birminghammail--2020-08-04--Tot undergoes life-saving op in lockdown - with gran providing kidney

A toddler underwent a lifesaving transplant op during the lockdown - with her gran providing the kidney she needed .
Ruby Simpson , two , has spent most of her life on dialysis and medics had feared she may not survive .
Mum Chloe Simpson , 24 , had a healthy pregnancy but at 26 weeks one of the foetus ' kidneys appeared unusually bright , and it took three attempts to successfully induce the baby .
Ruby was born in a membrane , a one in 80,000 rarity , and besotted Chloe and then-boyfriend Danny Simpson , 24 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kelty , Fife .
But a check up at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy , Fife , sparked concerns she was cold and clammy as well as having suffered jaundice , and Ruby was transferred to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow .
Aged 12 days old she was diagnosed with congenital nephrotic syndrome .
Medics warned she may not survive as she was suffering complete renal failure , and Ruby was taken to ICU .
Both kidneys were removed at seven months old , and Ruby has had to have dialysis ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kidney donation would change their daughter 's quality of life and in November were told she was big enough to have one .
Gran Dawn Thomson , 52 , was told last March she was a tissue match and in December that she could become a donor - but when coronavirus hit the op was postponed indefinitely .
It was finally carried out on July 1 at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow , but Dawn will have to wait until October to be able to see her only granddaughter .
Mum-of-one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on dialysis for two-and-a-half years at home , overnight , every night .
`` We had to wait until she was big enough for a transplant and we were told in November that she could have one , Mum was told just after Christmas that she could be a donor .
`` The transplant was scheduled for April but Covid pushed that out the way .
`` Dialysis life was quite tough , and Ruby has never followed the doctors ' plan , she has always done her own thing .
`` Since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been amazing , her colour has changed .
`` She was always quite pale and ghostlike , but she 's much pinker .
`` She was always a wild child before but her energy levels are better . ''
Chloe was unable to visit her own mum after surgery was carried out , due to the pandemic .
The family have kept in touch through Facetime and Ruby has only seen her gran once for a socially distanced visit .
Chloe and Danny have been staying in Glasgow since July at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been told Ruby will need to shield until October 1 due to the op .
Chloe said : `` It feels like ages , we started shielding on March 16 and it will be seven months .
`` Hopefully Mum will see Ruby in October , it depends on the outside situation . ''
Dawn , who works for NHS Fife , said : `` There was no hesitation , even when I was told what could go wrong .
`` I said 'no matter what happens I 'm making the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in surgery , you are having a major organ removed for no reason .
`` Hopefully it will last for 25 or 30 years , Ruby has not had much of a childhood so far .
`` It has been a long year-and-a-bit to get here . ''
Dr Ian Ramage , a pediatric nephrologist , who has been looking after Ruby since she was 12 days old , said : “ The operation went very well and the kidney worked immediately .
“ It ’ s a big operation for someone so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few complications post op , it ’ s nothing we wouldn ’ t have expected to see .
“ Long term Ruby will be able to grow and develop normally .
“ She is not hooked up to a machine and not restricted in what she can eat .
“ It ’ s not a cure but it will provide a much better quality of life and a longer life for Ruby .
”

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A toddler underwent a lifesaving transplant op during the lockdown - with her gran providing the kidney she needed.
Ruby Simpson, two, has spent most of her life on dialysis and medics had feared she may not survive.
Mum Chloe Simpson, 24, had a healthy pregnancy but at 26 weeks one of the foetus' kidneys appeared unusually bright, and it took three attempts to successfully induce the baby.
Ruby was born in a membrane, a one in 80,000 rarity, and besotted Chloe and then-boyfriend Danny Simpson, 24, were able to take her home to Kelty, Fife.
But a check up at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, Fife, sparked concerns she was cold and clammy as well as having suffered jaundice, and Ruby was transferred to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.
Aged 12 days old she was diagnosed with congenital nephrotic syndrome.
Medics warned she may not survive as she was suffering complete renal failure, and Ruby was taken to ICU.
Both kidneys were removed at seven months old, and Ruby has had to have dialysis ever since.
The young family knew a kidney donation would change their daughter's quality of life and in November were told she was big enough to have one.
Gran Dawn Thomson, 52, was told last March she was a tissue match and in December that she could become a donor - but when coronavirus hit the op was postponed indefinitely.
(Image: Chloe Simpson / SWNS.COM)
It was finally carried out on July 1 at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, but Dawn will have to wait until October to be able to see her only granddaughter.
Mum-of-one Chloe said: "Ruby has been on dialysis for two-and-a-half years at home, overnight, every night.
"We had to wait until she was big enough for a transplant and we were told in November that she could have one, Mum was told just after Christmas that she could be a donor.
"The transplant was scheduled for April but Covid pushed that out the way.
"Dialysis life was quite tough, and Ruby has never followed the doctors' plan, she has always done her own thing.
"Since the transplant, the change in her has been amazing, her colour has changed.
"She was always quite pale and ghostlike, but she's much pinker.
"She was always a wild child before but her energy levels are better."
(Image: Chloe Simpson / SWNS.COM)
Chloe was unable to visit her own mum after surgery was carried out, due to the pandemic.
The family have kept in touch through Facetime and Ruby has only seen her gran once for a socially distanced visit.
Chloe and Danny have been staying in Glasgow since July at a flat provided by a charity, and have been told Ruby will need to shield until October 1 due to the op.
(Image: Chloe Simpson / SWNS.COM)
Chloe said: "It feels like ages, we started shielding on March 16 and it will be seven months.
"Hopefully Mum will see Ruby in October, it depends on the outside situation."
Dawn, who works for NHS Fife, said: "There was no hesitation, even when I was told what could go wrong.
"I said 'no matter what happens I'm making the right choice' - there's major risks in surgery, you are having a major organ removed for no reason.
"Hopefully it will last for 25 or 30 years, Ruby has not had much of a childhood so far.
"It has been a long year-and-a-bit to get here."
(Image: Chloe Simpson / SWNS.COM)
Dr Ian Ramage, a pediatric nephrologist, who has been looking after Ruby since she was 12 days old, said: “The operation went very well and the kidney worked immediately.
“Within 24 hours Ruy had normal kidney function.
“It’s a big operation for someone so small, and while there have been a few complications post op, it’s nothing we wouldn’t have expected to see.
“Long term Ruby will be able to grow and develop normally.
“She is not hooked up to a machine and not restricted in what she can eat.
“It’s not a cure but it will provide a much better quality of life and a longer life for Ruby.”


birminghammail--2020-08-04--Girl, 7, makes hundreds after opening antique bottle shop in back garden

