus).
"Families may wish to think about a celebration of life or a memorial after the pandemic has finished."


birminghammail--2020-04-01--Growing Up Gifted star bounces back from 'ruining' year to land college place

Growing Up Gifted returned to the BBC last night - and caught up with a Birmingham and a Tamworth youngster who have both set their sights on big things .
The hour-long programme was back on the Beeb on March 31- and showed Birmingham youngster Jada has not wavered in her ambition to become a doctor .
She lives with her mum and three siblings at her nan ’ s house in Brum .
Her mother says : “ Jada , you make sure you do well at school .
I don ’ t want her to make the mistakes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no intention of mucking up and excels in her exams , saying : “ I ’ m going to be a paediatrician .
I ’ m going to study medicine at university in three years.
” Shakira , who lives with her mum , mum ’ s boyfriend and five younger siblings in Tamworth , Staffs , ruined Year 10 with bad behaviour , reports the Mirror .
Good at art and keen to study art and design , she achieved her grades and lands a place at college in Birmingham .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ever happened to me , ” she says .
“ Literally .
I ’ ve met so many new friends . ''
Elsewhere , Anne-Marie is over the moon to pass her GCSEs and get into sixth form after battling depression which leaves her suicidal .
The teenager from Port Talbot in South Wales is one the three girls from low-income backgrounds in the emotional four-year documentary project , continuing on BBC2 tonight .
“ I ’ ve found my people , ” she says .
“ I think now is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m really glad that I ’ m still around.
” Anne-Marie , 16 , has a troubling time during year three , having left home after a fall-out with her mother .
She also has to cope with the death of her estranged alcoholic father and the pressure of the looming exams .
The talented writer has lived with her best friend Carys and her mum Jan for a year , but the pressure she puts on herself proves too much .
“ I ’ m lucky and glad I got help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the show .
“ It all spiralled very quickly .
I ’ m sick of being a disappointment to people .
I ended up overdosing.
” But living with Carys , rather than her mum and four brothers and sisters , has gone well .
Jan says : “ She ’ s a lot happier .
She can be a child again – she was looking after her siblings a lot.
” Anne-Marie is filled with guilt about leaving her family behind .
“ I miss them , ” she says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I don ’ t want them to think I don ’ t care about them.
” Despite missing a chunk of school , she gets the six GCSE passes she needs to get to take A-levels .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Nicola Methven, James Rodger)

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Growing Up Gifted returned to the BBC last night - and caught up with a Birmingham and a Tamworth youngster who have both set their sights on big things.
The hour-long programme was back on the Beeb on March 31- and showed Birmingham youngster Jada has not wavered in her ambition to become a doctor.
She lives with her mum and three siblings at her nan’s house in Brum.
Her mother says: “Jada, you make sure you do well at school. I don’t want her to make the mistakes I did.”
Jada said she has no intention of mucking up and excels in her exams, saying: “I’m going to be a paediatrician. I’m going to study medicine at university in three years.”
Shakira, who lives with her mum, mum’s boyfriend and five younger siblings in Tamworth, Staffs, ruined Year 10 with bad behaviour, reports the Mirror.
Good at art and keen to study art and design, she achieved her grades and lands a place at college in Birmingham.
“It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” she says.
“Literally. I’ve met so many new friends."
Elsewhere, Anne-Marie is over the moon to pass her GCSEs and get into sixth form after battling depression which leaves her suicidal.
The teenager from Port Talbot in South Wales is one the three girls from low-income backgrounds in the emotional four-year documentary project, continuing on BBC2 tonight.
“I’ve found my people,” she says. “I think now is the time when I flourish. I’m really glad that I’m still around.”
Anne-Marie, 16, has a troubling time during year three, having left home after a fall-out with her mother.
She also has to cope with the death of her estranged alcoholic father and the pressure of the looming exams.
The talented writer has lived with her best friend Carys and her mum Jan for a year, but the pressure she puts on herself proves too much.
“I’m lucky and glad I got help when I did,” she says in the show.
“It all spiralled very quickly. I’m sick of being a disappointment to people. I ended up overdosing.”
But living with Carys, rather than her mum and four brothers and sisters, has gone well. Jan says: “She’s a lot happier. She can be a child again – she was looking after her siblings a lot.”
Anne-Marie is filled with guilt about leaving her family behind.
“I miss them,” she says. “They were like my own children. I don’t want them to think I don’t care about them.”
Despite missing a chunk of school, she gets the six GCSE passes she needs to get to take A-levels.


birminghammail--2020-04-01--Coronavirus crisis could lead to 100,000 jobs lost around Brum

Up to 100,000 private sector workers in the region could lose their jobs if the coronavirus crisis lasts into September , an expert has warned .
Professor Mark Hart , of the Enterprise Research Centre at Aston University , estimated a fifth of the 79,000 private sector firms in the Birmingham area could fold without further Government support .
This could mean the loss of 75,000 to 100,000 jobs , while there may be a significant reduction in the number of start-ups , Professor Hart said .
The figures relate to the area covered by the Greater Birmingham and Solihull @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Bromsgrove , Cannock Chase , East Staffordshire , Lichfield , Redditch , Solihull , Tamworth and Wyre Forest , an area with a population of 2 million .
But he said firms could survive by refreshing their business model , moving their services online as much as possible and thinking about what they can offer the public in response to the crisis .
He praised the Government ’ s furlough scheme , in which the state pays 80 per cent of employees ’ salaries up to £2,500 a month if their job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added this is currently only designed to last from March 1 for three months .
Professor Hart said : “ There are a couple of businesses we are talking to who have cash resources to get through to June or July time .
They are focusing on keeping the brand alive .
“ I see September as the big turning point .
This is a colossal threat to business .
Nobody could have seen the scale of this a year ago .
“ We are encouraging businesses to get through any outstanding invoices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big priority .
“ I think the furlough scheme is brilliant .
Businesses need to keep on their key staff .
“ The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme won ’ t be as successful as intended .
Businesses don ’ t need debt when their future is so uncertain .
“ In Birmingham , any slowing in production at Jaguar Land Rover will hit the supply chain of businesses in the region .
“ If businesses can ’ t trade past September , you could be looking at 15,800 businesses folding in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You could easily lose 75,000 to 100,000 jobs .
The reason why this is happening is revenues are falling , collapsing .
Orders are being cancelled .
That ’ s what I am seeing in Birmingham .
“ That ’ s the worst case scenario .
What businesses can do is think about how they can refresh their business model and go online .
“ The classic example is [ fitness coach ] Joe Wicks , who has an audience of millions from his front room .
He is donating the money to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very clever at doing is keeping the brand alive .
“ What businesses need to think about is ‘ what will they be remembered for during the crisis ?
’ .
“ From looking at businesses which folded during the 2007/08 crisis and in the 1990s , it ’ s not sector specific .
”

