birminghammail--2020-04-30--Big league decision will leave West Brom and Leeds intrigued

Paris Saint-Germain will be awarded the Ligue 1 title after the 2019/20 campaign was cancelled , which could provide a hint at how leagues in England could finish .
Any hopes of football returning in France were scrapped on Tuesday as the French government announced that sporting events could not be held until September due to the coronavirus crisis .
L ’ Equipe are now reporting that PSG will be crowned champions , with it suggested that the current standings will be declared final - although any relegation spots and European qualification are yet to be confirmed .
West Bromwich @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see what bearing this has on the second tier promotion picture in France , as will rivals Leeds United .
West Brom are currently in limbo at the top of the Championship , with Leeds also pushing for entry to the Premier League .
As English football chiefs continue to discuss ways of settling the outstanding issues in their divisions while the country is on a coronavirus shutdown , some precedents across European football are being set .
Currently , Nimes , Amiens and Toulouse occupy the bottom-three positions in the division , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saint-Etienne and safety .
The season 's final round of fixtures were played on March 7 and 8 , and the final standings see PSG sitting 12 points clear of second-placed Marseille with a game in hand .
Marseille , Rennes and Lille are second , third and fourth respectively in the Ligue 1 table as it stands , but no decisions have yet been made with regards to European qualification for next season 's Champions League and Europa League competitions .
This could provide a hint at how the Premier League and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resume the campaign can not go ahead , with plans for ‘ project restart ’ set to be announced on Friday but facing scrutiny over their plans .
France seems to have taken an entirely different approach to Holland ’ s Eredivisie , who declared the 2019/20 campaign null and void , with no relegation or promotion from the top-two divisions .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Paris Saint-Germain will be awarded the Ligue 1 title after the 2019/20 campaign was cancelled, which could provide a hint at how leagues in England could finish.
Any hopes of football returning in France were scrapped on Tuesday as the French government announced that sporting events could not be held until September due to the coronavirus crisis.
L’Equipe are now reporting that PSG will be crowned champions, with it suggested that the current standings will be declared final - although any relegation spots and European qualification are yet to be confirmed.
West Bromwich Albion will be watching with interest to see what bearing this has on the second tier promotion picture in France, as will rivals Leeds United.
West Brom are currently in limbo at the top of the Championship, with Leeds also pushing for entry to the Premier League.
As English football chiefs continue to discuss ways of settling the outstanding issues in their divisions while the country is on a coronavirus shutdown, some precedents across European football are being set.
Currently, Nimes, Amiens and Toulouse occupy the bottom-three positions in the division, with Nimes just three points adrift of Saint-Etienne and safety.
The season's final round of fixtures were played on March 7 and 8, and the final standings see PSG sitting 12 points clear of second-placed Marseille with a game in hand.
How Albion have made a difference in lockdown Albion have been leading the way in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, by supporting their fanbase and local community. Here are the variety of efforts they've made during this difficult period without football. CEO Mark Jenkins revealed he took a 100% pay cut - and other board members agreed to salary reductions - READ
Albion organised food parcels for local NHS staff who hadn't time to shop - READ
The Baggies, through the Albion Foundation, checked in with every season ticket holder over the age of 70 - READ
Jake Livermore made a lovely gesture to Albion fan who recently lost his father to Covid-19 - READ
Happy birthday! Baggies past and present wished supporters many happy returns - READ
Marseille, Rennes and Lille are second, third and fourth respectively in the Ligue 1 table as it stands, but no decisions have yet been made with regards to European qualification for next season's Champions League and Europa League competitions.
This could provide a hint at how the Premier League and Championship could be decided if plans to resume the campaign cannot go ahead, with plans for ‘project restart’ set to be announced on Friday but facing scrutiny over their plans.
France seems to have taken an entirely different approach to Holland’s Eredivisie, who declared the 2019/20 campaign null and void, with no relegation or promotion from the top-two divisions.


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Guo Guangchang's net worth rockets as Wolves owner defies crisis

Guo Guangchang 's net worth has rocketed by $ 1.3billion since the start of the month , according to Forbes ' latest data .
The Wolverhampton Wanderers owner is now estimated to be worth an enormous $ 5.7billion - a huge increase on Forbes ' $ 4.4billion estimation at the start of April .
In addition to running a successful football club , Guangchang 's Fosun International are also leaders in a variety of other fields and hold shares in leading pharmaceutical companies .
Fosun has pledged to help in the search for a vaccine to the coronavirus and are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) which is being distributed across the globe , and that could explain why Guangchang 's net worth has risen so sharply .
Analysis on Forbes ' website reads : `` The richest people on Earth are not immune to the coronavirus .
As the pandemic tightened its grip on Europe and America , global equity markets imploded , tanking many fortunes .
`` As of March 18 , when we finalised this list , Forbes counted 2,095 billionaires , 58 fewer than a year ago and 226 fewer than just 12 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ net worths .
`` Of the billionaires who remain , 51 % are poorer than they were last year .
In raw terms , the world ’ s billionaires are worth $ 8 trillion , down $ 700 billion from 2019 . ''
However , while billionaires across the globe are haemorrhaging money , Guangchang is defying statistics .
News of Guangchang 's personal wealth comes shortly after Wolves were rated as the seventh most valuable Premier League club by football finance expert Kieran Maguire .
Maguire estimates the club is worth £458million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Morgan to purchase it four years ago - and only trail the 'big six ' in the standings .
Wolves made a pre-tax profit of almost £20million for the financial year ending in May 2019 and their turnover was £172.5million - a mind-blowing £146million increase on the previous year .

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

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Wolves transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Wolves transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Guo Guangchang's net worth has rocketed by $1.3billion since the start of the month, according to Forbes' latest data.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers owner is now estimated to be worth an enormous $5.7billion - a huge increase on Forbes' $4.4billion estimation at the start of April.
In addition to running a successful football club, Guangchang's Fosun International are also leaders in a variety of other fields and hold shares in leading pharmaceutical companies.
Fosun has pledged to help in the search for a vaccine to the coronavirus and are also creating Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which is being distributed across the globe, and that could explain why Guangchang's net worth has risen so sharply.
Analysis on Forbes' website reads: "The richest people on Earth are not immune to the coronavirus. As the pandemic tightened its grip on Europe and America, global equity markets imploded, tanking many fortunes.
"As of March 18, when we finalised this list, Forbes counted 2,095 billionaires, 58 fewer than a year ago and 226 fewer than just 12 days earlier, when we initially calculated these net worths.
"Of the billionaires who remain, 51% are poorer than they were last year. In raw terms, the world’s billionaires are worth $8 trillion, down $700 billion from 2019."
However, while billionaires across the globe are haemorrhaging money, Guangchang is defying statistics.
News of Guangchang's personal wealth comes shortly after Wolves were rated as the seventh most valuable Premier League club by football finance expert Kieran Maguire.
Maguire estimates the club is worth £458million - 10 times what Fosun paid Steve Morgan to purchase it four years ago - and only trail the 'big six' in the standings.
Wolves made a pre-tax profit of almost £20million for the financial year ending in May 2019 and their turnover was £172.5million - a mind-blowing £146million increase on the previous year.


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Gary Neville reveals when Villa's Premier League season will resume

Gary Neville has revealed that the Premier League intends to return on June 8 , although it has yet to be confirmed .
Elite football in the UK has been suspended since mid-March , as the country tries to come to grips with the coronavirus pandemic .
There have been fears that the season may not be completed , with a number of Europe 's major leagues taking the decision to cancel the remainder of their fixtures .
In the last week , leagues in Netherlands and France have been ended , with the former expunging all results and cancelling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have remained committed to completing the season , with claims suggesting they are targeting resumption at the start of June .
And now Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has claimed on his social media account that clubs in the top-flight have already been briefed about resuming the season , saying : `` June 8th for the @ premierleague return !
This is being briefed anonymously .
No-one wants to put their name against this one ! ''
Aston Villa will be keen for the season to resume , with Dean Smith 's side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the relegation zone , prior to the suspension .
Of the potential solutions , points-per-game and a midway point table would both see Villa relegated , despite having a game in hand on their rivals at the bottom .
Meanwhile , at the top of the table , Liverpool are just weeks away from winning the title , while the race for top-four and Champions League is still wide open .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Gary Neville has revealed that the Premier League intends to return on June 8, although it has yet to be confirmed.
Elite football in the UK has been suspended since mid-March, as the country tries to come to grips with the coronavirus pandemic.
There have been fears that the season may not be completed, with a number of Europe's major leagues taking the decision to cancel the remainder of their fixtures.
In the last week, leagues in Netherlands and France have been ended, with the former expunging all results and cancelling relegation and promotion.
The Premier League have remained committed to completing the season, with claims suggesting they are targeting resumption at the start of June.
And now Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has claimed on his social media account that clubs in the top-flight have already been briefed about resuming the season, saying: "June 8th for the @premierleague return! This is being briefed anonymously. No-one wants to put their name against this one!"
Aston Villa will be keen for the season to resume, with Dean Smith's side occupying one of the three spots in the relegation zone, prior to the suspension.
Of the potential solutions, points-per-game and a midway point table would both see Villa relegated, despite having a game in hand on their rivals at the bottom.
Meanwhile, at the top of the table, Liverpool are just weeks away from winning the title, while the race for top-four and Champions League is still wide open.