A seven-year-old schoolgirl is raking in hundreds of pounds after opening an antique bottle shop in her parents ' back garden .
Betsy-Mae Lloyd launched her own business from a Victorian-style play shed built by her dad after digging up thousands of old bottles from historic landfill sites .
The primary school pupil has been coining it in by flogging the antique bottles , jars and teapots - which all date back to between the 1870s and 1930s .
Betsy-Mae and her dad Jason , 49 , collect their finds from old landfill sites across the West Midlands using only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them home and cleaning them up , Betsy-Mae then stores the bottles in her little pink shop before listing them for sale on Facebook .
The young entrepreneur sells 12 bottles for £10 , which she gift wraps herself , and has already made £600 from her business venture within a few months .
But Betsy-Mae says her favourite part about running Betsy 's Bottle Shop is still `` digging and getting dirty '' .
Betsy-Mae , who attends Albert Pritchard Infant School , said : `` The bottles are from the olden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are different colours and sizes .
`` My favourite part is digging and getting dirty though .
I find it really good fun .
`` I 've got about a thousand bottles in my shop and people come to buy them in person and on Facebook .
`` I think my shop is super .
My dad helps me with the prices but I help find them and clean them up myself .
I enjoy going digging with my dad .
`` I bought a laptop out of my savings .
I play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my friends as well . ''
Dad-of-two Jason , who lives in Wednesbury , West Mids.
, with wife Frances , 32 , said their daughter had been helping collect bottles since she was aged two .
He said : `` It has always been a hobby of mine , so I 've sort of passed the torch .
I took her out of her first dig when she was aged two and she 's loved it since then .
`` We were getting fairly inundated with bottles and leaving most behind , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of selling them and we thought we 'd give it a go .
`` I work full time so I ca n't really run another business , I do help her out a bit but its mainly Betsy 's operation .
`` We go to farmland which we know used to be old landfill sites - you get everything from milk of magnesia bottles , jam jars and ginger wine , beers and ales .
`` She washes the bottles in her outdoor kitchen after we find them in historic landfill sites , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it 's not modern rubbish .
`` It 's almost like a time capsule , as sometimes you 'll find an old bus or theatre ticket inside them and it 's a fascinating look at a different era .
`` They date back to between 1870 and 1930 , and we 've found all sorts .
Its great to get kids out of the house in this day and age of the internet and she really enjoys it too .
`` She has been selling a fair bit as well .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mantelpiece and I said 'you better hide that ' .
`` Then she said 'there 's more where that came from ' , went up to her room and came down with another £200 odd in cash .
`` That 's not bad going for a seven-year-old primary school pupil and she 's already treated herself to a new laptop .
`` I think it 's a good life lesson for her as she has worked hard and earned that money , she fully deserves it .
`` Antique shabby-chic style items are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so people just buy them for decorative purposes as the colours match their homes .
`` She sells online but people are welcome to come on down and have a look in person , she does little history talks about the origins of the bottles as well .
`` I did the shop up in Victorian style , its like a pink and girly version of the Black Country Museum , and all the signs have been salvaged as well . ''
Jason , who used to work on fairgrounds and now builds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with his daughter several times a week in the hunt of new stock .
Jason , who is also dad to 19-year-old Jake , added : `` We get permission off the farmers and they 're happy as long as we fill the holes back up afterwards .
`` There 's no high tech equipment , we just go down there with a couple of shovels and start digging .
`` We get old maps online and look where there was an open mine , then compare it to a map from about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been filled in , it 's landfill .
`` We probably go out two or three times a week , or most evenings in the summer .
`` She has a steady flow of customers now , to get money for something that has been left and smashed up , is nice really .
`` Over the years I 've got a vast knowledge about it all , I 've been doing it about 45 years , there 's a whole world out there and a lot of valuable things .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into it though .
It 's like history repeating itself .
It 's lovely really and a fun thing for us to share . ''

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A seven-year-old schoolgirl is raking in hundreds of pounds after opening an antique bottle shop in her parents' back garden.
Betsy-Mae Lloyd launched her own business from a Victorian-style play shed built by her dad after digging up thousands of old bottles from historic landfill sites.
The primary school pupil has been coining it in by flogging the antique bottles, jars and teapots - which all date back to between the 1870s and 1930s.
Betsy-Mae and her dad Jason, 49, collect their finds from old landfill sites across the West Midlands using only a pair of shovels.
After taking them home and cleaning them up, Betsy-Mae then stores the bottles in her little pink shop before listing them for sale on Facebook.
The young entrepreneur sells 12 bottles for £10, which she gift wraps herself, and has already made £600 from her business venture within a few months.
(Image: Anita Maric / SWNS)
But Betsy-Mae says her favourite part about running Betsy's Bottle Shop is still "digging and getting dirty".
Betsy-Mae, who attends Albert Pritchard Infant School, said: "The bottles are from the olden days, I like them as they are different colours and sizes.
"My favourite part is digging and getting dirty though. I find it really good fun.
"I've got about a thousand bottles in my shop and people come to buy them in person and on Facebook.
"I think my shop is super. My dad helps me with the prices but I help find them and clean them up myself. I enjoy going digging with my dad.
"I bought a laptop out of my savings. I play robots on it and I chat with my friends as well."
Dad-of-two Jason, who lives in Wednesbury, West Mids., with wife Frances, 32, said their daughter had been helping collect bottles since she was aged two.
(Image: Anita Maric / SWNS)
He said: "It has always been a hobby of mine, so I've sort of passed the torch. I took her out of her first dig when she was aged two and she's loved it since then.
"We were getting fairly inundated with bottles and leaving most behind, so she came up with the idea of selling them and we thought we'd give it a go.
"I work full time so I can't really run another business, I do help her out a bit but its mainly Betsy's operation.
(Image: Anita Maric / SWNS)
"We go to farmland which we know used to be old landfill sites - you get everything from milk of magnesia bottles, jam jars and ginger wine, beers and ales.
"She washes the bottles in her outdoor kitchen after we find them in historic landfill sites, they're 100 years old or more, it's not modern rubbish.
"It's almost like a time capsule, as sometimes you'll find an old bus or theatre ticket inside them and it's a fascinating look at a different era.
(Image: Anita Maric / SWNS)
"They date back to between 1870 and 1930, and we've found all sorts. Its great to get kids out of the house in this day and age of the internet and she really enjoys it too.
"She has been selling a fair bit as well. The other day I found £200 on the mantelpiece and I said 'you better hide that'.
"Then she said 'there's more where that came from', went up to her room and came down with another £200 odd in cash.
(Image: Anita Maric / SWNS)
"That's not bad going for a seven-year-old primary school pupil and she's already treated herself to a new laptop.
"I think it's a good life lesson for her as she has worked hard and earned that money, she fully deserves it.
"Antique shabby-chic style items are still in fashion at the moment, so people just buy them for decorative purposes as the colours match their homes.
"She sells online but people are welcome to come on down and have a look in person, she does little history talks about the origins of the bottles as well.
"I did the shop up in Victorian style, its like a pink and girly version of the Black Country Museum, and all the signs have been salvaged as well."
Jason, who used to work on fairgrounds and now builds playhouses for a living, goes out with his daughter several times a week in the hunt of new stock.
(Image: Anita Maric / SWNS)
Jason, who is also dad to 19-year-old Jake, added: "We get permission off the farmers and they're happy as long as we fill the holes back up afterwards.
"There's no high tech equipment, we just go down there with a couple of shovels and start digging.
"We get old maps online and look where there was an open mine, then compare it to a map from about 10 years ago and if it's been filled in, it's landfill.
"We probably go out two or three times a week, or most evenings in the summer.
"She has a steady flow of customers now, to get money for something that has been left and smashed up, is nice really.
"Over the years I've got a vast knowledge about it all, I've been doing it about 45 years, there's a whole world out there and a lot of valuable things.
"I never thought my daughter would be so into it though. It's like history repeating itself. It's lovely really and a fun thing for us to share."