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Up to 100,000 private sector workers in the region could lose their jobs if the coronavirus crisis lasts into September, an expert has warned.
Professor Mark Hart, of the Enterprise Research Centre at Aston University, estimated a fifth of the 79,000 private sector firms in the Birmingham area could fold without further Government support.
This could mean the loss of 75,000 to 100,000 jobs, while there may be a significant reduction in the number of start-ups, Professor Hart said.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The figures relate to the area covered by the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership.
This covers Birmingham, Bromsgrove, Cannock Chase, East Staffordshire, Lichfield, Redditch, Solihull, Tamworth and Wyre Forest, an area with a population of 2 million.
But he said firms could survive by refreshing their business model, moving their services online as much as possible and thinking about what they can offer the public in response to the crisis.
He praised the Government’s furlough scheme, in which the state pays 80 per cent of employees’ salaries up to £2,500 a month if their job is put on hold.
But he added this is currently only designed to last from March 1 for three months.
(Image: Professor Mark Hart)
Professor Hart said: “There are a couple of businesses we are talking to who have cash resources to get through to June or July time. They are focusing on keeping the brand alive.
“I see September as the big turning point. This is a colossal threat to business. Nobody could have seen the scale of this a year ago.
“We are encouraging businesses to get through any outstanding invoices, making sure cash flow is a big priority.
“I think the furlough scheme is brilliant. Businesses need to keep on their key staff.
“The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme won’t be as successful as intended. Businesses don’t need debt when their future is so uncertain.
“In Birmingham, any slowing in production at Jaguar Land Rover will hit the supply chain of businesses in the region.
“If businesses can’t trade past September, you could be looking at 15,800 businesses folding in the Greater Birmingham and Solihull area.
”You could easily lose 75,000 to 100,000 jobs. The reason why this is happening is revenues are falling, collapsing. Orders are being cancelled. That’s what I am seeing in Birmingham.
“That’s the worst case scenario. What businesses can do is think about how they can refresh their business model and go online.
“The classic example is [fitness coach] Joe Wicks, who has an audience of millions from his front room. He is donating the money to the NHS, but what he is very clever at doing is keeping the brand alive.
“What businesses need to think about is ‘what will they be remembered for during the crisis?’.
“From looking at businesses which folded during the 2007/08 crisis and in the 1990s, it’s not sector specific.”


birminghammail--2020-04-01--Brum backpacker slams locals for reporting coronavirus lockdown party

A backpacker currently travelling Down Under has hit out after his coronavirus lockdown rooftop party was reported by locals .
The backpacker , from Birmingham , has hit out at `` jealous '' locals over spoiling his fun as the pandemic continues to sweep the globe .
Peter Leggatt hit out at Australian authorities for failing to support backpackers during the Covid-19 crisis .
He said many of them were having `` an awful time '' , reports Mirror Online .
Police in Sydney were forced to break up the gathering that took place at the backpackers ’ hostel on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures introduced to curb the spread of the virus .
“ That hostel that had the party ca n't social distance , '' he wrote in a post on a Facebook page for Australian backpackers .
“ Anyone who has ever stayed in a hostel or has the tiniest brain power would understand that .
“ The problem seems they dared to have fun in a time when everyone else ca n't .
Sounds like jealousy to me.
” Leggat , from Birmingham , also hit out at the country for not supporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ an awful time '' .
“ Australia is more than happy to have us here to do all the fruit picking they prefer not to do or spend huge amounts on the tourism industry .
“ Yet in a crisis where our humanity is desperately needed , we 're blamed and attacked by everyone , the media being the heart of it .
“ Let 's take a group of people most desperate and get everyone to blame them , because we need someone to blame.
” New South Wales police confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hostel at 7.15pm local time in response to a noise complaint .
Footage showed how officers broke up the party and demanded that those in attendance go back to their rooms .
`` Police spoke to and reminded to management and guests of the social distancing obligations in accordance with ministerial directions under Public Health Act , '' a spokeswoman for NSW Police told the Daily Mail .
`` No further action was taken . ''
Those living at the hostel said they had not broken the law because they lived together in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to distance from each other .
On Tuesday , Australians were angered by images that showed Sydney locals ignoring social distancing guidelines as they flocked to Bondi Beach to soak up the sun .
NSW , the country 's most populous state , is responsible for a little under half of the national coronavirus infections and most of the death toll of 19 .
It introduced fines of up to A $ 11,000 ( £5,400 ) in NSW and the potential of a six-month prison term for anybody found breaching the rules .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Neil Murphy, James Rodger)

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A backpacker currently travelling Down Under has hit out after his coronavirus lockdown rooftop party was reported by locals.
The backpacker, from Birmingham, has hit out at "jealous" locals over spoiling his fun as the pandemic continues to sweep the globe.
Peter Leggatt hit out at Australian authorities for failing to support backpackers during the Covid-19 crisis.
He said many of them were having "an awful time", reports Mirror Online.
Police in Sydney were forced to break up the gathering that took place at the backpackers’ hostel on Tuesday as the group flouted social distancing measures introduced to curb the spread of the virus.
“That hostel that had the party can't social distance," he wrote in a post on a Facebook page for Australian backpackers.
“Anyone who has ever stayed in a hostel or has the tiniest brain power would understand that.
“The problem seems they dared to have fun in a time when everyone else can't. Sounds like jealousy to me.”
Leggat, from Birmingham, also hit out at the country for not supporting backpackers, who he said were having “an awful time".
“Australia is more than happy to have us here to do all the fruit picking they prefer not to do or spend huge amounts on the tourism industry.
“Yet in a crisis where our humanity is desperately needed, we're blamed and attacked by everyone, the media being the heart of it.
“Let's take a group of people most desperate and get everyone to blame them, because we need someone to blame.”
New South Wales police confirmed they were called to the Kings Cross hostel at 7.15pm local time in response to a noise complaint.
Footage showed how officers broke up the party and demanded that those in attendance go back to their rooms.
"Police spoke to and reminded to management and guests of the social distancing obligations in accordance with ministerial directions under Public Health Act," a spokeswoman for NSW Police told the Daily Mail.
"No further action was taken."
Those living at the hostel said they had not broken the law because they lived together in cramped conditions and therefore were not able to distance from each other.
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On Tuesday, Australians were angered by images that showed Sydney locals ignoring social distancing guidelines as they flocked to Bondi Beach to soak up the sun.
NSW, the country's most populous state, is responsible for a little under half of the national coronavirus infections and most of the death toll of 19.
It introduced fines of up to A$11,000 (£5,400) in NSW and the potential of a six-month prison term for anybody found breaching the rules.


birminghammail--2020-04-01--Marvelous Nakamba linked with Turkish side Trabzonspor