birminghammail--2020-04-30--City council slammed for shelving most public meetings during pandemic crisis

Birmingham City Council must open up its meetings to the public again - or risk being accused of using the Covid-19 crisis to avoid scrutiny of potentially 'draconian decisions ' .
That was the charge today from councillors alarmed that the council shelved all public scrutiny meetings due in April and May - instead holding meetings out of the public gaze .
One senior councillor , Rob Pocock , warned : `` We live in a democracy , not an autocratic state , and public scrutiny is never more vital than when draconian decisions are having to be made that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urged the council to 'lift the lockdown ' on council meetings quickly - or risk losing public trust .
The council , the biggest in the country , representing 1.1 million people , cancelled all of its planned scrutiny meetings in April as the crisis unfolded .
The council also said it was not intending to hold any public scrutiny meetings in May either .
It also cancelled its regular full meeting of all councillors , held on Tuesday ( April 28 ) .
It instead became an emergency meeting of the full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the confirmed appointment of a new interim chief executive .
There was no opportunity given for the assembled gathering of representatives to publicly quiz the council about anything connected to its response to the Covid-19 crisis .
One council group leader , Lib Dem Jon Hunt , said afterwards : `` I was dismayed that there were no questions , in writing or in person ( at full council ) .
Lib Dem councillors had prepared a number for submission and indeed did our best to raise issues during the meeting .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delays in funerals , having worked with a number of bereaved families .
`` Things are very difficult at the moment but we as councillors need to continue to answer to the public for the running of the city .
If Parliament can do it , so can we . ''
A city council spokesperson advised us the meetings were not taking place at the moment because they were not deemed 'business critical ' under the city 's emergency plan , with the council 's energies and staffing resources wholly focused on dealing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the coronavirus emergency .
The spokesperson confirmed that meetings between councillors and officers are still taking place , using Microsoft Teams , and are `` informal meetings '' .
This means there is no requirement on the council to keep or publish minutes , publicise its discussions or archive a recording for later public consumption .
The spokesperson added : `` '' In the short term there wo n't be any formal scrutiny meetings in April and May . ''
They also advised it was normal for the council to hold informal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these are held regularly throughout the year .
The council 's approach appears to be at odds with advice issued by the Local Government Minister Robert Jenrick in early April , when he gave councils powers to meet virtually while adding : `` This will enable councils to make effective and transparent decisions on the delivery of services for residents and ensure that local democracy continues to thrive .
Meetings will remain accessible ... ( our emphasis ) '' Asked this week about the council 's suspension of scrutiny meetings , a spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government and Communities said : “ Councils are the backbone of our democracy and new powers enabling them to hold public meetings virtually will support them to maintain the transparency we expect in local decision making .
“ The requirement for public meetings to be made accessible to the public remains , but it will be up to each council to decide how they conduct meetings , how voting procedures work and how to ensure that the public has access.
” Crucially , the spokesperson added : `` The new Coronavirus regulations that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preserve the rights of access for the public and the press to attend or participate in a remote meeting “ by electronic means , including by telephone conference , video conference , live webcasts , and live interactive streaming . ''
They added : `` It is for the councils to decide what electronic means it provides to enable the press and public to have the remote access they are entitled to .
`` Publishing minutes afterwards does not constitute access .
The public have to have access , that is , hear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is said .
Where access is remote it has to be provided by electronic means . ''
Cllr Pocock , who chairs the city 's health and social care overview and scrutiny committee , said the April 21 meeting of his committee was among those axed from the public meetings list .
He said it went ahead as an informal meeting , held 'in private ' rather than 'in public ' .
It was the first chance for members of all parties to publicly hold to account the leadership 's response to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions to the cabinet member Cllr Paulette Hamilton and officers .
He said : “ I can see why normal scrutiny activity needed to be shelved when the ‘ state of emergency ’ was first declared , and obviously there ’ s technological hitches to be overcome in moving to public online meetings .
`` However , we live in a democracy , not an autocratic state , and public scrutiny is never more vital than when draconian decisions are having to be made that impact massively on people .
`` That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s equally true for councils too .
“ So in my view it ’ s essential now that a form of active scrutiny be resumed .
All activities of the council need to focus on what ’ s ‘ mission critical ’ at this time , and it is not a case of assuming we can just carry on with business as usual .
We all recognise that .
`` But people will lose trust in any public bodies that use the crisis to hide away key decisions and shovel things under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in now and make sure this doesn ’ t happen in Birmingham . ''
He added : “ Private meetings of the committees are useful of course , and have indeed been going on as they do generally , but no minutes of these are published and no papers are on public record .
This can not continue indefinitely - in my view it ’ s now time to ‘ lift the lockdown ’ on public scrutiny and get this vital part of the council ’ s operation back up and running.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city 's director of public health Dr Justin Varney for being particularly open to scrutiny throughout the crisis , adding : `` This shows the right attitude of mind that I hope will be adopted more widely across the council . ''
Cllr Pocock has now lobbied the council leadership to ensure the next meeting of his committee , taking place in two weeks , is held in public .
It does now appear on the list of planned public meetings .
There were meetings held in public , with the public able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They included : April 23 : Special meeting of Health and Wellbeing Board to look into ethnicity and coronavirus April 28 : Full council - originally listed as a full council meeting , later listed as an emergency meeting of the full council , with the agenda limited to two emergency items including the appointment of a new interim chief executive .
There was no opportunity given for councillors to raise concerns or other issues .
In a blog for T he Centre for Public Scrutiny , which advises councils on governance and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hammond , wrote : `` In a time of crisis , accountability , transparency and good governance are even more important .
`` There will be a temptation for councils , in the initial stages and as this crisis deepens , to cut back on “ traditional ” approaches to governance .
Some of this is absolutely necessary .
Elected members and staff will need more freedom to make big operational decisions ... .but big decisions as the economic and social landscape changes profoundly in the coming months have got to be subject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves need to be kept in the loop and recognised as having a valid and vital role to play , even if they are stuck at home .
`` The danger lies in thinking that meetings can be postponed or cancelled without thinking too much about putting in place a replacement – based perhaps on the assumption that things will return to normal in a couple of months ... . ''
Local Government Association Chairman Cllr James Jamieson said at the time of the new arrangements : `` Giving councils powers to hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ democracy and allowing critical decisions to be made during this public health crisis .
Councils need to respond quickly and make very many key decisions .
They can now do so while remaining open , transparent and accessible to the public . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Birmingham City Council must open up its meetings to the public again - or risk being accused of using the Covid-19 crisis to avoid scrutiny of potentially 'draconian decisions'.
That was the charge today from councillors alarmed that the council shelved all public scrutiny meetings due in April and May - instead holding meetings out of the public gaze.
One senior councillor, Rob Pocock, warned: "We live in a democracy, not an autocratic state, and public scrutiny is never more vital than when draconian decisions are having to be made that impact massively on people."
He urged the council to 'lift the lockdown' on council meetings quickly - or risk losing public trust.
(Image: Copyright Unknown)
The council, the biggest in the country, representing 1.1 million people, cancelled all of its planned scrutiny meetings in April as the crisis unfolded.
The council also said it was not intending to hold any public scrutiny meetings in May either.
It also cancelled its regular full meeting of all councillors, held on Tuesday (April 28). It instead became an emergency meeting of the full council with two agenda items, including the confirmed appointment of a new interim chief executive.
There was no opportunity given for the assembled gathering of representatives to publicly quiz the council about anything connected to its response to the Covid-19 crisis.
One council group leader, Lib Dem Jon Hunt, said afterwards: "I was dismayed that there were no questions, in writing or in person (at full council). Lib Dem councillors had prepared a number for submission and indeed did our best to raise issues during the meeting. One of my colleagues is deeply concerned about delays in funerals, having worked with a number of bereaved families.
"Things are very difficult at the moment but we as councillors need to continue to answer to the public for the running of the city. If Parliament can do it, so can we."
A city council spokesperson advised us the meetings were not taking place at the moment because they were not deemed 'business critical' under the city's emergency plan, with the council's energies and staffing resources wholly focused on dealing with the impact and needs of people during the coronavirus emergency.
The spokesperson confirmed that meetings between councillors and officers are still taking place, using Microsoft Teams, and are "informal meetings".
This means there is no requirement on the council to keep or publish minutes, publicise its discussions or archive a recording for later public consumption.
The spokesperson added: ""In the short term there won't be any formal scrutiny meetings in April and May."
They also advised it was normal for the council to hold informal meetings of councillors and officers, and these are held regularly throughout the year.
The council's approach appears to be at odds with advice issued by the Local Government Minister Robert Jenrick in early April, when he gave councils powers to meet virtually while adding: "This will enable councils to make effective and transparent decisions on the delivery of services for residents and ensure that local democracy continues to thrive. Meetings will remain accessible... (our emphasis)"
(Image: PA)
Asked this week about the council's suspension of scrutiny meetings, a spokesman for the Department for Housing, Local Government and Communities said: “Councils are the backbone of our democracy and new powers enabling them to hold public meetings virtually will support them to maintain the transparency we expect in local decision making.
“The requirement for public meetings to be made accessible to the public remains, but it will be up to each council to decide how they conduct meetings, how voting procedures work and how to ensure that the public has access.”
Crucially, the spokesperson added: "The new Coronavirus regulations that enable councils to conduct their meetings remotely preserve the rights of access for the public and the press to attend or participate in a remote meeting “by electronic means, including by telephone conference, video conference, live webcasts, and live interactive streaming."
They added: "It is for the councils to decide what electronic means it provides to enable the press and public to have the remote access they are entitled to.
"Publishing minutes afterwards does not constitute access. The public have to have access, that is, hear what is said at the time it is said. Where access is remote it has to be provided by electronic means."
Cllr Pocock, who chairs the city's health and social care overview and scrutiny committee, said the April 21 meeting of his committee was among those axed from the public meetings list.
He said it went ahead as an informal meeting, held 'in private' rather than 'in public'. It was the first chance for members of all parties to publicly hold to account the leadership's response to the pandemic and they were able to put questions to the cabinet member Cllr Paulette Hamilton and officers.
He said: “I can see why normal scrutiny activity needed to be shelved when the ‘state of emergency’ was first declared, and obviously there’s technological hitches to be overcome in moving to public online meetings.
"However, we live in a democracy, not an autocratic state, and public scrutiny is never more vital than when draconian decisions are having to be made that impact massively on people.
"That’s true of central government and it’s equally true for councils too.
“So in my view it’s essential now that a form of active scrutiny be resumed. All activities of the council need to focus on what’s ‘mission critical’ at this time, and it is not a case of assuming we can just carry on with business as usual. We all recognise that.
"But people will lose trust in any public bodies that use the crisis to hide away key decisions and shovel things under the carpet. We need to step in now and make sure this doesn’t happen in Birmingham."
He added: “Private meetings of the committees are useful of course, and have indeed been going on as they do generally, but no minutes of these are published and no papers are on public record. This cannot continue indefinitely - in my view it’s now time to ‘lift the lockdown’ on public scrutiny and get this vital part of the council’s operation back up and running.”
He praised Cllr Paulette Hamilton and the city's director of public health Dr Justin Varney for being particularly open to scrutiny throughout the crisis, adding: "This shows the right attitude of mind that I hope will be adopted more widely across the council."
Cllr Pocock has now lobbied the council leadership to ensure the next meeting of his committee, taking place in two weeks, is held in public. It does now appear on the list of planned public meetings.
The cancelled meetings in April included:
April 1: Commonwealth Games, Culture and Physical Activity Overview and Scrutiny Committee
April 8: Education and Children's Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee
April 15: Sustainability and Transport Overview and Scrutiny Committee
April 15: Standards Committee
April 21: Health and Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee
April 29: Economy and Skills Committee
There were meetings held in public, with the public able to log in to view proceedings. They included:
April 21: Cabinet meeting
April 23: Planning committee, with short agenda
April 23: Special meeting of Health and Wellbeing Board to look into ethnicity and coronavirus
April 27: Licensing sub committee
April 28: Full council - originally listed as a full council meeting, later listed as an emergency meeting of the full council, with the agenda limited to two emergency items including the appointment of a new interim chief executive. There was no opportunity given for councillors to raise concerns or other issues.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
In a blog for T he Centre for Public Scrutiny, which advises councils on governance and scrutiny, expert on governance, Ed Hammond, wrote: "In a time of crisis, accountability, transparency and good governance are even more important.
"There will be a temptation for councils, in the initial stages and as this crisis deepens, to cut back on “traditional” approaches to governance. Some of this is absolutely necessary. Elected members and staff will need more freedom to make big operational decisions....but big decisions as the economic and social landscape changes profoundly in the coming months have got to be subject to oversight and scrutiny.
"Councillors themselves need to be kept in the loop and recognised as having a valid and vital role to play, even if they are stuck at home.
"The danger lies in thinking that meetings can be postponed or cancelled without thinking too much about putting in place a replacement – based perhaps on the assumption that things will return to normal in a couple of months...."
Local Government Association Chairman Cllr James Jamieson said at the time of the new arrangements: "Giving councils powers to hold meetings remotely is important to maintaining local democracy and allowing critical decisions to be made during this public health crisis. Councils need to respond quickly and make very many key decisions. They can now do so while remaining open, transparent and accessible to the public."