birminghammail--2020-08-04--Will Young's twin brother Rupert dies aged 41 as tributes pour in

Will Young 's twin brother Rupert has tragically died aged just 41 .
Rupert has sadly passed away following a battle with mental health issues .
The 41-year-old brother of the chart-topping pop star has been vocal about his battles with depression and alcoholism over the years .
In 2005 , he was diagnosed with dysthymia – a depressive mood disorder .
A spokeswoman for the singer said : `` I can confirm that Will ’ s brother has very sadly passed away .
`` We would like to request privacy for Will and his family during this very difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 2008 interview with The Telegraph , Rupert said : `` I woke up one morning and turned on the TV .
There was William on Richard & Judy , giving the most amazing performance of one of his songs .
`` I had spent the night before drinking with tramps in a car park and cutting myself .
`` It seemed bizarre to me that two people who are genetically the same could behave in such different ways .
`` I realised that something had gone very wrong . ''
He added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or why , and nor did anyone else .
`` I saw the top doctors and psychiatrists in the country , but the mental health system here is overloaded…I was never actually properly assessed .
`` They just told me I was an addict and that was why I was the way I was . ''
During an interview in 2006 Will said : “ I had always been the one sorting my brother out , and it was easier to do that than actually look at myself .
“ I had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I became scared about going out and meeting people .
I was going into loony , reclusive-pop-star mode .
”

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Will Young's twin brother Rupert has tragically died aged just 41.
Rupert has sadly passed away following a battle with mental health issues.
The 41-year-old brother of the chart-topping pop star has been vocal about his battles with depression and alcoholism over the years.
In 2005, he was diagnosed with dysthymia – a depressive mood disorder.
A spokeswoman for the singer said : "I can confirm that Will’s brother has very sadly passed away.
"We would like to request privacy for Will and his family during this very difficult and sad time."
Speaking in a 2008 interview with The Telegraph, Rupert said: "I woke up one morning and turned on the TV. There was William on Richard & Judy, giving the most amazing performance of one of his songs.
"I had spent the night before drinking with tramps in a car park and cutting myself.
"It seemed bizarre to me that two people who are genetically the same could behave in such different ways.
"I realised that something had gone very wrong."
He added: But I didn't know what, or why, and nor did anyone else.
"I saw the top doctors and psychiatrists in the country, but the mental health system here is overloaded…I was never actually properly assessed.
"They just told me I was an addict and that was why I was the way I was."
During an interview in 2006 Will said: “I had always been the one sorting my brother out, and it was easier to do that than actually look at myself.
“I had thought I was coping well... but I became scared about going out and meeting people. I was going into loony, reclusive-pop-star mode.”


birminghammail--2020-08-04--Ross Kemp left looking unrecognisable after terrifying wasp attack

Ross Kemp has praised the `` fantastic '' NHS after his face swelled up following a wasp attack .
The former EastEnders actor , 56 , was stung around his mouth and nose after disturbing a nest in a loft space on Monday .
Kemp , who is famous for documentaries in tough environments such as Ross Kemp On Gangs , said doctors had given him hydrocortisone cream to reduce the swelling .
Speaking in a series of videos to his 207,000 Twitter followers , he said : `` Now being seen by our fantastic NHS - local doctor 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hopefully that 's going to bring it down a bit . ''
The actor and presenter also imitated Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger 's famous lips .
`` I look like Mick Jagger , do n't I ? ''
he joked .
He then tried to sing the band 's hit ( I Ca n't Get No ) Satisfaction but admitted : 'Oh , it hurts a bit . ''
Kemp also issued a warning to his fans about disturbing a wasp nest .
He said : `` That just goes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I had no idea when I was opening the hatch that there was actually a wasp nest on top of it .
`` I am very lucky that they only stung me on my nose , in my nose and my top lip .
`` It could have been far worse .
Thank you again , you lovely , lovely NHS . ''
Kemp played Grant Mitchell on Albert Square for more than 25 years , alongside his on-screen mother Dame Barbara Windsor .

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Ross Kemp has praised the "fantastic" NHS after his face swelled up following a wasp attack.
The former EastEnders actor, 56, was stung around his mouth and nose after disturbing a nest in a loft space on Monday.
Kemp, who is famous for documentaries in tough environments such as Ross Kemp On Gangs, said doctors had given him hydrocortisone cream to reduce the swelling.
Speaking in a series of videos to his 207,000 Twitter followers, he said: "Now being seen by our fantastic NHS - local doctor's just giving me a hydrocortisone.
"Hopefully that's going to bring it down a bit."
The actor and presenter also imitated Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger's famous lips.
"I look like Mick Jagger, don't I?" he joked.
He then tried to sing the band's hit (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction but admitted: 'Oh, it hurts a bit."
Kemp also issued a warning to his fans about disturbing a wasp nest.
He said: "That just goes to show what happens with nature.
"I had no idea when I was opening the hatch that there was actually a wasp nest on top of it.
"I am very lucky that they only stung me on my nose, in my nose and my top lip.
"It could have been far worse. Thank you again, you lovely, lovely NHS."
Kemp played Grant Mitchell on Albert Square for more than 25 years, alongside his on-screen mother Dame Barbara Windsor.


birminghammail--2020-08-04--Teenage girl knifed in neck and head

Teenage girl knifed in neck and head

An investigation has been launched after a teenage girl was knifed in her neck and head in Walsall .
Police were called to Bridge Street , at around 4.15pm yesterday afternoon ( Monday , August 3 ) , to reports of a stabbing .
A 17-year-old girl had suffered injuries to her neck and head and was taken hospital .
Fortunately her injuries are not thought to be life threatening .
The force are now urging anyone with any information to come forward .
Witness Mark Andrew told BlackCountryLive that the air ambulance was scrambled to the scene and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victim for 'some time ' .
`` It was awful , '' he said .
`` There was loads of police and ambulance staff working on the poor woman .
`` I hope she is ok. '' A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said : `` We were called to reports of a stabbing in Bridge Street , Walsall at around 4.15pm yesterday afternoon ( August 3 ) .
`` A 17-year-old girl was taken to hospital with injuries to her neck and head which fortunately aren ’ t thought to be life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and anyone with any information is asked to contact the police via Live Chat on the website or by calling 101 , quoting crime reference number 20WS/182729N/20 .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Jordan Coussins, Charlotte Regen)