Marvelous Nakamba has been linked with a shock exit from Aston Villa .
According to reports in Turkey , the 26-year-old is a target for Turkish Super Lig club Trabzonspor .
He is the third Villa player to be linked with a move to Turkey by the press there , with Mbwana Samatta ( Galatasaray ) and Trezeguet ( Besiktas ) said to be interesting clubs over there .
Nakamba , it is claimed by newspaper Sabah , via Sport Witness , would be a replacement for John Obi Mikel who terminated his deal with Trabzonspo last month .
Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their 12 new players brought in following Dean Smith 's side 's promotion to the Premier League through the Championship 's play-offs .
He cost €12 million from Club Brugge and has been a regular for the club , making 26 appearances in all competitions for the strugglers .
The Zimbabwe international has started Villa 's last two matches before the League was halted because of the coronavirus outbreak .
Covid-19 will have an impact on the transfer window and clubs ' abilities to do deals this summer .
Trezeguet and Samatta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season , the latter netting two goals following his arrival from Genk late in the January transfer window

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Marvelous Nakamba has been linked with a shock exit from Aston Villa.
According to reports in Turkey, the 26-year-old is a target for Turkish Super Lig club Trabzonspor.
He is the third Villa player to be linked with a move to Turkey by the press there, with Mbwana Samatta (Galatasaray) and Trezeguet (Besiktas) said to be interesting clubs over there.
Nakamba, it is claimed by newspaper Sabah, via Sport Witness, would be a replacement for John Obi Mikel who terminated his deal with Trabzonspor last month.
Villa only signed Nakamba last year, one of their 12 new players brought in following Dean Smith's side's promotion to the Premier League through the Championship's play-offs.
He cost €12 million from Club Brugge and has been a regular for the club, making 26 appearances in all competitions for the strugglers.
The Zimbabwe international has started Villa's last two matches before the League was halted because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Covid-19 will have an impact on the transfer window and clubs' abilities to do deals this summer.
Trezeguet and Samatta have also been regulars for Smith this season, the latter netting two goals following his arrival from Genk late in the January transfer window


birminghammail--2020-04-01--Phillip Schofield's heartbreak at lack of 'birthday hugs' in pandemic

Phillip Schofield said he was celebrating a `` weird '' birthday that was `` lacking in hugs '' amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The TV star marked his 58th birthday at the start of ITV 's This Morning .
The words `` Happy Birthday Phillip ! ''
were included in the opening credits and the Stevie Wonder song Happy Birthday played at the start of the show .
Schofield 's co-host , Holly Willoughby , said : `` First on the agenda , happy birthday Phil . ''
Referring to the caterpillar cake on the desk in between them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are shut so we are limited with what we can get , however I do think you have the best birthday cake in the world .
`` It 's a bit sad that you ca n't have candles , because you ca n't blow on it . ''
She suggested that instead he `` pick it up and eat it like a Swiss roll '' .
Schofield said : `` It 's a weird birthday , lacking in hugs , but I had a lovely Zoom with friends . ''
He said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including Christine Bleakley , Bradley Walsh , Davina McCall , Emma Bunton and Leigh Francis .
He added : `` Next year 's will be a lot better . ''
Willoughby said it would be the first episode of the show without any guests in the studio , with all of them appearing remotely .
Schofield expressed disappointment that his favourite Chinese food was being prepared on the show , adding : `` And I ca n't even smell it ! ''
Willoughby also shared a tribute to Schofield on Instagram , posting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a selfie together and writing : `` Happy Birthday to this gorgeous man ... @ schofe love you to bits ... '' It marks Schofield 's first birthday since he revealed he is gay .
In February , the TV star , who has been married for nearly 27 years , made the announcement in a message posted on Instagram .

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Phillip Schofield said he was celebrating a "weird" birthday that was "lacking in hugs" amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The TV star marked his 58th birthday at the start of ITV's This Morning.
The words "Happy Birthday Phillip!" were included in the opening credits and the Stevie Wonder song Happy Birthday played at the start of the show.
Schofield's co-host, Holly Willoughby, said: "First on the agenda, happy birthday Phil."
Referring to the caterpillar cake on the desk in between them, she said: "Obviously the shops are shut so we are limited with what we can get, however I do think you have the best birthday cake in the world.
"It's a bit sad that you can't have candles, because you can't blow on it."
She suggested that instead he "pick it up and eat it like a Swiss roll".
Schofield said: "It's a weird birthday, lacking in hugs, but I had a lovely Zoom with friends."
He said he had enjoyed a birthday chat with friends including Christine Bleakley, Bradley Walsh, Davina McCall, Emma Bunton and Leigh Francis.
He added: "Next year's will be a lot better."
Willoughby said it would be the first episode of the show without any guests in the studio, with all of them appearing remotely.
Schofield expressed disappointment that his favourite Chinese food was being prepared on the show, adding: "And I can't even smell it!"
Willoughby also shared a tribute to Schofield on Instagram, posting a photo of them giggling while taking a selfie together and writing: "Happy Birthday to this gorgeous man... @schofe love you to bits..."
It marks Schofield's first birthday since he revealed he is gay.
In February, the TV star, who has been married for nearly 27 years, made the announcement in a message posted on Instagram.


birminghammail--2020-04-01--Paul Sinha 'really quite ill' with coronavirus, The Chase co-star reveals

Anne Hegerty has spoken out over Paul Sinha 's condition as he battles coronavirus .
The I 'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here !
contestant appeared on the ITV1 daytime favourite Good Morning Britain .
As Covid-19 continues to claim the lives of Brits , Anne spoke out after seeing her pal Jon Jacob die from the deadly bug .
She told GMB : `` He was 68 but in good health , I 'm not sure what happened . ''
The Chronicle Live reports Paul , better known as 'The Sinnerman ' hinted that he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Not well .
To bed .
Four months of this .
`` Cough , slight fever , weakness , exhaustion .
Utter exhaustion .
Good thing I ’ ve not been wandering round pubs “ living my life whatever . ''
A day later he tweeted : `` Although I cant be sure and I cant be tested it seems likely I have Coronavirus .
Started social distancing a few days too late .
Anyone upsets me , I 'll be around to sneeze in your home . ''
On Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how he was feeling , posting : `` For the first time in ten days I feel vaguely alive .
I hope it ’ s not a trick . ''
Today Anne told Piers : `` He 's been really quite ill. We 're hoping he 's over the worst of it now . ''
But Anne also said she had been coping with isolation well , she said : “ I feel really slightly guilty about it , but honestly I am literally the luckiest person in the UK right now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my own and I ’ ve been thinking for ages how wonderful it would be to have a nice , long guilt-free sabbatical .
`` So , to be honest , this is working for me , if I just wasn ’ t worrying about how it ’ s not working for other people , obviously .
Apart from missing recording The Chase , this actually really suits me.
” Susanna asked Anne how she ’ s keeping stimulated and she said : “ I ’ m quizzing like mad .
There ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wiki Quiz , where people are setting enormous numbers of quizzes .
`` ’ m actually having to ration myself .
I ’ m telling myself I can only do three of those quizzes a day .
Literally I could spend all day doing them , it ’ s dreadful.
” Piers then suggested Anne should do an at-home quiz where the nation takes her on and Anne said : “ I ’ m absolutely fine with not letting people into my home , for now !
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Simon Duke , James Rodger)