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Get daily coronavirus updates to your inbox with BirminghamLive e-newsletters

BirminghamLive is now giving you the chance to get daily updates on coronavirus - delivered straight to your inbox .
Our daily e-newsletters will bring you all the latest on the fight against Covid-19 , which has sparked an unprecedented health crisis in the city .
Birmingham and the Midlands has seen thousands of deaths as a result of coronavirus .
Since the outbreak of the deadly bug two months ago , one hospital trust in the city has recorded higher deaths than anywhere else in the country .
Countless Brummies have seen their lives dramatically altered amid the health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up-to-date on the efforts to find a vaccine , the latest advice from Public Health England ( PHE ) and the World Health Organization ( WHO ) , the latest shopping rules and government guidance , via our e-newsletters .
BirminghamLive also has a variety of newsletters which you can subscribe to , including Birmingham News , What 's On , Football News , Birmingham Mums , Local Politics and much more .
Landing straight into your inbox weekdays at 9am and 5pm weekdays and weekends , you can get the top headlines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Birmingham Live news letter here BirminghamLive Editor Anna Jeys said `` BirminghamLive is all about the news that actually matters to the people of Birmingham , delivered to them however they want to receive . ''
The newsletters have already launched , so sign up through the link above , or Click Here , and you will immediately get the top headlines from the region and receive the news that matters the most to you .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
BirminghamLive is now giving you the chance to get daily updates on coronavirus - delivered straight to your inbox.
Our daily e-newsletters will bring you all the latest on the fight against Covid-19, which has sparked an unprecedented health crisis in the city.
Birmingham and the Midlands has seen thousands of deaths as a result of coronavirus.
Since the outbreak of the deadly bug two months ago, one hospital trust in the city has recorded higher deaths than anywhere else in the country.
Countless Brummies have seen their lives dramatically altered amid the health crisis.
And now you can stay up-to-date on the efforts to find a vaccine, the latest advice from Public Health England (PHE) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the latest shopping rules and government guidance, via our e-newsletters.
BirminghamLive also has a variety of newsletters which you can subscribe to, including Birmingham News , What's On , Football News , Birmingham Mums , Local Politics and much more.
Landing straight into your inbox weekdays at 9am and 5pm weekdays and weekends, you can get the top headlines as they happen.
BirminghamLive Editor Anna Jeys said "BirminghamLive is all about the news that actually matters to the people of Birmingham, delivered to them however they want to receive."
The newsletters have already launched, so sign up through the link above, or Click Here , and you will immediately get the top headlines from the region and receive the news that matters the most to you.


birminghammail--2020-04-30--B&Q reopens all of its 288 branches across UK in lockdown

B & Q has re-opened each of its 288 branches across the country in the coronavirus lockdown .
Having re-opened 61 stores last week , the DIY retailer extended this to 155 .
And now it has confirmed its entire estate has re-opened for business as the country remains locked in a nationwide shutdown amid Covid-19 .
The government 's advice remains to stay at home , save lives and protect the NHS .
But DIY retailer B & Q has re-opened stores with strict social distancing measures enforced by the company .
Last week , Graham Bell , B @ @ @ @ @ @ @ During this time of self-isolation and social distancing , we 're all learning new ways of living and shopping ; we 've watched how other essential retailers have supported social distancing in their stores and followed their best practice with trials at 14 stores .
`` Following the success of the trials , with customers adhering to our social distancing measures , we 've now opened over half of our stores .
We 're confident that our strict social distancing measures keep customers and colleagues safe while helping homes and gardens , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be maintained .
`` Whether shopping in our stores or online , we ask that all our customers follow the Government 's social distancing guidelines and shop responsibly only for what is necessary . ''
B & Q is still to reopen nine stores in the Republic of Ireland and Guernsey .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our email newsletter for daily updates on what's happening in and around Birmingham
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our email newsletter for daily updates on what's happening in and around Birmingham
B&Q has re-opened each of its 288 branches across the country in the coronavirus lockdown.
Having re-opened 61 stores last week, the DIY retailer extended this to 155.
And now it has confirmed its entire estate has re-opened for business as the country remains locked in a nationwide shutdown amid Covid-19.
The government's advice remains to stay at home, save lives and protect the NHS.
But DIY retailer B&Q has re-opened stores with strict social distancing measures enforced by the company.
Last week, Graham Bell, B&Q CEO, commented: "During this time of self-isolation and social distancing, we're all learning new ways of living and shopping; we've watched how other essential retailers have supported social distancing in their stores and followed their best practice with trials at 14 stores.
"Following the success of the trials, with customers adhering to our social distancing measures, we've now opened over half of our stores. We're confident that our strict social distancing measures keep customers and colleagues safe while helping homes and gardens, as well as people's wellbeing, to be maintained.
"Whether shopping in our stores or online, we ask that all our customers follow the Government's social distancing guidelines and shop responsibly only for what is necessary."
B&Q is still to reopen nine stores in the Republic of Ireland and Guernsey.