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An investigation has been launched after a teenage girl was knifed in her neck and head in Walsall.
Police were called to Bridge Street, at around 4.15pm yesterday afternoon (Monday, August 3), to reports of a stabbing.
A 17-year-old girl had suffered injuries to her neck and head and was taken hospital. Fortunately her injuries are not thought to be life threatening.
The force are now urging anyone with any information to come forward.
Witness Mark Andrew told BlackCountryLive that the air ambulance was scrambled to the scene and a number of medics were working on the victim for 'some time'.
"It was awful," he said. "There was loads of police and ambulance staff working on the poor woman.
"I hope she is ok."
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said: "We were called to reports of a stabbing in Bridge Street, Walsall at around 4.15pm yesterday afternoon (August 3).
"A 17-year-old girl was taken to hospital with injuries to her neck and head which fortunately aren’t thought to be life threatening."
An investigation is underway and anyone with any information is asked to contact the police via Live Chat on the website or by calling 101, quoting crime reference number 20WS/182729N/20.


birminghammail--2020-08-04--Pizza Express may close 67 restaurants with 1,100 jobs at risk

Pizza Express has said it could close around 67 of its UK restaurants , with up to 1,100 jobs at risk , as part of a major restructuring plan .
Independent stores and high street names such as Pizza Express , Costa Coffee and Nando 's are among more than 72,000 establishments who are taking part in the government 's Eat Out to Help Out scheme .
Brindleyplace and Bullring 's branches will re-open from August 6 , as well as Shrewsbury , Stratford-on-Avon and Sutton Coldfield .
It is now the latest chain to take decisive action , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cafe Rouge owner Casual Dining Group closing 91 restaurants in recent weeks .
The news has emerged after last week it was announced burger chain Byron is to permanently shut 31 restaurants with the loss of 651 jobs , despite the restaurant brand being rescued from administration .
The restaurant chain is to shut more than half of its 51 sites after becoming the latest dining business to be hammered by the coronavirus pandemic .
Administrators at KPMG said that the brand and certain assets have been sold to newly-formed company Calveton , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 remaining sites and 551 employees .
KPMG said the dining chain 's existing investors will also take a minority stake as part of the deal .
Byron , which was founded in 2007 , undertook a major restructuring in 2018 to wipe out its debts and close underperforming restaurants .

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Pizza Express has said it could close around 67 of its UK restaurants, with up to 1,100 jobs at risk, as part of a major restructuring plan.
Independent stores and high street names such as Pizza Express, Costa Coffee and Nando's are among more than 72,000 establishments who are taking part in the government's Eat Out to Help Out scheme.
Brindleyplace and Bullring's branches will re-open from August 6, as well as Shrewsbury, Stratford-on-Avon and Sutton Coldfield.
Worcester Park re-opened from Thursday July 30.
It is now the latest chain to take decisive action, with Zizzi owner Azzurri closing 75 sites and Cafe Rouge owner Casual Dining Group closing 91 restaurants in recent weeks.
The news has emerged after last week it was announced burger chain Byron is to permanently shut 31 restaurants with the loss of 651 jobs, despite the restaurant brand being rescued from administration.
The restaurant chain is to shut more than half of its 51 sites after becoming the latest dining business to be hammered by the coronavirus pandemic.
Administrators at KPMG said that the brand and certain assets have been sold to newly-formed company Calveton, in a move which will protect its 20 remaining sites and 551 employees.
KPMG said the dining chain's existing investors will also take a minority stake as part of the deal.
Byron, which was founded in 2007, undertook a major restructuring in 2018 to wipe out its debts and close underperforming restaurants.


birminghammail--2020-08-04--Dean Smith sent Said Benrahma plea after play-off final defeat

Dean Smith has been urged to do all he can , to seal a deal for Said Benrahma , after his Brentford side were beaten by Fulham in the play-off final .
The Algeria international has been heavily linked with a move to Aston Villa , ever since Smith replaced Steve Bruce as manager in October 2018 .
Smith was the man that signed Benrahma for the Bees during his spell in west London and has remained a keen admirer .
It is understood that Villa were keen on signing the winger last summer , although they ultimately balked at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a stunning season in the Championship , Villa are believed to be set to reignite their interest .
Smith was at Wembley for the play-off final as he analysed his former side ’ s 2-1 defeat to Fulham .
With Joe Bryan 's double meaning Fulham will join Villa in the top-flight , while Brentford remain in the Championship .
In all likelihood , it means Benrahma has played his final game for the club , with all the signs pointing to a summer move .
And with the Villa boss in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media , have told the manager to steal a march on their rivals .
@ HarryBatters : Dean Smith is at Wembley today - hopefully he chats Benrahma and Watkins up into moving to the Villa @ ChanceRaps_ : Dean Smith better be on the pitch as soon as the game ends with a contract for Benrahma and Watkins in hand @ AVFCSims : Just seen Dean Smith running down the touchline celebrating .
Haha @ AzariaJohnson14 : Don ’ t lie the first thing what came to your head when Fulham scores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benrahma @ Grang3Hill : Hopefully Deano is getting ready to have a word with Benrahma and Watkins after the game @ tom_avfc1 : Dean Smith is definitely loving this knowing he ’ s poaching both benrahma and Watkins after this game @ _JMB96 : Deano to tap up Benrahma at full time then ?

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Dean Smith has been urged to do all he can, to seal a deal for Said Benrahma, after his Brentford side were beaten by Fulham in the play-off final.
The Algeria international has been heavily linked with a move to Aston Villa, ever since Smith replaced Steve Bruce as manager in October 2018.
Smith was the man that signed Benrahma for the Bees during his spell in west London and has remained a keen admirer.
It is understood that Villa were keen on signing the winger last summer, although they ultimately balked at the £20m asking price.
However, after a stunning season in the Championship, Villa are believed to be set to reignite their interest.
Smith was at Wembley for the play-off final as he analysed his former side’s 2-1 defeat to Fulham. With Joe Bryan's double meaning Fulham will join Villa in the top-flight, while Brentford remain in the Championship.
In all likelihood, it means Benrahma has played his final game for the club, with all the signs pointing to a summer move.
And with the Villa boss in such close proximity, fans on social media, have told the manager to steal a march on their rivals.
@elliot_terfinko: Announce Benrahma
@HarryBatters: Dean Smith is at Wembley today - hopefully he chats Benrahma and Watkins up into moving to the Villa
@ChanceRaps_: Dean Smith better be on the pitch as soon as the game ends with a contract for Benrahma and Watkins in hand
@AVFCSims: Just seen Dean Smith running down the touchline celebrating. Haha
@AzariaJohnson14: Don’t lie the first thing what came to your head when Fulham scores was ‘deano is about to sign benrahma
@AlexKing15: ANNOUNCE BENRAHMA
@Grang3Hill: Hopefully Deano is getting ready to have a word with Benrahma and Watkins after the game
@tom_avfc1: Dean Smith is definitely loving this knowing he’s poaching both benrahma and Watkins after this game
@_JMB96: Deano to tap up Benrahma at full time then?