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Anne Hegerty has spoken out over Paul Sinha's condition as he battles coronavirus.
The I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! contestant appeared on the ITV1 daytime favourite Good Morning Britain.
As Covid-19 continues to claim the lives of Brits, Anne spoke out after seeing her pal Jon Jacob die from the deadly bug.
Appearing via videolink, Anne paid tribute.
She told GMB: "He was 68 but in good health, I'm not sure what happened."
(Image: ITV)
The Chronicle Live reports Paul, better known as 'The Sinnerman' hinted that he had contacted the virus, as he tweeted: "Not well. To bed. Four months of this.
"Cough, slight fever, weakness, exhaustion. Utter exhaustion. Good thing I’ve not been wandering round pubs “living my life whatever."
A day later he tweeted: "Although I cant be sure and I cant be tested it seems likely I have Coronavirus. Started social distancing a few days too late. Anyone upsets me, I'll be around to sneeze in your home."
On Monday, Paul gave fans an update of how he was feeling, posting: "For the first time in ten days I feel vaguely alive. I hope it’s not a trick."
Today Anne told Piers: "He's been really quite ill. We're hoping he's over the worst of it now."
But Anne also said she had been coping with isolation well, she said: “I feel really slightly guilty about it, but honestly I am literally the luckiest person in the UK right now, because I am absolutely fine staying on my own and I’ve been thinking for ages how wonderful it would be to have a nice, long guilt-free sabbatical.
"So, to be honest, this is working for me, if I just wasn’t worrying about how it’s not working for other people, obviously. Apart from missing recording The Chase, this actually really suits me.”
Susanna asked Anne how she’s keeping stimulated and she said: “I’m quizzing like mad. There’s a group opened on Facebook called Wiki Quiz, where people are setting enormous numbers of quizzes.
"’m actually having to ration myself. I’m telling myself I can only do three of those quizzes a day. Literally I could spend all day doing them, it’s dreadful.”
Piers then suggested Anne should do an at-home quiz where the nation takes her on and Anne said: “I’m absolutely fine with not letting people into my home, for now!”


birminghammail--2020-04-01--Warning - bin collections may be EARLIER in Solihull because of this

Solihull residents have been warned that bin collections may be earlier than normal due to a reduction in rush hour traffic .
Both household waste and recycling collections are currently continuing as scheduled during the coronavirus crisis , but the council has said that timings may vary because the roads are so much quieter .
As a result householders are asked to make sure that their bins are out by 7am on their designated day to avoid being caught out by refuse teams running ahead of schedule .
Residents are reminded that garden waste collections have been suspended for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cuttings should n't be put in the normal black bin .
Cllr Ian Courts , leader of Solihull Council , said this week that the council was working hard to keep services running but warned that the organisation could have to contend with an increasingly `` diminished '' workforce as the current crisis went on .
Other updates on services facing changes as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak include : Solihull 's parks are still open despite the decision by some other local authorities to shut down the spaces altogether .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sports facilities and outdoor gyms have been barred to the public .
The Love Solihull team has , however , asked that all visitors respect the social distancing guidance issued by the government and keep at least two metres from others .
Dealing with rat problems and similar infestations is the responsibility of the Solihull Community Housing ( SCH ) Better Places team .
A council spokesman confirmed this week that the pest control service was operating as normal at present .
A council spokesman said : `` We appreciate , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be concerned about bills including their council tax .
`` If you ’ ve experienced a drop in income due to Covid-19 and are worried about paying your council tax please contact us . ''
The restrictions ( typically covered by a single yellow line or restricted parking zone ) were relaxed from 8am on March 23 until further notice .
The council has urged people to park responsibly and keep off double yellow and red lines .
Remember that if you are out of work , on reduced pay or on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a council tax reduction .
It was confirmed on Monday ( March 30 ) that all cemetery grounds had now closed with immediate effect .
Last week it was only the communal areas which were off limits , but now tighter restrictions have been imposed .
Memorial sales , memorial headstone permitting , buying graves in reserve , scatterings and cremated remains interments are all suspended until further notice .
All details correct at 9am on 01/04/20 .
For updates visit the council 's dedicated coronavirus webpage at : www.solihull.gov.uk/Resident/socialservicesandhealth/Coronavirus

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Solihull residents have been warned that bin collections may be earlier than normal due to a reduction in rush hour traffic.
Both household waste and recycling collections are currently continuing as scheduled during the coronavirus crisis, but the council has said that timings may vary because the roads are so much quieter.
As a result householders are asked to make sure that their bins are out by 7am on their designated day to avoid being caught out by refuse teams running ahead of schedule.
Residents are reminded that garden waste collections have been suspended for the time being and material such as grass cuttings shouldn't be put in the normal black bin.
Cllr Ian Courts, leader of Solihull Council, said this week that the council was working hard to keep services running but warned that the organisation could have to contend with an increasingly "diminished" workforce as the current crisis went on.
Other updates on services facing changes as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak include:
Parks - PARTIALLY OPEN
Solihull's parks are still open despite the decision by some other local authorities to shut down the spaces altogether.
As things stand only the likes of playgrounds, sports facilities and outdoor gyms have been barred to the public.
The Love Solihull team has, however, asked that all visitors respect the social distancing guidance issued by the government and keep at least two metres from others.
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Pest control services - CONTINUING
Dealing with rat problems and similar infestations is the responsibility of the Solihull Community Housing (SCH) Better Places team.
A council spokesman confirmed this week that the pest control service was operating as normal at present.
Council tax payments - UPDATE
A council spokesman said: "We appreciate, that during these unprecedented times, many residents will be concerned about bills including their council tax.
"If you’ve experienced a drop in income due to Covid-19 and are worried about paying your council tax please contact us."
Residential parking restrictions - SUSPENDED
The restrictions (typically covered by a single yellow line or restricted parking zone) were relaxed from 8am on March 23 until further notice.
The council has urged people to park responsibly and keep off double yellow and red lines.
Remember that if you are out of work, on reduced pay or on a low income, you maybe eligible for a council tax reduction.
Cemetery grounds - UPDATE
It was confirmed on Monday (March 30) that all cemetery grounds had now closed with immediate effect.
Last week it was only the communal areas which were off limits, but now tighter restrictions have been imposed.
Memorial sales, memorial headstone permitting, buying graves in reserve, scatterings and cremated remains interments are all suspended until further notice.
All details correct at 9am on 01/04/20. For updates visit the council's dedicated coronavirus webpage at: www.solihull.gov.uk/Resident/socialservicesandhealth/Coronavirus


birminghammail--2020-04-01--The Villa moments more ridiculous than any April Fools