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Sutton Coldfield award winner has been helping the elderly community

A Sutton Coldfield store assistant has been crowned the winner of this month ’ s Sutton Smiles Better Award , Sutton Coldfield Town Centre BID has announced .
The initiative , now in its fifth month , shines a spotlight on a new community hero every month , whether they work in retail , hospitality or professional services .
Nominated by local shopper , Nadine Owens , this month ’ s shining star stood out to judges as he was spotted helping the elderly community carry shopping back to the car , during the Covid-19 outbreak .
Alex Hinton , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked at Aldi for just over a year , and was nominated for showing true community spirit at this challenging time .
In her nomination Nadine said “ Aldi was very busy - queues to the back of the shop but he helped someone push their trolley to their car .
A perfect example of community spirit in Sutton Coldfield !
” Alex was surprised and humbled to receive his award , he said : “ I ’ m so happy to have been chosen for this award .
It really was such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve never seen anything like this situation in supermarkets , what we ’ re living through is exceptional .
In years to come I will be proud to talk about how the supermarkets have handled these unique and difficult circumstances .
“ I am enjoying doing what I can to help people during these unprecedented times , what ’ s going on really seems to have - on the whole - brought the best out in people .
“ I plan to spend the vouchers I ’ ve won treating friends and family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all over , ” he added .
Each month , a panel of local business representatives will select one worthy winner from the nominations , who will win £100 local vouchers as well as be able to display the Sutton Smiles Better trophy in their business for one month .
To nominate your local hero and be in with a chance of receiving £25 in Gracechurch Centre vouchers if they win , visit https : //suttoncoldfieldtowncentre.co.uk/2019/09/26/local-hero-scheme-spreads-smiles-in-sutton-coldfield/ .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our free email alerts for the top MySuttonColdfield stories sent straight to your e-mail
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our free email alerts for the top MySuttonColdfield stories sent straight to your e-mail
A Sutton Coldfield store assistant has been crowned the winner of this month’s Sutton Smiles Better Award, Sutton Coldfield Town Centre BID has announced.
The initiative, now in its fifth month, shines a spotlight on a new community hero every month, whether they work in retail, hospitality or professional services.
Nominated by local shopper, Nadine Owens, this month’s shining star stood out to judges as he was spotted helping the elderly community carry shopping back to the car, during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Alex Hinton, 24 and from Sutton Coldfield, has worked at Aldi for just over a year, and was nominated for showing true community spirit at this challenging time.
In her nomination Nadine said “Aldi was very busy - queues to the back of the shop but he helped someone push their trolley to their car. A perfect example of community spirit in Sutton Coldfield!”
Alex was surprised and humbled to receive his award, he said: “I’m so happy to have been chosen for this award. It really was such a wonderful surprise.
“I’ve never seen anything like this situation in supermarkets, what we’re living through is exceptional. In years to come I will be proud to talk about how the supermarkets have handled these unique and difficult circumstances.
“I am enjoying doing what I can to help people during these unprecedented times, what’s going on really seems to have - on the whole - brought the best out in people.
“I plan to spend the vouchers I’ve won treating friends and family to a celebratory meal once this is all over,” he added.
Each month, a panel of local business representatives will select one worthy winner from the nominations, who will win £100 local vouchers as well as be able to display the Sutton Smiles Better trophy in their business for one month.
To nominate your local hero and be in with a chance of receiving £25 in Gracechurch Centre vouchers if they win, visit https://suttoncoldfieldtowncentre.co.uk/2019/09/26/local-hero-scheme-spreads-smiles-in-sutton-coldfield/.


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Wolves 'ahead' of Arsenal in race for £23m transfer target - reports

Wolverhampton Wanderers are the latest Premier League club to be linked with a move for Club Brugge forward Emmanuel Dennis @ @ @ @ @ The 22-year-old has rose to prominence this season after scoring a brace against Real Madrid @ @ @ @ @ That has led to a whole host of English teams being credited with an interest @ @ @ @ @ Everton , Leicester City and Newcastle have all been touted as potential destinations by the @ @ @ @ @ .
And now , according to Eurosport reporter Manu Lonjon , Wolves are ‘ ahead @ @ @ @ @ potentially make a move when the window opens .
Dennis has nine goals in 33 @ @ @ @ @ five in the club ’ s title winning campaign .
Wolves spent big last summer @ @ @ @ @ Jimenez with some cover in the central forward position .
However , Patrick Cutrone ’ @ @ @ @ @ went sour , with the Italian leaving Molineux just months after his arrival .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Wolves transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Wolves transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Wolverhampton Wanderers are the latest Premier League club to be linked with a move for Club Brugge forward Emmanuel Dennis, according to reports.
The 22-year-old has rose to prominence this season after scoring a brace against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
That has led to a whole host of English teams being credited with an interest in Dennis. Arsenal, Everton, Leicester City and Newcastle have all been touted as potential destinations by the Belgian press in recent weeks.
And now, according to Eurosport reporter Manu Lonjon, Wolves are ‘ahead’ of Dennis and could potentially make a move when the window opens.
Dennis has nine goals in 33 appearances this season, including five in the club’s title winning campaign.
Wolves spent big last summer in order to provide Raul Jimenez with some cover in the central forward position. However, Patrick Cutrone’s move from AC Milan went sour, with the Italian leaving Molineux just months after his arrival.


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Swan found hanging upside down after crash-landing into fence

A swan was left hanging upside down after it crash-landed into a fence in Oldbury .
The bird had caught his leg and twisted it in a wire mesh fence at an industrial estate in Churchbridge .
RSPCA inspectors believe the swan may 'not have seen ' the fence when it came into land , on Sunday evening ( April 19 ) and have said it ’ s ‘ a miracle ’ he didn ’ t break his leg .
However his wings were badly damaged , due to him thrashing around , but the swan is now recovering at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RSPCA keep rescuing animals and keep our animal hospitals and centres running for emergency treatment and round the clock care through these unprecedented times , please donate whatever you can spare at www.rspca.org.uk/covid .
There is advice on what to do if you find an animal in distress or a sick/injured animal online .
For help please contact the RSPCA ’ s emergency hotline on 0300 1234 999 .
Inspector Boris Lasserresaid : “ It looks as though the swan has come into land and hasn ’ t seen the fence .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mesh and was then hanging upside down .
“ His wings were badly damaged where he ’ d been thrashing around .
And I was really concerned he may have snapped his leg .
“ I managed to calm him down , get hold of him and carefully twist him out of the mesh and free of the fence .
And in some sort of miracle the vets couldn ’ t find any serious injuries or permanent damage.
” The swan is now recovering at a local wildlife rehabilitation centre where staff say @ @ @ @ @

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
A swan was left hanging upside down after it crash-landed into a fence in Oldbury.
The bird had caught his leg and twisted it in a wire mesh fence at an industrial estate in Churchbridge.
RSPCA inspectors believe the swan may 'not have seen' the fence when it came into land, on Sunday evening (April 19) and have said it’s ‘a miracle’ he didn’t break his leg.
However his wings were badly damaged, due to him thrashing around, but the swan is now recovering at a wildlife centre.
To help the RSPCA keep rescuing animals and keep our animal hospitals and centres running for emergency treatment and round the clock care through these unprecedented times, please donate whatever you can spare at www.rspca.org.uk/covid.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
There is advice on what to do if you find an animal in distress or a sick/injured animal online. For help please contact the RSPCA’s emergency hotline on 0300 1234 999.
Inspector Boris Lasserresaid: “It looks as though the swan has come into land and hasn’t seen the fence. He got his leg twisted through the wire mesh and was then hanging upside down.
“His wings were badly damaged where he’d been thrashing around. And I was really concerned he may have snapped his leg.
“I managed to calm him down, get hold of him and carefully twist him out of the mesh and free of the fence. And in some sort of miracle the vets couldn’t find any serious injuries or permanent damage.”
The swan is now recovering at a local wildlife rehabilitation centre where staff say he is doing well.


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Captain Tom Moore's daughter wants UK to let him 'rest'

Captain Tom Moore needs a rest after uniting people across society and across nationalities , his proud daughter has said .
As her father 's fundraising hit £30 million , Hannah Ingram-Moore said that for the family the last few weeks will be `` embedded in our hearts forever '' .
She said the 100-year-old has `` touched the hearts of many people around the world '' and brought hope at a difficult time .
Ms Ingram-Moore told the BBC : `` Who could have written it ?
I do n't think anyone , if you 'd tried to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have done it . ''
She described the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast of a Spitfire and a Hurricane as `` incredibly emotional '' , adding : `` I do n't know how I was n't a sobbing mess .
`` It was so moving in a way that you would n't expect it to be , but I think he summed it up when he said he was the only person here who would have seen those planes flying in desperation and anger .
`` And now to see them fly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I mean that in itself is choking , but is n't that something for us to all keep in mind , that what he has done is , I think , united us across society , across sex , across creed , across nationality , across all strata we are united by hope .
`` We need to , as a race of human beings , we need to stay together .
I think he 's given us that connection . ''
She said the family has told Capt Tom to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 'look , take a little rest now ' .
But I think we know that he has touched the hearts of many people around the world .
`` He 's definitely engaged us all and given us hope and unity .
`` So , there will be legacy .
We , as a family , have come a long way in these last few weeks , and we are working hard to look at what is the future , what 's the future legacy , but he needs to have a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fundraising page closes at midnight .
`` No more walking for now .
He has insisted that he will be walking again but we 've said , 'please , just take a little bit of rest ' , '' she said .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Captain Tom Moore needs a rest after uniting people across society and across nationalities, his proud daughter has said.
As her father's fundraising hit £30 million, Hannah Ingram-Moore said that for the family the last few weeks will be "embedded in our hearts forever".
She said the 100-year-old has "touched the hearts of many people around the world" and brought hope at a difficult time.
Ms Ingram-Moore told the BBC: "Who could have written it? I don't think anyone, if you'd tried to make it up, you just couldn't have done it."
She described the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast of a Spitfire and a Hurricane as "incredibly emotional", adding: "I don't know how I wasn't a sobbing mess.
"It was so moving in a way that you wouldn't expect it to be, but I think he summed it up when he said he was the only person here who would have seen those planes flying in desperation and anger.
"And now to see them fly in peacetime for such an amazing event. I mean that in itself is choking, but isn't that something for us to all keep in mind, that what he has done is, I think, united us across society, across sex, across creed, across nationality, across all strata we are united by hope.
"We need to, as a race of human beings, we need to stay together. I think he's given us that connection."
She said the family has told Capt Tom to have a rest.
"We've said, 'look, take a little rest now'. But I think we know that he has touched the hearts of many people around the world.
"He's definitely engaged us all and given us hope and unity.
"So, there will be legacy. We, as a family, have come a long way in these last few weeks, and we are working hard to look at what is the future, what's the future legacy, but he needs to have a little rest now."
She said the fundraising page closes at midnight.
"No more walking for now. He has insisted that he will be walking again but we've said, 'please, just take a little bit of rest'," she said.