birminghammail--2020-08-04--Channel 4's Lose A Stone in 21 Days sparks furious backlash

An eating disorder charity will extend its helpline hours on Wednesday to combat a potentially triggering Channel 4 documentary .
Lose A Stone in 21 Days , hosted by Michael Mosley , is set to air on August 5 - leading to widespread fury on social media .
Beat , a leading eating disorder charity in the UK , has taken to social media to confirm it will extend its helpline hours for anybody affected .
The charity says calls to its helpline have increased by 50 % since the start of lockdown and that there has been a 78 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compared with February .
`` Erm I ’ ve just seen an advert on Channel 4 for a programme called “ Lose a Stone in 21 days ” .
Is this not dangerous and irresponsible ?
?
? ''
one Twitter user asked this eveninf .
`` Did I really just see an advert for a TV show called ‘ Lose a stone in 21 days ’ on Channel 4 ?
Sounds like a really sustainable way to lose weight , '' agreed a second .
And a third wrote : `` Today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new Channel 4 show called 'How To Lose A Stone In 21 Days ' and I am just raging .
People ( both fat and thin ) will get eating disorders as a result of watching s*** like this . ''
`` Channel 4 doing a post-lockdown weight loss programme to lose a stone in 3 WEEKS is incredibly irresponsible .
And it won ’ t ‘ boost your immune system ’ either , '' a fourth fumed .
Beat wrote : `` In response to a lockdown diet programme on Channel 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our services will be open until 11pm for anyone who needs to chat # EDsupport # eatingdisorders `` '' Thank you @ beatED .
You 're incredible , '' one Twitter user replied .
The Beat Adult Helpline is open to anyone over 18 .
Parents , teachers or any concerned adults should call the adult helpline on 0808 801 0677 .
`` There 's also one tonight that 's been very triggering # howtoloseweightwell @ BeatEDSupport @ beatED @ jessthegriff @ CPriceBeatED @ HopeVirgo , '' wrote a third .
Dissociation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clinicfordissociativestudies.com , Epilepsy Action epilepsy.org.uk , European Society for Trauma and Dissociation estd.org , First Person Plural firstpersonplural.org.uk , The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation ( ISSTD ) isst-d.org , Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder ( NEAD ) nonepilepticattackdisorder.org.uk , National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children ( NSPCC ) nspcc.org.uk , Positive Outcomes for Dissociative Survivors ( PODS ) pods-online.org.uk , Survivors UK survivorsuk.org , The Survivors Trust thesurvivorstrust.org Eating disorders - You can also talk in confidence to an adviser from eating disorders charity Beat by calling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or youth helpline on 0808 801 0711 .
Hypomania and mania - Be Mindful bemindful.co.uk , Bipolar UK bipolaruk.org.uk , British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies ( BABCP ) babcp.com , British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy ( BACP ) 01455 883 300 itsgoodtotalk.org.uk , hearing-voices.org , intervoiceonline.org , nice.org.uk , rethink.org , sane.org.uk Postnatal depression & perinatal mental health - Action Postpartum Psychosis ( APP ) app-network.org , The Association for Post Natal Illness apni.org , Birth trauma association birthtraumaassociation.org.uk , The Breastfeeding Network 0300 100 0212 breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk , Elefriends elefriends.org.uk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ familylives.org.uk , fatherhoodinstitute.org , home-start.org.uk The Lullaby Trust lullabytrust.org.uk , Maternal OCD maternalocd.org , The Miscarriage Association miscarriageassociation.org.uk , NCT nct.org.uk , Sands sands.org.uk , Start4Life nhs.uk/start4life and Tommy 's tommys.org Premenstrual dysphoric disorder ( PMDD ) - British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy ( BACP ) bacp.co.uk , IAPT iapt.nhs.uk/services , International Association for Premenstrual Disorders iapmd.org and National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome ( NAPS ) pms.org.uk If you think you may have an eating disorder , even if you are n't sure , see your GP as soon as you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your eating habits and how you 're feeling , and will check your overall health and weight .
If they think you may have an eating disorder , they should refer you to an eating disorder specialist or team of specialists .
It can be very hard to admit you have a problem and ask for help .
It may make things easier if you bring a friend or loved one with you to your appointment .
You can also talk in confidence to an adviser from eating disorders charity Beat by calling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or youth helpline on 0808 801 0711 .