They say truth is stranger than fiction - and that certainly seems to be the case with some of these real-life Aston Villa moments .
On April Fool 's Day , rather than trying to catch you out with some made up mischief , here 's some ridiculous claret and blue events that actually happened .
The Italian superstar who got into a spot of bother There is a common misconception that Villa 's last silverware was the 1996 Coca Cola Cup .
Wrong !
It was actually the Peace Cup in that balmy summer of 2008 in Spain - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was deliciously ridiculous .
Alessandro Del Piero was the man who provided it .
The Italian striker was responsible for one of the worst struck penalties ever in the final against Martin O'Neill 's team .
It gave Villa the advantage in the spot-kick shootout and Nigel Reo-Coker went on to lift the trophy .
The Villa player who played while holding an umbrella We all recall Umbrella Man joining in the celebrations at Selhurst Park after Dalian Atkinson 's wonder goal against Wimbledon in 1992 .
But there 's a true @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under a brolly during a match .
It was Charlie Athersmith , who in a game against Sheffield United in 1901 , borrowed an umbrella from a spectator to protect himself from freezing rain as he ran up and down the right wing .
The signing whose wife was the boss 'Does your missus know you 're here ? '
is the claret and blue chant that will always be associated with David Unsworth .
No sooner had he completed his move from West Ham to Villa in the summer of 1998 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unsworth told John Gregory that he regretted making the move with the Villa boss then revealing to the press that the player 's wife had influenced his change of heart .
One reserve game later , and without a single first team appearance for Villa , Unsworth was able to escape his mistake and push through a move to Everton .
But he was never able to escape his reputation for being under the thumb .
Villa were on a tour of Tanzania in May 1973 , when the players had an idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Near to their hotel was a private , uninhabited island where they decided to hold a barbecue .
Having been transported over to a private , uninhabited island in small boats , the players enjoyed a barbecue before removing their clothes to skinny-dip in the sea .
As they were enjoying a swim , Doug Ellis and his wife Heidi emerged through the trees onto the beach , and while Mrs Ellis turned to avert her gaze , goalkeeper Jim Cumbes shouted out to the chairman .
“ If you want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to swim naked because we ’ ve designated this a nude bathing beach !
” According to defender Neil Rioch , Doug replied : “ Ok no problem ” , dropped his bathing shorts , ran down the beach and joined them in the water .
The striker who could n't get his words out As big as it is .
That 's the phrase you were looking for Marlon .
Yes , it 's easy for us to say .
This was the moment when Marlon Harewood stumbled over the simplest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chuckle to this day .
When news of Villa 's interest in Alex McLeish emerged , the claret and blue faithful hoped it was some sort of joke .
It was n't .
Seeking a replacement for Gerard Houllier , who had left because of health reasons , Villa turned their attention to Big Eck .
McLeish boasted a shiny League Cup trophy still gleaming from when he masterminded a Wembley win over Arsenal months earlier .
The only problem was he had just been relegated with Villa 's bitter rivals Birmingham City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , owner Randy Lerner pressed ahead with the appointment and the Villa Park masses gave McLeish a chance .
However , it all ended so predictably .
In a war of attrition season , Villa just about stayed up on 38 points and McLeish was duly sacked .
The 'snake ' who tied himself up in knots This was the moment when Fabian Delph played us all for fools .
It was some months after the January wink when Delph 's betrayal eventually became clear , but it was the contract-signing scoreboard facial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a buzz of delight when Delph committed his future to Villa .
It subsequently emerged that the England midfielder had a cut price buyout clause in his deal .
We found that bit out when he tied himself in knots professing his love for Villa and then changing his mind to join Manchester City during that turbulent week of U-turns in the summer of 2015 .
He was dubbed a 'snake ' by angry Villa fans .
The winger who flirted with a reindeer In fairness to him , he was taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ youngsters from Villa 's charity partner Acorns .
But this picture of Ashley Young flashing a cheeky smile at a reindeer is still one of our favourite photos in the Birmingham Mail archives .
The Mackem with a little piece of Aston Sunderland fan Albert Gillett was so confident his side would win the FA Cup in 1913 that he said he would name his home after the trophy winners .
Villa , of course , met Sunderland on their way , knocking them out only to win the final .
And so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , County Durham , sits a house called ‘ Aston Villa ’ .

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They say truth is stranger than fiction - and that certainly seems to be the case with some of these real-life Aston Villa moments.
On April Fool's Day, rather than trying to catch you out with some made up mischief, here's some ridiculous claret and blue events that actually happened.
Paying the penalty
The Italian superstar who got into a spot of bother
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There is a common misconception that Villa's last silverware was the 1996 Coca Cola Cup. Wrong!
It was actually the Peace Cup in that balmy summer of 2008 in Spain - and one of the moments that sealed it was deliciously ridiculous.
Alessandro Del Piero was the man who provided it.
The Italian striker was responsible for one of the worst struck penalties ever in the final against Martin O'Neill's team.
It gave Villa the advantage in the spot-kick shootout and Nigel Reo-Coker went on to lift the trophy.
He's a brolly good fellow
The Villa player who played while holding an umbrella
We all recall Umbrella Man joining in the celebrations at Selhurst Park after Dalian Atkinson's wonder goal against Wimbledon in 1992.
But there's a true story of a Villa player actually sheltering under a brolly during a match.
It was Charlie Athersmith, who in a game against Sheffield United in 1901, borrowed an umbrella from a spectator to protect himself from freezing rain as he ran up and down the right wing.
Uns-er the thumb
The signing whose wife was the boss
'Does your missus know you're here?' is the claret and blue chant that will always be associated with David Unsworth.
No sooner had he completed his move from West Ham to Villa in the summer of 1998, the big defender had second thoughts.
Unsworth told John Gregory that he regretted making the move with the Villa boss then revealing to the press that the player's wife had influenced his change of heart.
One reserve game later, and without a single first team appearance for Villa, Unsworth was able to escape his mistake and push through a move to Everton.
But he was never able to escape his reputation for being under the thumb.
Deadly Dip
The skinny-dipping chairman
Villa were on a tour of Tanzania in May 1973, when the players had an idea to spend some of their free time.
Near to their hotel was a private, uninhabited island where they decided to hold a barbecue.
Having been transported over to a private, uninhabited island in small boats, the players enjoyed a barbecue before removing their clothes to skinny-dip in the sea.
As they were enjoying a swim, Doug Ellis and his wife Heidi emerged through the trees onto the beach, and while Mrs Ellis turned to avert her gaze, goalkeeper Jim Cumbes shouted out to the chairman.
“If you want to swim here Mr Chairman then you will have to swim naked because we’ve designated this a nude bathing beach!”
According to defender Neil Rioch, Doug replied: “Ok no problem”, dropped his bathing shorts, ran down the beach and joined them in the water.
Mumbling Marlon
The striker who couldn't get his words out
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As big as it is.
That's the phrase you were looking for Marlon.
Yes, it's easy for us to say.
This was the moment when Marlon Harewood stumbled over the simplest of sentences.
It still makes us chuckle to this day.
Oh Eck!
The rival boss doomed to fail
When news of Villa's interest in Alex McLeish emerged, the claret and blue faithful hoped it was some sort of joke.
It wasn't. Seeking a replacement for Gerard Houllier, who had left because of health reasons, Villa turned their attention to Big Eck.
McLeish boasted a shiny League Cup trophy still gleaming from when he masterminded a Wembley win over Arsenal months earlier.
The only problem was he had just been relegated with Villa's bitter rivals Birmingham City.
Despite fan protests outside Villa Park, owner Randy Lerner pressed ahead with the appointment and the Villa Park masses gave McLeish a chance.
However, it all ended so predictably. In a war of attrition season, Villa just about stayed up on 38 points and McLeish was duly sacked.
What a winker
The 'snake' who tied himself up in knots
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This was the moment when Fabian Delph played us all for fools.
It was some months after the January wink when Delph's betrayal eventually became clear, but it was the contract-signing scoreboard facial expression which haunts Villa fans.
There was a buzz of delight when Delph committed his future to Villa.
It subsequently emerged that the England midfielder had a cut price buyout clause in his deal.
We found that bit out when he tied himself in knots professing his love for Villa and then changing his mind to join Manchester City during that turbulent week of U-turns in the summer of 2015.
He was dubbed a 'snake' by angry Villa fans.
Deer oh deer
The winger who flirted with a reindeer
In fairness to him, he was taking part in a Christmas themed treat for youngsters from Villa's charity partner Acorns.
But this picture of Ashley Young flashing a cheeky smile at a reindeer is still one of our favourite photos in the Birmingham Mail archives.
Sunderland wonderland
The Mackem with a little piece of Aston
Sunderland fan Albert Gillett was so confident his side would win the FA Cup in 1913 that he said he would name his home after the trophy winners.
Villa, of course, met Sunderland on their way, knocking them out only to win the final.
And so, on Front Street, Quarrington Hill, County Durham, sits a house called ‘Aston Villa’.