birminghammail--2020-04-30--O'Hara's plan would see Villa stay up and West Brom promoted

Jamie O'Hara believes the only fair ending to the season would see West Brom and Leeds United promoted , with no relegations from the Premier League .
The former Wolves midfielder , who suffered back-to-back relegations with the club , thinks that clubs should n't be punished without being able to finish the campaign , amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Appearing on talkSPORT , O'Hara has said footballers must not be treated as 'guinea pigs ' , with suggestions football could return in the coming weeks , in order to boost the nation 's morale .
“ Points-per-game doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so unpredictable and so many teams can win games , you think they wouldn ’ t have won .
It just doesn ’ t work and for me , '' he said .
“ I said this at the start , when they were talking about ‘ null and void the season ’ , and I said : ‘ the best case scenario is we find a vaccine and we come out of this and we can get back ’ .
“ It isn ’ t getting to that point where we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the safe thing to do ?
“ Footballers are not guinea pigs , you can ’ t expect footballers to come back and make everyone feel better , lift morale and all the bigwigs get all the money , because there ’ s so much football and financial implications around the Premier League , it ’ s like ‘ oh we ’ ve got to get football back ’ , that 's not fair . ''
On a solution the season , O'Hara has backed Albion and Leeds to be promoted , whilst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liverpool their first title in 30 years .
He added : “ The health and safety of the players and everyone involved with the teams is paramount .
So , for me , I don ’ t think you can punish people , you can ’ t relegate people .
I think you make Liverpool champions , no relegation , Leeds and West Brom come up and five go down the next season .
“ Imagine the next season , you ’ ve got Leeds and West Brom in it and all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brilliant .
It ’ s hard luck on teams like Fulham and Nottingham Forest who are in the play-offs , but you weren ’ t there [ top two ] after 75 % of the season .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Jamie O'Hara believes the only fair ending to the season would see West Brom and Leeds United promoted, with no relegations from the Premier League.
The former Wolves midfielder, who suffered back-to-back relegations with the club, thinks that clubs shouldn't be punished without being able to finish the campaign, amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Appearing on talkSPORT, O'Hara has said footballers must not be treated as 'guinea pigs', with suggestions football could return in the coming weeks, in order to boost the nation's morale.
(Image: Photo: Matthew Ashton/AMA)
“Points-per-game doesn’t work for me because football is so unpredictable and so many teams can win games, you think they wouldn’t have won. It just doesn’t work and for me," he said.
“I said this at the start, when they were talking about ‘null and void the season’, and I said: ‘the best case scenario is we find a vaccine and we come out of this and we can get back’.
“It isn’t getting to that point where we can’t come back and is it the safe thing to do?
“Footballers are not guinea pigs, you can’t expect footballers to come back and make everyone feel better, lift morale and all the bigwigs get all the money, because there’s so much football and financial implications around the Premier League, it’s like ‘oh we’ve got to get football back’, that's not fair."
On a solution the season, O'Hara has backed Albion and Leeds to be promoted, whilst sparing Aston Villa from relegation and awarding Liverpool their first title in 30 years.
He added: “The health and safety of the players and everyone involved with the teams is paramount. So, for me, I don’t think you can punish people, you can’t relegate people. I think you make Liverpool champions, no relegation, Leeds and West Brom come up and five go down the next season.
“Imagine the next season, you’ve got Leeds and West Brom in it and all the teams fighting again, it will be brilliant. It’s hard luck on teams like Fulham and Nottingham Forest who are in the play-offs, but you weren’t there [top two] after 75% of the season.”


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Knitted teddies will be given to self-isolating in Lichfield

Ninety teddy bears will be given to vulnerable households across the district thanks to Nurture Community and Buddy Bag Foundation .
Nurture Community , a community interest company that works to connect organisations and support local events , offered Lichfield District Council the cuddly bears so they could be distributed along with emergency shopping deliveries .
This is the scheme which sees the council working with Central England Co-op , to deliver shopping to vulnerable community members who are self-isolating and do not have anyone to help them .
Charlotte Stutt , Founder of Nurture Community , said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring organisations together on local projects and events .
One of the partners we work is the Buddy Bag Foundation , which offers care packages to children who are in emergency care .
“ During the coronavirus lockdown , they ’ ve not been able to get the bags out , so have built up a stockpile of bears , which were kindly knitted by lots of volunteers .
“ Rather than the bears sitting idle , we thought it would be a good opportunity to work with the council to give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We hope everyone likes their bears and that they will bring a bit of comfort at this difficult time.
” The council will add the bears to shopping bags for a limited time when they deliver the emergency shopping to local homes .
Councillor Ashley Yeates , Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing , said : “ It was so kind of Nurture Community to think of our vulnerable residents who are self-isolating .
It must have been a huge effort by the volunteers to knit all the teddy bears for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ glad they will now be going to local homes .
“ Receiving an unexpected bear with their shopping will be a nice treat to discover and we hope it will give them a boost .
“ I ’ d like to thank everyone involved in the emergency shopping scheme .
It ’ s been fantastic to see everyone pulling together to help our local community.
” If you live in Lichfield District and are self-isolating and do not have any outside help , call the emergency shopping line on 0333 220 3088 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on weekdays .
To find out more about the service , visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/coronavirushelp .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Ninety teddy bears will be given to vulnerable households across the district thanks to Nurture Community and Buddy Bag Foundation.
Nurture Community, a community interest company that works to connect organisations and support local events, offered Lichfield District Council the cuddly bears so they could be distributed along with emergency shopping deliveries.
This is the scheme which sees the council working with Central England Co-op, to deliver shopping to vulnerable community members who are self-isolating and do not have anyone to help them.
Charlotte Stutt, Founder of Nurture Community, said: “We work with a range of partners to bring organisations together on local projects and events. One of the partners we work is the Buddy Bag Foundation, which offers care packages to children who are in emergency care.
“During the coronavirus lockdown, they’ve not been able to get the bags out, so have built up a stockpile of bears, which were kindly knitted by lots of volunteers.
“Rather than the bears sitting idle, we thought it would be a good opportunity to work with the council to give them to local people who are self-isolating. We hope everyone likes their bears and that they will bring a bit of comfort at this difficult time.”
The council will add the bears to shopping bags for a limited time when they deliver the emergency shopping to local homes.
Councillor Ashley Yeates, Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing, said: “It was so kind of Nurture Community to think of our vulnerable residents who are self-isolating. It must have been a huge effort by the volunteers to knit all the teddy bears for the Buddy Bags, and I’m glad they will now be going to local homes.
“Receiving an unexpected bear with their shopping will be a nice treat to discover and we hope it will give them a boost.
“I’d like to thank everyone involved in the emergency shopping scheme. It’s been fantastic to see everyone pulling together to help our local community.”
If you live in Lichfield District and are self-isolating and do not have any outside help, call the emergency shopping line on 0333 220 3088, which is available from 9am to 5pm on weekdays.
To find out more about the service, visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/coronavirushelp.


birminghammail--2020-04-30--'We're British, get us out of here!' - stuck family's plea