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An eating disorder charity will extend its helpline hours on Wednesday to combat a potentially triggering Channel 4 documentary.
Lose A Stone in 21 Days, hosted by Michael Mosley, is set to air on August 5 - leading to widespread fury on social media.
Beat, a leading eating disorder charity in the UK, has taken to social media to confirm it will extend its helpline hours for anybody affected.
The charity says calls to its helpline have increased by 50% since the start of lockdown and that there has been a 78% rise in contact via social media compared with February.
"Erm I’ve just seen an advert on Channel 4 for a programme called “Lose a Stone in 21 days”. Is this not dangerous and irresponsible???" one Twitter user asked this eveninf.
"Did I really just see an advert for a TV show called ‘Lose a stone in 21 days’ on Channel 4? Sounds like a really sustainable way to lose weight," agreed a second.
(Image: PA)
And a third wrote: "Today I have seen an advert for a new Channel 4 show called 'How To Lose A Stone In 21 Days' and I am just raging. People (both fat and thin) will get eating disorders as a result of watching s*** like this."
"Channel 4 doing a post-lockdown weight loss programme to lose a stone in 3 WEEKS is incredibly irresponsible. And it won’t ‘boost your immune system’ either," a fourth fumed.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Beat wrote: "In response to a lockdown diet programme on Channel 4 tomorrow night (Wednesday 5th), our services will be open until 11pm for anyone who needs to chat #EDsupport #eatingdisorders "
"Thank you @beatED. You're incredible," one Twitter user replied.
The Beat Adult Helpline is open to anyone over 18. Parents, teachers or any concerned adults should call the adult helpline on 0808 801 0677.
"Thanks," a second added.
"There's also one tonight that's been very triggering #howtoloseweightwell @BeatEDSupport @beatED @jessthegriff @CPriceBeatED @HopeVirgo," wrote a third.
Mental health support Bipolar disorder - bipolaruk.org, hearing-voices.org, intervoiceonline.org, nice.org.uk, rethink.org, sane.org.uk Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) - bipolaruk.org, hearing-voices.org, intervoiceonline.org, nice.org.uk, rethink.org, sane.org.uk Borderline personality disorder (BPD) - bipolaruk.org, hearing-voices.org, intervoiceonline.org, nice.org.uk, rethink.org, sane.org.uk Dissociation and dissociative disorders - Clinic for Dissociative Studies clinicfordissociativestudies.com, Epilepsy Action epilepsy.org.uk, European Society for Trauma and Dissociation estd.org, First Person Plural firstpersonplural.org.uk, The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) isst-d.org, Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder (NEAD) nonepilepticattackdisorder.org.uk, National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) nspcc.org.uk, Positive Outcomes for Dissociative Survivors (PODS) pods-online.org.uk, Survivors UK survivorsuk.org, The Survivors Trust thesurvivorstrust.org Eating disorders - You can also talk in confidence to an adviser from eating disorders charity Beat by calling their adult helpline on 0808 801 0677 or youth helpline on 0808 801 0711. Hoarding - British Psychological Society (BPS) bps.org.uk, Rainbow Red rainbowred.co.uk, 0845 390 6232 ocdaction.org.uk, ocduk.org, thesilverline.org.uk, hoardingdisordersuk.org, helpforhoarders.co.uk Hypomania and mania - Be Mindful bemindful.co.uk, Bipolar UK bipolaruk.org.uk , British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) babcp.com, British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) 01455 883 300 itsgoodtotalk.org.uk, hearing-voices.org, intervoiceonline.org, nice.org.uk, rethink.org, sane.org.uk Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) - 0845 390 6232 ocdaction.org.uk, ocduk.org Paranoia - therapeuticcommunities.org, talktofrank.com, napac.org.uk, nice.org.uk Postnatal depression & perinatal mental health - Action Postpartum Psychosis (APP) app-network.org, The Association for Post Natal Illness apni.org, Birth trauma association birthtraumaassociation.org.uk, The Breastfeeding Network 0300 100 0212 breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk, Elefriends elefriends.org.uk, Family Action family-action.org.uk, Family Lives familylives.org.uk, fatherhoodinstitute.org, home-start.org.uk The Lullaby Trust lullabytrust.org.uk, Maternal OCD maternalocd.org, The Miscarriage Association miscarriageassociation.org.uk, NCT nct.org.uk, Sands sands.org.uk, Start4Life nhs.uk/start4life and Tommy's tommys.org Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - Anxiety UK anxietyuk.org.uk, ASSIST trauma care assisttraumacare.org.uk, Birth Trauma birthtraumaassociation.org.uk, Combat Stress combatstress.org.uk, Disaster Action disasteraction.org.uk, EMDR UK & Ireland emdrassociation.org.uk/, Elefriends elefriends.org.uk, Freedom From Torture freedomfromtorture.org, Lifecentre lifecentre.uk.com, Moodjuice moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk, PTSD resolution ptsdresolution.org, Survivors Trust thesurvivorstrust.org Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) - British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) bacp.co.uk, IAPT iapt.nhs.uk/services, International Association for Premenstrual Disorders iapmd.org and National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome (NAPS) pms.org.uk Psychosis - bipolaruk.org, hearing-voices.org, intervoiceonline.org, nice.org.uk, rethink.org, sane.org.uk Schizoaffective disorder - babcp.com, bacp.co.uk, hearing-voices.org, intervoiceonline.org, sane.org.uk Schizophrenia - elefriends.org.uk, hearing-voices.org, nationalparanoianetwork.org, rcpsych.ac.uk Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) 0800 58 58 58, info@depressionuk.org, depressionuk.org, nice.org.uk, rethink.org, sane.org.uk Tardive dyskinesia - tremor.org.uk, dystonia.org.uk, hearing-voices.org, mhra.gov.uk, parkinsons.org.uk NHS Direct 0845 46 47
If you think you may have an eating disorder, even if you aren't sure, see your GP as soon as you can.
They'll ask you questions about your eating habits and how you're feeling, and will check your overall health and weight.
If they think you may have an eating disorder, they should refer you to an eating disorder specialist or team of specialists.
It can be very hard to admit you have a problem and ask for help. It may make things easier if you bring a friend or loved one with you to your appointment.
You can also talk in confidence to an adviser from eating disorders charity Beat by calling their adult helpline on 0808 801 0677 or youth helpline on 0808 801 0711.


birminghammail--2020-08-04--Euromillions results: Winning National Lottery numbers for Tuesday

It ’ s an exciting night for Euromillions players as Camelot plans to dish out multiple prizes to players across the UK .
The EuroMillions draw takes place every Tuesday and Friday at approximately 8pm .
The two special draws are being held to celebrate changes to the EuroMillions game which Camelot says will give players the chance of winning bigger jackpot prizes more often .
A spokesman for Camelot said : “ More prize money will go into the jackpot - plus there will be a prize cap increase to 200M Euros ( up from 190M Euros ) - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more often .
“ The changes , which will also see more special promotional draws in the year , came into effect from 1 February , with the first draw on Tuesday 4 February 2020 .
“ EuroMillions UK Millionaire Maker guarantees to create a millionaire in every draw , but in the EuroMillions draw on Tuesday , February 4 , an additional 19 lucky winners will be able to look forward to becoming an overnight millionaire .
For every EuroMillions line played , UK players automatically receive a EuroMillions Millionaire Maker code @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Selection - one UK millionaire has been created , TFCV61043

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It’s an exciting night for Euromillions players as Camelot plans to dish out multiple prizes to players across the UK.
The EuroMillions draw takes place every Tuesday and Friday at approximately 8pm.
The two special draws are being held to celebrate changes to the EuroMillions game which Camelot says will give players the chance of winning bigger jackpot prizes more often.
A spokesman for Camelot said: “More prize money will go into the jackpot - plus there will be a prize cap increase to 200M Euros (up from 190M Euros) - meaning an increased chance of bigger jackpots more often.
“The changes, which will also see more special promotional draws in the year, came into effect from 1 February, with the first draw on Tuesday 4 February 2020.
“EuroMillions UK Millionaire Maker guarantees to create a millionaire in every draw, but in the EuroMillions draw on Tuesday, February 4, an additional 19 lucky winners will be able to look forward to becoming an overnight millionaire. For every EuroMillions line played, UK players automatically receive a EuroMillions Millionaire Maker code printed on their ticket.”
Tonight's National Lottery EuroMillions winning numbers are: 42, 02, 05, 01, 15.
The Lucky Stars are: 08, 05.
Tonight's estimated jackpot is £44 million.
Millionaire Maker Selection - one UK millionaire has been created, TFCV61043
Tonight's National Lottery Thunderball winning numbers are: 03, 24, 30, 37, 38.
The Thunderball is 06.