birminghammail--2020-04-01--West Bromwich Albion's accounts and the £54m cost of relegation

West Bromwich Albion have been praised for the way they managed the financial fall-out of relegation from the Premier League .
But football finance expert Kieran Maguire identified how the Baggies accounts for the 2018/2019 period revealed no fresh investment was made during that accounting year .
The figures cover July 2018 to June 2019 and relate to their first year back in the Championship .
That saw income fall by £54million , a figure which was largely offset with wage costs halved due to relegation reduction clauses in player contracts .
The operating loss was £17 million but gains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £7 million , well within the EFL ’ s Financial Fair Play regulations .
They managed to achieve that through the sales of Jonny Evans to Leicester , Ben Foster to Watford , James McClean to Stoke and Nacer Chadli to Monaco - and also by loaning Salomon Rondon , Allan Nyom and Oliver Burke .
This player trading saw purchases of £12.7m and sales of £28.8m and Albion are effectively debt free but owe £18.5 million on player transfers to other clubs .
They are though also due to receive about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
All of which leads Maguire to conclude a reasonably well handled situation .
“ They have managed it pretty well , ” he said .
“ They have planned for the worst by having significant relegation clauses embedded in the contracts , that allowed them to halve the wage bill when the club went down and still managed to make some investment in players .
“ They spent £12.7million so they did try to invest in some players , they used the loan market well and I think they are planning for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am sure there would have been further reductions in the wage bill for this season but at present when , if normality returns their ambition is to get promoted as well.
” One other pressure on the club ’ s finances is the parachute payments , with Albion in their second year of that scheme .
These are worth approximately , £42m , £34m and £14m before the drop into the EFL deal which is worth around about £7.5m .
Maguire added : “ I think the West Brom approach is one which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appropriate way , some other clubs have just said ‘ I don ’ t care , we are going to spend whatever it takes to get back up to the Premier League ’ and have taken more of a casino approach or relied on the wealth of the owners .
“ There ’ s no money that has gone into the club in these 12 months , that ’ s one thing that was evident from these numbers.
” However , what these figure don ’ t show is the money that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 2019 which has brought the likes of Kenneth Zohore , Semi Ajayi , Darnell Furlong , Romaine Sawyers and Charlie Austin , as well as Matheus Pereira , Grady Diangana and Filip Krovinovic on loan .

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West Bromwich Albion have been praised for the way they managed the financial fall-out of relegation from the Premier League.
But football finance expert Kieran Maguire identified how the Baggies accounts for the 2018/2019 period revealed no fresh investment was made during that accounting year.
The figures cover July 2018 to June 2019 and relate to their first year back in the Championship.
That saw income fall by £54million, a figure which was largely offset with wage costs halved due to relegation reduction clauses in player contracts.
The operating loss was £17 million but gains on player sales reduced this loss to £7 million, well within the EFL’s Financial Fair Play regulations.
They managed to achieve that through the sales of Jonny Evans to Leicester, Ben Foster to Watford, James McClean to Stoke and Nacer Chadli to Monaco - and also by loaning Salomon Rondon, Allan Nyom and Oliver Burke.
This player trading saw purchases of £12.7m and sales of £28.8m and Albion are effectively debt free but owe £18.5 million on player transfers to other clubs.
They are though also due to receive about the same in instalments due on player sales.
All of which leads Maguire to conclude a reasonably well handled situation.
“They have managed it pretty well,” he said. “They have planned for the worst by having significant relegation clauses embedded in the contracts, that allowed them to halve the wage bill when the club went down and still managed to make some investment in players.
“They spent £12.7million so they did try to invest in some players, they used the loan market well and I think they are planning for life in the Championship.
“I am sure there would have been further reductions in the wage bill for this season but at present when, if normality returns their ambition is to get promoted as well.”
One other pressure on the club’s finances is the parachute payments, with Albion in their second year of that scheme.
These are worth approximately, £42m, £34m and £14m before the drop into the EFL deal which is worth around about £7.5m.
Maguire added: “I think the West Brom approach is one which has applied the parachute payments in an appropriate way, some other clubs have just said ‘I don’t care, we are going to spend whatever it takes to get back up to the Premier League’ and have taken more of a casino approach or relied on the wealth of the owners.
“There’s no money that has gone into the club in these 12 months, that’s one thing that was evident from these numbers.”
However, what these figure don’t show is the money that was given to Slaven Bilic in the summer of 2019 which has brought the likes of Kenneth Zohore, Semi Ajayi, Darnell Furlong, Romaine Sawyers and Charlie Austin, as well as Matheus Pereira, Grady Diangana and Filip Krovinovic on loan.


birminghammail--2020-04-01--What Aston Villa players have said & done during suspension