A Birmingham family who pleaded with UK authorities to help them return home are still trapped in Pakistan - one month after their initial plea .
Wajid Majeeid , of Stechford , is currently stranded in Dadyal in Azad Kashmir with his mother , son , nephew and brother .
The family were originally scheduled to fly home on March 29 , but had their flight cancelled when all flights in and out of Pakistan were suspended .
And they are still trapped their today , despite several attempts to contact the UK authorities to arrange transport home .
Only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been able to fly home , with the family booking her a flight at over-inflated prices so that she could return to look after her other children .
And Mr Majeeid says he is 'disgusted ' with the response from the UK government so far , saying he and his family have been 'abandoned ' .
`` Our experience has been disgusting trying to deal with the authorities and Pakistan International Airlines ( PIA ) , '' he said .
`` I am shocked and in disgust that we have been abandoned - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 3rd world country seeing as though our own government haven ’ t even attempted to try to save us after trying to contact them many times .
`` Luckily my wife was able to get back to our children on the 12th of April while my flight was meant to be on the 16th , but got cancelled for the third time .
When I went to get another ticket from PIA for the 25th of April they started asking me for large amounts of money which I do not have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It is shameful the way PIA have been acting - even though there was an announcement by the Pakistani government that tickets to get sent home would be at a fixed price of £525 for new tickets and they have failed to honour existing return tickets .
`` They know people here have no other way of getting home to their loved ones in these worrying times .
Other members of my family have made payment to these supposed emergency flights that the UK government have organised but are still waiting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are also currently on lockdown which means we are only allowed to leave our house for certain reasons .
It is very hard living here without my family members because I am constantly worried about them and can barely contact them because there is barely any service for internet where I am living .
`` I am trying to secure myself another ticket for the 5th of May but PIA are asking me to pay an extra 40,000 Rupees just to change the date which I have no other choice but to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cancellations on PIA ’ s behalf .
`` We are British - get us out of here ! ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
A Birmingham family who pleaded with UK authorities to help them return home are still trapped in Pakistan - one month after their initial plea.
Wajid Majeeid, of Stechford, is currently stranded in Dadyal in Azad Kashmir with his mother, son, nephew and brother.
The family were originally scheduled to fly home on March 29, but had their flight cancelled when all flights in and out of Pakistan were suspended.
And they are still trapped their today, despite several attempts to contact the UK authorities to arrange transport home.
Only Mr Majeeid's wife has so far been able to fly home, with the family booking her a flight at over-inflated prices so that she could return to look after her other children.
And Mr Majeeid says he is 'disgusted' with the response from the UK government so far, saying he and his family have been 'abandoned'.
"Our experience has been disgusting trying to deal with the authorities and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)," he said.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"I am shocked and in disgust that we have been abandoned - it makes us feel like England is a 3rd world country seeing as though our own government haven’t even attempted to try to save us after trying to contact them many times.
"Luckily my wife was able to get back to our children on the 12th of April while my flight was meant to be on the 16th, but got cancelled for the third time. When I went to get another ticket from PIA for the 25th of April they started asking me for large amounts of money which I do not have the funds to pay for the ticket.
"It is shameful the way PIA have been acting - even though there was an announcement by the Pakistani government that tickets to get sent home would be at a fixed price of £525 for new tickets and they have failed to honour existing return tickets.
"They know people here have no other way of getting home to their loved ones in these worrying times. Other members of my family have made payment to these supposed emergency flights that the UK government have organised but are still waiting to be rescued and sent home.
Get email updates with the latest Politics news This newsletter will bring you a brief round-up of the best, most important or simply quirky stories that have been hitting the headlines over the past few days in the world of politics across Birmingham and the West Midlands. To subscribe click on the link, tick the politics box and enter your email address.
"We are also currently on lockdown which means we are only allowed to leave our house for certain reasons. It is very hard living here without my family members because I am constantly worried about them and can barely contact them because there is barely any service for internet where I am living.
"I am trying to secure myself another ticket for the 5th of May but PIA are asking me to pay an extra 40,000 Rupees just to change the date which I have no other choice but to pay. This should be free due to cancellations on PIA’s behalf.
"We are British - get us out of here!"


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Domino's is giving away pizza to Royal Mail and NHS staff

Domino ’ s has announced its biggest pizza giveaway to date .
With the government delivering an update on the lockdown today , Domino 's is showing its support for key workers .
As Brits face being confined to their homes amid the unprecedented coronavirus crisis , the pizza giant has stepped up .
Domino 's operates multiple restaurants across Birmingham and throughout the Midlands .
And now the chain , which is hugely popular among Brummies , is showing its support by stepping up to cater for key workers .
Domino ’ s wants to show support for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK going , with a delivery of £1million of free pizza – every week for the next month .
The first week will launch with a £1m pizza donation to say thank you to the NHS , following the 100,000 pizzas already delivered to frontline staff .
From Monday 20 April until Sunday 10 May , Domino ’ s will be surprising Government recognised key workers up and down the country .
From emergency services , to social care crews , to postal delivery workers , to chemists and more .
Domino @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visits to give our everyday heroes a small token of appreciation , as they work hard to ensure people are safe , parcels are delivered and our most vulnerable are cared for .
Dominic Paul , Domino ’ s CEO designate , said : “ At Domino ’ s , we want to say a heartfelt thank you to all the key workers heroes working tirelessly to keep Britain going during these unprecedented times .
We take the responsibility of being open at this challenging time seriously .
We may not be saving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play a small part in the national effort by feeding our communities and helping the nation stay safe at home .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our email newsletter for daily updates on what's happening in and around Birmingham
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our email newsletter for daily updates on what's happening in and around Birmingham
Domino’s has announced its biggest pizza giveaway to date.
With the government delivering an update on the lockdown today, Domino's is showing its support for key workers.
As Brits face being confined to their homes amid the unprecedented coronavirus crisis, the pizza giant has stepped up.
Domino's operates multiple restaurants across Birmingham and throughout the Midlands.
And now the chain, which is hugely popular among Brummies, is showing its support by stepping up to cater for key workers.
Domino’s wants to show support for the range of different key worker groups keeping the UK going, with a delivery of £1million of free pizza – every week for the next month.
The first week will launch with a £1m pizza donation to say thank you to the NHS, following the 100,000 pizzas already delivered to frontline staff.
From Monday 20 April until Sunday 10 May, Domino’s will be surprising Government recognised key workers up and down the country.
From emergency services, to social care crews, to postal delivery workers, to chemists and more.
Domino’s drivers will be making surprise visits to give our everyday heroes a small token of appreciation, as they work hard to ensure people are safe, parcels are delivered and our most vulnerable are cared for.
Dominic Paul, Domino’s CEO designate, said: “At Domino’s, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to all the key workers heroes working tirelessly to keep Britain going during these unprecedented times. We take the responsibility of being open at this challenging time seriously. We may not be saving lives, but we’re proud to play a small part in the national effort by feeding our communities and helping the nation stay safe at home.”


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Neighbours form guard of honour as NHS hero who died from Covid-9 carried past

This is the poignant moment neighbours of a life-long NHS hero who died of coronavirus formed a guard of honour ahead of her funeral .
Jeannette Field , 71 , died of Covid-19 while her husband Robert , 70 , was in a coma after also being struck down by the deadly virus .
The retired NHS secretary devoted her entire professional life to the health service and helped raise thousands to buy a scanner to help lung and heart patients .
Tragically , while her husband Robert battled for his life in a coma , Jeanette was struck down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 .
Robert remains in hospital and was unable to attend his wife ’ s funeral on Monday ( 27/4 ) so his family videoed the ceremony .
The video shows the couple ’ s neighbours forming a guard of honour as the hearse arrived at their home in Skegness , Lincs .
Order of service booklets were made available for neighbours and flower petals were scattered along the verges .
After a few minutes , while neighbours , family and friends paid their respects , the hearse moved off as a lone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was played by her friend Stephen Walker .
Jeanette ’ s daughter-in-law Lisa Field said : “ Jeannette was a selfless and caring woman who devoted most of her life to the NHS .
“ She worked for over 25 years , working her way up to ward sister and at times was in charge of two wards at The Manor Hospital and George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton .
“ When her husband , Robert Field , of 28 years was relocated to Skegness on business , they decided to stay and made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Robert contracted Covid-19 on Friday , March 27 , and was taken directly to Pilgrim , but within 12 hours his health deteriorated and he was put into an induced coma and ventilated .
“ Jeannette was very worried about Robert and was even told he was fighting for his life on a couple of occasions .
“ Eight days after Robert began his own fight with Covid , which kept him in a coma for nearly fours weeks , his beloved wife Jeannette had passed away at home from the terrible virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ danger and is making positive steps to a full recovery and , once he was strong enough , he was told by his daughter Sarah that Jeannette had passed away .
He is heartbroken.
” Jeanette worked for over ten years as secretary to Dr Cyril Nyman , a heart specialist at Pilgrim Hospital in Boston , Lincs .
He described Jeannette as “ an incredible woman ” and together they raised thousands to buy a scanner to help heart and lung patients .
The family have now written to their local MP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and funeral directors have adequate PPE .
Lisa said : “ The family feel this is the lasting legacy of the proactive measure Jeannette took in her own career as an NHS servicewoman .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
This is the poignant moment neighbours of a life-long NHS hero who died of coronavirus formed a guard of honour ahead of her funeral.
Jeannette Field, 71, died of Covid-19 while her husband Robert, 70, was in a coma after also being struck down by the deadly virus.
The retired NHS secretary devoted her entire professional life to the health service and helped raise thousands to buy a scanner to help lung and heart patients.
Tragically, while her husband Robert battled for his life in a coma, Jeanette was struck down with the virus and died on April 4.
Robert remains in hospital and was unable to attend his wife’s funeral on Monday (27/4) so his family videoed the ceremony.
The video shows the couple’s neighbours forming a guard of honour as the hearse arrived at their home in Skegness, Lincs.
(Image: Skegness Standard / SWNS)
Order of service booklets were made available for neighbours and flower petals were scattered along the verges.
After a few minutes, while neighbours, family and friends paid their respects, the hearse moved off as a lone trumpet piece entitled ‘a Silencio’ was played by her friend Stephen Walker.
Jeanette’s daughter-in-law Lisa Field said: “Jeannette was a selfless and caring woman who devoted most of her life to the NHS.
“She worked for over 25 years, working her way up to ward sister and at times was in charge of two wards at The Manor Hospital and George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton.
“When her husband, Robert Field, of 28 years was relocated to Skegness on business, they decided to stay and made the resort their home.
“Sadly Robert contracted Covid-19 on Friday, March 27, and was taken directly to Pilgrim, but within 12 hours his health deteriorated and he was put into an induced coma and ventilated.
(Image: Skegness Standard / SWNS)
“Jeannette was very worried about Robert and was even told he was fighting for his life on a couple of occasions.
“Eight days after Robert began his own fight with Covid, which kept him in a coma for nearly fours weeks, his beloved wife Jeannette had passed away at home from the terrible virus.
(Image: Skegness Standard / SWNS)
“Robert is now out of danger and is making positive steps to a full recovery and, once he was strong enough, he was told by his daughter Sarah that Jeannette had passed away. He is heartbroken.”
Jeanette worked for over ten years as secretary to Dr Cyril Nyman, a heart specialist at Pilgrim Hospital in Boston, Lincs.
He described Jeannette as “an incredible woman” and together they raised thousands to buy a scanner to help heart and lung patients.
(Image: Skegness Standard / SWNS)
The family have now written to their local MP to lobby Parliament to ensure GP surgeries and funeral directors have adequate PPE.
Lisa said: “The family feel this is the lasting legacy of the proactive measure Jeannette took in her own career as an NHS servicewoman.”