birminghammail--2020-08-04--Aston Villa transfer news and rumours live

Hello and welcome to Tuesday 's LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive .
We will keep you up to date @ @ @ @ @ news and views as the transfer rumour mill cranks up to full tilt with the @ @ @ @ @ a full week .
New sporting director Johan Lange is the man tasked with delving @ @ @ @ @ 's behalf this summer as he looks to arm Dean Smith with the tools he @ @ @ @ @ in the Premier League again .
Jack Grealish continues to dominate Villa talk , the @ @ @ @ @ money move away this summer with Manchester United and Arsenal both linked .
So stay @ @ @ @ @ blog and be sure to check back for all the latest Villa transfer news and @ @

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Ben Husband, James Rushton)

Hello and welcome to Tuesday's LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive.
We will keep you up to date with all the latest Villa news and views as the transfer rumour mill cranks up to full tilt with the transfer window already open for a full week.
New sporting director Johan Lange is the man tasked with delving into the market on Villa's behalf this summer as he looks to arm Dean Smith with the tools he needs to keep the club in the Premier League again.
Jack Grealish continues to dominate Villa talk, the midfielder linked with a big money move away this summer with Manchester United and Arsenal both linked.
So stay with us on today's blog and be sure to check back for all the latest Villa transfer news and opinion.


birminghammail--2020-08-04--'Top striker' - Dean Smith breaks his silence on Ollie Watkins

It will be a busy summer ahead for Aston Villa in the transfer window as they search for a new striker .
One candidate could be Brentford 's Ollie Watkins - a regular on the Villa rumour mill as a potential target for the club and a player well known by current head coach Dean Smith .
Smith managed Watkins during his time at Brentford , and admitted that the forward had been on his radar longer than that .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tried signing him a year earlier from Exeter City but he wanted to stay another year , '' said Smith on Sky Sports today .
Watkins scored 13 goals during that extra season at Exeter before eventually making the move to Brentford , and has n't looked back .
He 's hit double digit goal tallies in every season since .
`` I like that at even a young age he went on loan to Weston Super-Mare and scored fourteen odd goals there at a young age .
He 's got a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He 's a joy to work with '' added Smith .
However , since Watkins ' turn as a centre-forward he has been nothing short of a revelation .
Watkins has scored 25 goals this season - his best return yet , and Smith knew he 'd be able to step up to the void left by Neal Maupay .
`` I played him a few times at striker .
I always said to him he 'd be a striker , he likes playing off the left and we felt that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and get goals - but we played him at centre-forward at Bristol City away and he ran them ragged .
Maupay came on and scored the winner and Ollie was disappointed that he did n't score .
That 's the sign for me of a top striker , he 'll do well . ''

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It will be a busy summer ahead for Aston Villa in the transfer window as they search for a new striker.
One candidate could be Brentford's Ollie Watkins - a regular on the Villa rumour mill as a potential target for the club and a player well known by current head coach Dean Smith.
Smith managed Watkins during his time at Brentford, and admitted that the forward had been on his radar longer than that.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
"Young Ollie Watkins - I tried signing him a year earlier from Exeter City but he wanted to stay another year," said Smith on Sky Sports today.
Watkins scored 13 goals during that extra season at Exeter before eventually making the move to Brentford, and hasn't looked back.
He's hit double digit goal tallies in every season since.
"I like that at even a young age he went on loan to Weston Super-Mare and scored fourteen odd goals there at a young age. He's got a great attitude and he doesn't stop working. He's a joy to work with" added Smith.
However, since Watkins' turn as a centre-forward he has been nothing short of a revelation. Watkins has scored 25 goals this season - his best return yet, and Smith knew he'd be able to step up to the void left by Neal Maupay.
"I played him a few times at striker. I always said to him he'd be a striker, he likes playing off the left and we felt that was the best area for him to go and get goals - but we played him at centre-forward at Bristol City away and he ran them ragged. Maupay came on and scored the winner and Ollie was disappointed that he didn't score. That's the sign for me of a top striker, he'll do well."


birminghammail--2020-08-04--Aston Villa transfer roundup:  Grealish, Origi, Hendick

Aston Villa are stepping up their preparations for next season as Dean Smith starts to piece together his squad .
@ @ @ @ @ Grealish to Manchester United saga , or talk that Jeff Hendrick could be signing , @ @ @ @ @ .
On top of that , John Terry has been linked to the Bournemouth job @ @ @ @ @ rumoured target .
Villa writer James Rushton was on hand from 6pm to take your @ @ @ @ @ .
Here 's how you get involved next time .
All you have to do @ @ @ @ @ up in one of two ways .
1 ) You can click on the silhouette @ @ @ @ @ of this piece and you will be prompted to log in .
Or ... 2 @ @ @ @ @ type in the chat window at the top of the piece you will be prompted @ @ @ @ @ .

Aston Villa are stepping up their preparations for next season as Dean Smith starts to piece together his squad.
Be it the ongoing Jack Grealish to Manchester United saga, or talk that Jeff Hendrick could be signing, there is plenty to discuss.
On top of that, John Terry has been linked to the Bournemouth job and Divock Origi is a rumoured target.
Villa writer James Rushton was on hand from 6pm to take your questions - all answered here.
Here's how you get involved next time. All you have to do to take part in sign up in one of two ways.
1) You can click on the silhouette in the top right corner of this piece and you will be prompted to log in. Or...
2) If you try to type in the chat window at the top of the piece you will be prompted to log in that way.
If the chat window does not load then please click here


birminghammail--2020-08-04--Dean Smith explains Benrahma scouting mission amid Aston Villa transfer links

Said Benrahma has existed as a constant transfer link for Aston Villa over the past year .
First linked after Villa 's play-off final win over Derby County , the show-stopping winger was n't fated to move to Villa Park with an attractive deal failing to land on Brentford 's table .
Now , with the Bees taking on Fulham in the play-off final Benrahma stands just a match away from Premier League football .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here It 's hard to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyway - and has been linked with a move to Chelsea and Villa among other clubs .
Villa head coach Dean Smith knows Benrahma well , and helped bring the winger to London as part of Brentford 's recruitment team during a scouting mission .
`` We were fortunate enough to see young Benrahma in the French second division on-loan from Nice , '' said Smith speaking during Sky Sports ' coverage of tonight 's play-off final .
`` Really liked what I saw - he 's got everything .
It takes a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new country , but I was confident he 'd make an impact . ''
Brentford signed Benrahma after a loan spell at Châteauroux where scored nine goals and set-up a further five .
A fee under £3 million delivered 27 goals and 22 assists at Brentford over the last two seasons - and now the Premier League awaits one way or another for Benrahma .