Aston Villa are , like the rest of the country and footballing fraternity , in strange times .
Dean Smith 's side will not be back in action until May 2 , when they are due to travel to Everton .
Seven of their games have been postponed as the country grapples with the threat of coronavirus .
Covid-19 has infected around 25,000 people in the United Kingdom and has claimed the lives of 1,800 .
The government have imposed strict lockdown measures on the general public , who have been prevented from leaving their homes unless it is for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home , one form of exercise a day , essential shopping , picking up medicine or caring for others .
So what have Villa 's players said about coronavirus and what have they been doing during the lockdown ?
Grealish was photographed breaking the curfew in Dickens Heath , Solihull on Sunday morning .
He was pictured out just hours after he had sent a message to fans on his Twitter account telling them to stay at home .
The 24-year-old Villa captain is set to be fined £150,000 and has subsequently apologised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pundits for his actions .
The Villa goalkeeper made a worrying admission last week when he said he was experiencing symptoms consistent with coronavirus .
He opened up on his battle with the virus in an extraordinary interview with Italian media yesterday .
`` I am winning the battle against coronavirus only now , '' he told Corriere dello Sport , translated by the Daily Mail .
`` The most difficult moment was when I could no longer breathe , the 25 minutes I ran out of oxygen .
It was the worst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signing from Birmingham City revealed in an interview with Spanish media that he has donated food and gloves to emergency workers in his native Spain .
“ Even if it is n't much , I wanted to help in some way - lend a hand.
” '' We know that nothing will change , it is not much , but it is a sign of gratitude and encouragement .
`` There are a lot of people who are working 24 hours a day and I think we can at least add a grain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ linings from the lockdown is Tom Heaton .
After suffering a serious knee injury in the New Year 's Day win at Burnley , Heaton is n't missing any of the action .
`` I am actually really pleased with the progress so far , '' he said .
`` Surgery went really well and it is all moving in the right direction .
`` I have been fortunate with the lock down that I am at a point where I am strengthening the leg so I am able to do most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missing out on too much by being at the training ground . ''
Nakamba has been speaking to media in his native Zimbabwe .
The 26-year-old summer signing from Club Brugge is staying at home in Birmingham and taking onboard the advice issued by government .
`` I 'm keeping safe and following the procedure from the authorities and the people guiding us , '' Nakamba said .
Like Heaton , Wesley is battling back from a cruciate ligament injury .
The devastating injury was also suffered at Burnley .
The Brazilian has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his progress .
His most recent picture saw him in a leg brace on his right-knee .

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Aston Villa are, like the rest of the country and footballing fraternity, in strange times.
Dean Smith 's side will not be back in action until May 2, when they are due to travel to Everton.
Seven of their games have been postponed as the country grapples with the threat of coronavirus.
Covid-19 has infected around 25,000 people in the United Kingdom and has claimed the lives of 1,800.
The government have imposed strict lockdown measures on the general public, who have been prevented from leaving their homes unless it is for work which cannot be done from home, one form of exercise a day, essential shopping, picking up medicine or caring for others.
So what have Villa's players said about coronavirus and what have they been doing during the lockdown?
Jack Grealish
Grealish was photographed breaking the curfew in Dickens Heath, Solihull on Sunday morning.
He was pictured out just hours after he had sent a message to fans on his Twitter account telling them to stay at home.
The 24-year-old Villa captain is set to be fined £150,000 and has subsequently apologised.
He has been widely panned by pundits for his actions.
Pepe Reina
The Villa goalkeeper made a worrying admission last week when he said he was experiencing symptoms consistent with coronavirus.
He opened up on his battle with the virus in an extraordinary interview with Italian media yesterday.
"I am winning the battle against coronavirus only now," he told Corriere dello Sport, translated by the Daily Mail.
"The most difficult moment was when I could no longer breathe, the 25 minutes I ran out of oxygen. It was the worst moments of my life.
Jota
The summer signing from Birmingham City revealed in an interview with Spanish media that he has donated food and gloves to emergency workers in his native Spain.
“Even if it isn't much, I wanted to help in some way - lend a hand.”
"We know that nothing will change, it is not much, but it is a sign of gratitude and encouragement.
"There are a lot of people who are working 24 hours a day and I think we can at least add a grain of sand."
Tom Heaton
Looking for silver linings from the lockdown is Tom Heaton.
After suffering a serious knee injury in the New Year's Day win at Burnley, Heaton isn't missing any of the action.
"I am actually really pleased with the progress so far," he said. "Surgery went really well and it is all moving in the right direction.
"I have been fortunate with the lock down that I am at a point where I am strengthening the leg so I am able to do most of those exercises myself and I am not missing out on too much by being at the training ground."
Marvelous Nakamba
Nakamba has been speaking to media in his native Zimbabwe.
The 26-year-old summer signing from Club Brugge is staying at home in Birmingham and taking onboard the advice issued by government.
"I'm keeping safe and following the procedure from the authorities and the people guiding us," Nakamba said.
"Hopefully people back home are keeping safe."
Wesley
Like Heaton, Wesley is battling back from a cruciate ligament injury.
The devastating injury was also suffered at Burnley.
The Brazilian has regularly been posting online, updating fans on his progress.
His most recent picture saw him in a leg brace on his right-knee.


birminghammail--2020-04-01--Dad with lung disease forced to self-isolate in caravan on driveway

A father-of-three who has been placed on the government 's Covid-19 vulnerable list due to chronic lung disease has been forced to self-isolate in a caravan on his drive .
David DuBois , 44 , separated from his wife and children for a fortnight as he suffers from severe allergic asthma , bronchitis and a suppressed immune system .
David , a film producer , moved into the caravan when his seven-year-old son Arthur developed a temperature and a his doctor advised him to make no contact .
Since then , David has been living in the caravan , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken on sole caring responsibilities for Arthur and the couple 's daughters , Rebecca , 10 and Lucy , 12 .
David gets a text from Lisa when his dinner is ready and she leaves it on the doorstep for him to collect - and he video calls the rest of the family so they can eat together .
David said : `` The family have been amazing , but we ’ re all started to show some cracks from being under the strain .
`` The lack of physical contact has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with .
`` When my seven-year-old son walks over for a hug and then has to self-police and back away , that is heart-wrenching .
`` My wife has also had to manage being a single parent of three , teacher , worker , cook and cleaner to name but a few of her current roles .
`` She has been incredible throughout .
Yes , there have been a lot of tears and frustrations but we ’ re just about holding it together . ''
David , who is hoping to move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been wearing four layers of clothing , a fleece and a woolly hat to keep warm in the caravan .
He added : `` We decided that If I self-isolated from the family and they self-isolated in the house , after two weeks we could come back together and then self-isolate in the house .
`` It is going to be fabulous to get back into the house with them , but our self-isolation is going to cause issues with food shopping , as none of us should go out food shopping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to me . ''
David , of Bolton , Gtr Manchester , said he misses the contact with his family and not having to rely on technology to have a conversation with them .
He added : `` I miss being able to cook for the family and I do miss sitting around the table as a family - although we have been putting on FaceTime on our laptops so that I ’ m included in the discussions . ''
Whenever David goes inside the house for a shower , he has to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are all away from him and he cleans every surface with an antibacterial wipe .
He added : `` It ’ s like a military manoeuvre and is psychologically incredibly draining . ''
Lisa said explaining to friends and family why the children would not be attending social events was `` heartbreaking '' .
She added : `` At the time the social distancing restrictions hadn ’ t deepened and many people didn ’ t fully appreciate the risk to the vulnerable and the impact the restrictions would have on normal life .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , having to be a worker , teacher and parent all at once is impossible .
`` I tried to be all these things and within a few days I was an emotional wreck .
`` After a FaceTime call with David , I sat down with the children and we worked out a schedule for the week .
`` The timetable we have is a mixture of schooling for the children , working time for me , exercising , outdoor play time in the garden , free time and set times for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My children have lost some of their childhood , they have had to grow up quicker .
`` They have taken on some of my responsibilities to allow me to continue to work .
`` They do the laundry , help with the cooking and cleaning , and the girls help with home schooling the youngest .
`` It is a team effort and we ’ ve all had to adjust .
We are excited about David coming home , because then our family will be whole again . ''
David urged people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding : `` People should be following the government 's advice by self-isolating and social distancing .
`` Unfortunately , this message will be read and understood by people who are already taking the correct measures .
`` Those selfish enough to already be ignoring the advice will read and disregard the potential impact .
`` I ’ ve heard the virus being described as a silent killer , but it is not just the virus killing people , its people ’ s ignorance and stubbornness to carry on if nothing is wrong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable , children , and even the healthy . ''