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Airport workers forced to axe wedding twice must pay £10k to rebook

Thousands of families have been refused refunds for their cancelled flights , holidays and weddings , due to coronavirus .
Many airlines are offering travel vouchers valid till 2022 - but thousands of customers are unimpressed by the lack of refunds .
Jo-anne Harold , 30 , and Ryan Simmonds , 40 , are instead being asked for more money to reschedule the wedding they already cancelled twice .
The pair were colleagues at Birmingham Airport for 11 years before they started dating .
After Ryan proposed outside the Cinderella Castle , Disneyworld Florida in September 2018 , the pair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their wedding , scheduled for August 25 this year .
But the pair from Wednesfield , Wolverhampton have had to rebook their 80-person wedding twice , thanks to the collapse of Thomas Cook and coronavirus .
Now the pair have been told they need to pay an extra £10,500 to secure their flights and accommodation for their wedding in April 2021 .
Jo-anne said : “ British Airways just don ’ t want to help us - they are saying that we ’ re not getting refunds , we won ’ t get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to transfer to April , we ’ ve got to pay the fare difference which is currently £1600 per person .
Despite paying £40,000 upfront when Jo-anne ’ s mum Pamela Harold , 65 , booked the wedding , more has been demanded to secure the villas in April .
Jo-anne added : “ I don ’ t think they can be a**** to deal with it - they ’ ve taken our money , got their commission from the first flights we paid for , and then they don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Then the person who we booked the villas through , she then tried to charge us another £10,500 on top if we want to go in April.
” The pair said Disney has been really helpful , changing their wedding from August 25 this year to April 5 2021 .
However they claim British Airways have not been so supportive .
All 80 guests are still booked on flights for August 2020 .
Jo-anne said : “ When I rang to enquire , [ British Airways ] basically said ‘ we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not giving vouchers.
’ She added : “ We ’ ve been calling up for a month because they keep saying call in a week , the flights will be in .
“ We ’ ve been calling for over a month now and everytime we ring back , they ’ re like ‘ the flights are not in yet.
’ “ But they are , because they are selling them online on British Airways .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (John Bett and Sophie Donovan, James Rodger)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Thousands of families have been refused refunds for their cancelled flights, holidays and weddings, due to coronavirus.
Many airlines are offering travel vouchers valid till 2022 - but thousands of customers are unimpressed by the lack of refunds.
Jo-anne Harold, 30, and Ryan Simmonds, 40, are instead being asked for more money to reschedule the wedding they already cancelled twice.
The pair were colleagues at Birmingham Airport for 11 years before they started dating.
After Ryan proposed outside the Cinderella Castle, Disneyworld Florida in September 2018, the pair knew it was the only venue for their wedding, scheduled for August 25 this year.
But the pair from Wednesfield, Wolverhampton have had to rebook their 80-person wedding twice, thanks to the collapse of Thomas Cook and coronavirus.
(Image: Pamela Harold / SWNS)
Now the pair have been told they need to pay an extra £10,500 to secure their flights and accommodation for their wedding in April 2021.
Jo-anne said: “British Airways just don’t want to help us - they are saying that we’re not getting refunds, we won’t get flight vouchers.
“And if we want to transfer to April, we’ve got to pay the fare difference which is currently £1600 per person.
“We only paid £518 to start with.”
Despite paying £40,000 upfront when Jo-anne’s mum Pamela Harold, 65, booked the wedding, more has been demanded to secure the villas in April.
Jo-anne added: “I don’t think they can be a**** to deal with it - they’ve taken our money, got their commission from the first flights we paid for, and then they don’t want to deal with us.
“Then the person who we booked the villas through, she then tried to charge us another £10,500 on top if we want to go in April.”
The pair said Disney has been really helpful, changing their wedding from August 25 this year to April 5 2021.
However they claim British Airways have not been so supportive.
All 80 guests are still booked on flights for August 2020.
Jo-anne said: “When I rang to enquire, [British Airways] basically said ‘we’re not giving refunds, we’re not giving vouchers.’
She added: “We’ve been calling up for a month because they keep saying call in a week, the flights will be in.
“We’ve been calling for over a month now and everytime we ring back, they’re like ‘the flights are not in yet.’
“But they are, because they are selling them online on British Airways.”


birminghammail--2020-04-30--'Never' - Pundit's Aston Villa claims have been slammed

Nottingham Forest fans have laughed off suggestions that Matty Cash could quit the club for Aston Villa this summer .
Highly-rated wide player Cash , 22 , has earned rave reviews in the Championship and he 's playing a key role in Forest 's push for promotion .
He 's played 39 times for Forest this season , primarily as a right-back although he 's comfortable further up the pitch too .
And Darren Bent reckons Villa , providing they stay up , and Leeds United - who are set to win promotion to the Premier League once the season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cash .
“ He ’ s got a great work rate , '' Bent told Football Insider .
`` He ’ s got good quality and he does seem like a Bielsa-type player with the way that he plays .
“ He ’ s certainly an option for them , I ’ m sure if Leeds go up they ’ ll be in for him , there ’ s going to be other Premier League clubs who will be there to try and steal him as well .
“ You ’ ve got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Premier League , look at the likes of , to put this out there , Aston Villa , they might go : ‘ We like him.
’ Whatever the outcome at the end of the season , Matty Cash is going to have some takers.
” Cash was linked with a move to AC Milan in the January window but a deal could n't be agreed with Forest .
And Forest fans are n't convinced Villa and Leeds would be able to convince their club to sell either , reports the Nottingham Post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sell Matty Cash to Leeds United Aston Villa or West Ham , '' one fan said .
`` Never going to happen , '' another added .
`` Why leave a team where he is the beating heart to do a Lansbury ? ''
One fan bluntly replied : `` Yawn . ''
`` As long as Darren says it then it must be true , '' another Forest fan said .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Nottingham Forest fans have laughed off suggestions that Matty Cash could quit the club for Aston Villa this summer.
Highly-rated wide player Cash, 22, has earned rave reviews in the Championship and he's playing a key role in Forest's push for promotion.
He's played 39 times for Forest this season, primarily as a right-back although he's comfortable further up the pitch too.
And Darren Bent reckons Villa, providing they stay up, and Leeds United - who are set to win promotion to the Premier League once the season resumes - should battle it out for Cash.
“He’s got a great work rate," Bent told Football Insider. "He’s got good quality and he does seem like a Bielsa-type player with the way that he plays.
“He’s certainly an option for them, I’m sure if Leeds go up they’ll be in for him, there’s going to be other Premier League clubs who will be there to try and steal him as well.
“You’ve got to look at the teams from the Premier League, look at the likes of, to put this out there, Aston Villa, they might go: ‘We like him.’ Whatever the outcome at the end of the season, Matty Cash is going to have some takers.”
Cash was linked with a move to AC Milan in the January window but a deal couldn't be agreed with Forest.
And Forest fans aren't convinced Villa and Leeds would be able to convince their club to sell either, reports the Nottingham Post.
"I think they will never sell Matty Cash to Leeds United Aston Villa or West Ham," one fan said.
"Never going to happen," another added. "Why leave a team where he is the beating heart to do a Lansbury?"
One fan bluntly replied: "Yawn." "As long as Darren says it then it must be true," another Forest fan said.