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A father-of-three who has been placed on the government's Covid-19 vulnerable list due to chronic lung disease has been forced to self-isolate in a caravan on his drive.
David DuBois, 44, separated from his wife and children for a fortnight as he suffers from severe allergic asthma, bronchitis and a suppressed immune system.
David, a film producer, moved into the caravan when his seven-year-old son Arthur developed a temperature and a his doctor advised him to make no contact.
Since then, David has been living in the caravan, while his wife Lisa, 42, has taken on sole caring responsibilities for Arthur and the couple's daughters, Rebecca, 10 and Lucy, 12.
David gets a text from Lisa when his dinner is ready and she leaves it on the doorstep for him to collect - and he video calls the rest of the family so they can eat together.
David said: "The family have been amazing, but we’re all started to show some cracks from being under the strain.
"The lack of physical contact has been the hardest thing to come to terms with.
(Image: David Dubois / SWNS)
"When my seven-year-old son walks over for a hug and then has to self-police and back away, that is heart-wrenching.
"My wife has also had to manage being a single parent of three, teacher, worker, cook and cleaner to name but a few of her current roles.
"She has been incredible throughout. Yes, there have been a lot of tears and frustrations but we’re just about holding it together."
David, who is hoping to move back into the house this week, has been wearing four layers of clothing, a fleece and a woolly hat to keep warm in the caravan.
He added: "We decided that If I self-isolated from the family and they self-isolated in the house, after two weeks we could come back together and then self-isolate in the house.
"It is going to be fabulous to get back into the house with them, but our self-isolation is going to cause issues with food shopping, as none of us should go out food shopping in my opinion due to the risk to me."
David, of Bolton, Gtr Manchester, said he misses the contact with his family and not having to rely on technology to have a conversation with them.
He added: "I miss being able to cook for the family and I do miss sitting around the table as a family - although we have been putting on FaceTime on our laptops so that I’m included in the discussions."
Whenever David goes inside the house for a shower, he has to make sure the rest of the family are all away from him and he cleans every surface with an antibacterial wipe.
(Image: David Dubois / SWNS)
He added: "It’s like a military manoeuvre and is psychologically incredibly draining."
Lisa said explaining to friends and family why the children would not be attending social events was "heartbreaking".
She added: "At the time the social distancing restrictions hadn’t deepened and many people didn’t fully appreciate the risk to the vulnerable and the impact the restrictions would have on normal life.
"The first week was particularly challenging, having to be a worker, teacher and parent all at once is impossible.
"I tried to be all these things and within a few days I was an emotional wreck.
(Image: David Dubois / SWNS)
"After a FaceTime call with David, I sat down with the children and we worked out a schedule for the week.
"The timetable we have is a mixture of schooling for the children, working time for me, exercising, outdoor play time in the garden, free time and set times for the children to call friends.
"My children have lost some of their childhood, they have had to grow up quicker.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"They have taken on some of my responsibilities to allow me to continue to work.
"They do the laundry, help with the cooking and cleaning, and the girls help with home schooling the youngest.
"It is a team effort and we’ve all had to adjust. We are excited about David coming home, because then our family will be whole again."
David urged people to follow the government's guidelines, adding: "People should be following the government's advice by self-isolating and social distancing.
"Unfortunately, this message will be read and understood by people who are already taking the correct measures.
"Those selfish enough to already be ignoring the advice will read and disregard the potential impact.
"I’ve heard the virus being described as a silent killer, but it is not just the virus killing people, its people’s ignorance and stubbornness to carry on if nothing is wrong that is killing people and endangering the vulnerable, children, and even the healthy."


birminghammail--2020-04-01--Judas Priest frontman sends message to West Midlands Police

Black Country music legend Rob Halford has urged police to 'keep the heavy metal faith ' during the coronavirus crisis .
The Judas Priest frontman recorded a heartfelt message for West Midlands Police officers , thanking them for their `` great work '' on the frontline .
In the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak , the band - who formed in West Bromwich - were forced to stop performing , leaving the star with plenty of time to film his supportive speech .
During the short clip , which be viewed above , he said : `` Just taking a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thanks and support and gratitude for the great work that you guys in West Midlands Police are doing right now .
`` You 're on the front line and I ca n't thank you enough for all the great work that you 're doing in helping us keep safe and getting through this like we do . ''
After cheering `` yam yams '' - an affectionate term to describe people from the Black Country , he added : `` We 'll overcome this , we always do and with you guys there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - and your love of the West Midlands , we 'll pull through this .
`` Keep blasting some metal , keep the heavy metal faith and I hope to see you sometime when Priest gets back on the road . ''
The message , which was shared on the force 's Twitter page , has already been viewed more than 3,600 times .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Scott Edwards, Kelly Ashmore)

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Black Country music legend Rob Halford has urged police to 'keep the heavy metal faith' during the coronavirus crisis.
The Judas Priest frontman recorded a heartfelt message for West Midlands Police officers, thanking them for their "great work" on the frontline.
In the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak, the band - who formed in West Bromwich - were forced to stop performing, leaving the star with plenty of time to film his supportive speech.
(Image: West Midlands Police - Twitter)
During the short clip, which be viewed above , he said: "Just taking a moment to send you my love, thanks and support and gratitude for the great work that you guys in West Midlands Police are doing right now.
"You're on the front line and I can't thank you enough for all the great work that you're doing in helping us keep safe and getting through this like we do."
After cheering "yam yams" - an affectionate term to describe people from the Black Country, he added: "We'll overcome this, we always do and with you guys there, with your strength and your support - and your love of the West Midlands, we'll pull through this.
"Keep blasting some metal, keep the heavy metal faith and I hope to see you sometime when Priest gets back on the road."
The message, which was shared on the force's Twitter page, has already been viewed more than 3,600 times.