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Randy motorist caught performing sex act while DRIVING on M6

A randy motorist was seen 'performing a sex act as he drove along the M6 ' - sparking calls to police .
A HGV driver spotted the alleged offender and his x-rated antics , as he cruised along the motorway near J9 for Wednesbury .
He contacted police , and an unmarked cop car later spotted the driver at J7 Great Barr .
The Central Motorway Police Group later said the driver had been dealt with accordingly and 'his pleasure was short-lived ' .
And they added the act was 'not only illegal but highly dangerous ' .
CMPG tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he 'd seen a car driver on the M6 at J9 masturbating while driving !
`` Unmarked police car spotted offender going through J7 .
His pleasure was short lived and he was dealt with accordingly !
`` We must point out it is not only illegal but highly dangerous . ''
It is one of the more unusual calls to motorway police , who are usually tasked with apprehending speeding drivers .
Yesterday , officers revealed footage which captured a 'reckless ' motorist , who reached speeds of more than 130mph on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driver hit eye-watering speed as they tore along the motorway at around 11am on Wednesday , April 29 .
The speeding motorist was stopped and reported , a spokesman for the force said .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
A randy motorist was seen 'performing a sex act as he drove along the M6' - sparking calls to police.
A HGV driver spotted the alleged offender and his x-rated antics, as he cruised along the motorway near J9 for Wednesbury.
He contacted police, and an unmarked cop car later spotted the driver at J7 Great Barr.
The Central Motorway Police Group later said the driver had been dealt with accordingly and 'his pleasure was short-lived'.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
And they added the act was 'not only illegal but highly dangerous'.
CMPG tweeted: "HGV driver informed us that he'd seen a car driver on the M6 at J9 masturbating while driving!
"Unmarked police car spotted offender going through J7. His pleasure was short lived and he was dealt with accordingly!
"We must point out it is not only illegal but highly dangerous."
It is one of the more unusual calls to motorway police, who are usually tasked with apprehending speeding drivers.
Yesterday, officers revealed footage which captured a 'reckless' motorist, who reached speeds of more than 130mph on the M6.
Staffordshire Police said the driver hit eye-watering speed as they tore along the motorway at around 11am on Wednesday, April 29.
The speeding motorist was stopped and reported, a spokesman for the force said.


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Mums using tissue paper to dye daughters' hair with jaw-dropping results

Check out the latest 'mum hack ' trend of using TISSUE PAPER to dye their daughters hair - and the results are stunning .
By simply using cheap tissue paper and a splash of water , creative mothers have been dyeing their daughters hair in rainbow colours , giving them temporary 'mermaid hair ' .
Pouring boiling water over tissue paper into a bowl causes the colour to run and soaking hair in the water results in the colour transferring to the hair as a temporary dye .
The homemade hair hack is being shared in Facebook groups and now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been sporting brightly coloured hair in lockdown .
Emileigh Marley , 10 , saw the tissue trick on a YouTube video and begged her mum Sam , 33 , to try it out on her blonde locks at their home in Plymouth .
Childcare worker Sam said : `` I was very worried it would damage her hair , as her hair is so beautiful and light blonde but I researched it a lot online and read a lot of reviews to make sure it was safe and everything seemed positive so thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Emileigh chose the colour pink as she thought it would be really bright on her hair and look the best .
`` The results were so much better than I thought it would be and the colour was so much more vibrant .
`` She has had so many compliments and comments on it and now loads of her friend 's parents have ordered the same paper to do their hair .
`` Emileigh loves it and doesn ’ t want it to wash out , she ’ s already planned her next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s all washed out .
`` It ’ s definitely been a memorable part of lockdown that has cheered her up whilst being isolated . ''
Nursery assistant Sarah Etheridge , 43 , tried it out on her 16-year-old daughter Charli 's hair at their home in Great Yarmouth .
She said : `` It was really easy to do , I just put the coloured tissue papers into bowls and put boiling water in .
`` Whilst I waited for it cool down , I sectioned Charli 's hair into ponytails @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bowls .
`` We dried her hair as usual and washed it this morning and some of the colours have kept in .
`` I just used whatever tissue paper colours I had in my craft box and left the choice to my six year old Tommy who said we should use all of them .
`` I think it looks pretty good , Tommy said it looks like a rainbow and Charli thought it was cool , better than she expected ! ''
Teaching assistant Maria Plarkou , 25 , from Nottingham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four year old daughter Evie-Mae 's long blonde hair into a cool blue mermaid mane .
She said : `` I was worried that it wouldn ’ t work and Evie would be upset but luckily it worked first time !
`` Evie chose blue because she loves Princess Elsa so that ’ s her favourite colour .
`` We are both very happy with how it turned out and we might try some more colours once this has completely faded ! ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Check out the latest 'mum hack' trend of using TISSUE PAPER to dye their daughters hair - and the results are stunning.
By simply using cheap tissue paper and a splash of water, creative mothers have been dyeing their daughters hair in rainbow colours, giving them temporary 'mermaid hair'.
Pouring boiling water over tissue paper into a bowl causes the colour to run and soaking hair in the water results in the colour transferring to the hair as a temporary dye.
The homemade hair hack is being shared in Facebook groups and now little girls all across the UK have been sporting brightly coloured hair in lockdown.
Emileigh Marley, 10, saw the tissue trick on a YouTube video and begged her mum Sam, 33, to try it out on her blonde locks at their home in Plymouth.
(Image: Sarah Etheridge / SWNS)
Childcare worker Sam said: "I was very worried it would damage her hair, as her hair is so beautiful and light blonde but I researched it a lot online and read a lot of reviews to make sure it was safe and everything seemed positive so thought it was worth a try.
"Emileigh chose the colour pink as she thought it would be really bright on her hair and look the best.
"The results were so much better than I thought it would be and the colour was so much more vibrant.
(Image: Sam Marley / SWNS)
"She has had so many compliments and comments on it and now loads of her friend's parents have ordered the same paper to do their hair.
"Emileigh loves it and doesn’t want it to wash out, she’s already planned her next colour - purple - for when it’s all washed out.
"It’s definitely been a memorable part of lockdown that has cheered her up whilst being isolated."
Nursery assistant Sarah Etheridge, 43, tried it out on her 16-year-old daughter Charli's hair at their home in Great Yarmouth.
She said: "It was really easy to do, I just put the coloured tissue papers into bowls and put boiling water in.
"Whilst I waited for it cool down, I sectioned Charli's hair into ponytails then just laid each ponytail in the bowls.
(Image: Maria Plarkou / SWNS)
"We dried her hair as usual and washed it this morning and some of the colours have kept in.
"I just used whatever tissue paper colours I had in my craft box and left the choice to my six year old Tommy who said we should use all of them.
"I think it looks pretty good, Tommy said it looks like a rainbow and Charli thought it was cool, better than she expected!"
Teaching assistant Maria Plarkou, 25, from Nottingham used the tissue paper to transform her four year old daughter Evie-Mae's long blonde hair into a cool blue mermaid mane.
She said: "I was worried that it wouldn’t work and Evie would be upset but luckily it worked first time!
"Evie chose blue because she loves Princess Elsa so that’s her favourite colour.
"We are both very happy with how it turned out and we might try some more colours once this has completely faded!"


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Coronavirus home test with 'yes' or 'no' answer could be rolled out across UK

Home testing kits for Covid-19 that can diagnose the disease with a simple yes or no answer could be ready for use by autumn , scientists have said .
The hand-held device , which looks like a home pregnancy test , is being developed by researchers at the University of Manchester .
Unlike other diagnostic tests being used , which look for traces of the genetic material of the virus , the Manchester prototype examines the `` chains of sugars '' that coat all human cells .
Professor Rob Field , of the University of Manchester , said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detect the virus in less than 20 minutes and could be adapted to identify other pathogens such as coronavirus .
`` Respiratory viruses invade the body through cells in the airways and lungs .
`` These cells are covered in a coat of sugar chains , known as glycans , which are used for normal function of human tissues .
`` Viruses can utilise these glycans as part of the infection process . ''
He said current Covid-19 tests rely on prior knowledge of the viral genetic code , which can change as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the test .
He added that the prototype instead uses glycan recognition , `` which is unaffected by seasonal variation in the genetic code '' .
Prof Field said : `` The way the virus interacts with its glycan receptor makes it seasonally consistent so , even if the virus genetic code mutates , it will still be detected - meaning the Iceni Diagnostics test should remain effective in the longer term . ''
He and his team are working with spin-out company Iceni Diagnostics to get the new test officially validated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flu season .
This would be useful to ensure people with seasonal flu are not confused with people having suspected Covid-19 , the researchers said .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Home testing kits for Covid-19 that can diagnose the disease with a simple yes or no answer could be ready for use by autumn, scientists have said.
The hand-held device, which looks like a home pregnancy test, is being developed by researchers at the University of Manchester.
Unlike other diagnostic tests being used, which look for traces of the genetic material of the virus, the Manchester prototype examines the "chains of sugars" that coat all human cells.
Professor Rob Field, of the University of Manchester, said: "Our existing prototype product for influenza can detect the virus in less than 20 minutes and could be adapted to identify other pathogens such as coronavirus.
(Image: Getty Images)
"Respiratory viruses invade the body through cells in the airways and lungs.
"These cells are covered in a coat of sugar chains, known as glycans, which are used for normal function of human tissues.
"Viruses can utilise these glycans as part of the infection process."
He said current Covid-19 tests rely on prior knowledge of the viral genetic code, which can change as the virus evolves and limit the effectiveness of the test.
He added that the prototype instead uses glycan recognition, "which is unaffected by seasonal variation in the genetic code".
Prof Field said: "The way the virus interacts with its glycan receptor makes it seasonally consistent so, even if the virus genetic code mutates, it will still be detected - meaning the Iceni Diagnostics test should remain effective in the longer term."
He and his team are working with spin-out company Iceni Diagnostics to get the new test officially validated for the autumn, ahead of the flu season.
This would be useful to ensure people with seasonal flu are not confused with people having suspected Covid-19, the researchers said.