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Said Benrahma has existed as a constant transfer link for Aston Villa over the past year.
First linked after Villa's play-off final win over Derby County, the show-stopping winger wasn't fated to move to Villa Park with an attractive deal failing to land on Brentford's table.
Now, with the Bees taking on Fulham in the play-off final Benrahma stands just a match away from Premier League football.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
It's hard to believe he won't end up there anyway - and has been linked with a move to Chelsea and Villa among other clubs.
Villa head coach Dean Smith knows Benrahma well, and helped bring the winger to London as part of Brentford's recruitment team during a scouting mission.
"We were fortunate enough to see young Benrahma in the French second division on-loan from Nice," said Smith speaking during Sky Sports' coverage of tonight's play-off final.
"Really liked what I saw - he's got everything. It takes a while sometimes for people to adapt to a new country, but I was confident he'd make an impact."
Brentford signed Benrahma after a loan spell at Châteauroux where scored nine goals and set-up a further five.
A fee under £3 million delivered 27 goals and 22 assists at Brentford over the last two seasons - and now the Premier League awaits one way or another for Benrahma.


birminghammail--2020-08-04--Huge explosion which felt like a 'nuclear bomb' in Beirut

At least ten people are dead and hundreds injured in a massive explosion in Beirut which could be heard 100 miles away in Cyprus - it has been reported .
Reuters news reported that the terrifying blast flattened much of the port , collapsing windows , blowing out windows and doors as a `` giant mushroom cloud '' rose above the capital .
One witness in the Lebanese capital told the PA news agency it felt like `` a nuclear bomb '' .
The cause of the blast is not yet clear .
Local TV stations have claimed that firecrackers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Local Fady Roumieh was standing in a shopping centre car park around 2km east of the blast , when the explosion occurred .
`` ( It was ) like a nuclear bomb , '' he said .
`` The damage is so widespread and severe all over the city .
Some buildings as far as 2km are partially collapsed .
It 's like a war zone .
`` The damage is extreme .
Not one glass window intact . ''
Mr Roumieh said the blast appeared to be centred on the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over miles away - windows were shattered , balconies were knocked down and ceiling collapsed .
He added : `` The emotional trauma to this city is what 's worst .
On top of the pandemic .
The total economic meltdown .
And currency devaluation . ''
Lebanon is undergoing its worst economic and financial crisis in decades - amid rising tensions between Israel and the militant Hezbollah group along Lebanon 's southern border .
Online video showed a column of smoke rising from the port area from what appeared to be an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blast that sent up a mushroom cloud and a shock wave racing over the city .
Many have expressed their horror at the filmed footage .
ITV Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan tweeted : `` My god ... what ’ s just happened in Beirut ?
?
?
? ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Edd Dracott, Sanjeeta Bains)

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At least ten people are dead and hundreds injured in a massive explosion in Beirut which could be heard 100 miles away in Cyprus - it has been reported.
The explosion rocked central Beirut this afternoon ( August 4).
Reuters news reported that the terrifying blast flattened much of the port, collapsing windows, blowing out windows and doors as a "giant mushroom cloud" rose above the capital.
One witness in the Lebanese capital told the PA news agency it felt like "a nuclear bomb". The cause of the blast is not yet clear. Local TV stations have claimed that firecrackers are stored where the explosion took place.
Local Fady Roumieh was standing in a shopping centre car park around 2km east of the blast, when the explosion occurred. "(It was) like a nuclear bomb," he said. "The damage is so widespread and severe all over the city. Some buildings as far as 2km are partially collapsed. It's like a war zone.
"The damage is extreme. Not one glass window intact."
(Image: Reuters)
Mr Roumieh said the blast appeared to be centred on the city's port but its devastation was spread over miles away - windows were shattered, balconies were knocked down and ceiling collapsed.
He added: "The emotional trauma to this city is what's worst. On top of the pandemic. The total economic meltdown. And currency devaluation."
Lebanon is undergoing its worst economic and financial crisis in decades - amid rising tensions between Israel and the militant Hezbollah group along Lebanon's southern border.
Online video showed a column of smoke rising from the port area from what appeared to be an initial explosion, followed by a massive blast that sent up a mushroom cloud and a shock wave racing over the city.
Many have expressed their horror at the filmed footage. ITV Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan tweeted: "My god... what’s just happened in Beirut????"


birminghammail--2020-08-04--Man taken to hospital as police chase ends in dramatic crash

A man had to be taken to hospital after a suspected stolen car that was being chased by cops smashed into a van at a busy Walsall junction .
West Midlands Police said they were pursuing the black Seat Leon FR along Lichfield Road , Bloxwich , when it crashed at around 11am on Tuesday , August 4 .
The force 's drone unit was called in after the driver of the motor fled the scene and ran into some nearby gardens .
He managed to evade capture and a hunt to find the hit-and-run motorist is continuing , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driver for his injuries before taking him to Walsall Manor Hospital for further care .
His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening .
The carriageway also had to be closed off for more than an hour while recovery work was carried out and officers scoured the scene for the getaway driver .
A spokesman for West Midlands Police added : `` A suspected stolen car being pursued by officers was involved in a collision with a van in Lichfield Road , Bloxwich , just before 11.10am today ( 4 August ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scene and the van driver was taken to hospital with minor injuries .
`` Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information , or dash cam footage , is asked to contact us via Live Chat or by calling 101 .
Quote log 1401 of August 4 . ''

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A man had to be taken to hospital after a suspected stolen car that was being chased by cops smashed into a van at a busy Walsall junction.
West Midlands Police said they were pursuing the black Seat Leon FR along Lichfield Road, Bloxwich, when it crashed at around 11am on Tuesday, August 4.
The force's drone unit was called in after the driver of the motor fled the scene and ran into some nearby gardens.
He managed to evade capture and a hunt to find the hit-and-run motorist is continuing, a spokesman confirmed.
Medics treated the van driver for his injuries before taking him to Walsall Manor Hospital for further care. His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
The carriageway also had to be closed off for more than an hour while recovery work was carried out and officers scoured the scene for the getaway driver.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police added: "A suspected stolen car being pursued by officers was involved in a collision with a van in Lichfield Road, Bloxwich, just before 11.10am today (4 August).
"The driver of Seat Leon fled the scene and the van driver was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
"Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information, or dash cam footage, is asked to contact us via Live Chat or by calling 101. Quote log 1401 of August 4."


birminghammail--2020-08-04--How to find the nearest restaurant to you doing half price deals

This month Brummies can enjoy amazing meals at amazingly good prices .
And it 's all thanks to the The Eat Out to Help Out initiative launched by the Chancellor during his mini budget .
Rishi Sunak is helping out the struggling hospitality industry by ensuring the government picks up part of the bill for any customers dining in August from Mondays to Wednesday - up to 50 % off their meals - at a cap of £10 per person .
So for example if you and a friend go out for a slap up dinner on those days and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food and soft drinks - you will be entitled to £20 off !
The deal does not cover alcohol and applies to dine in customers only .
You can use the discount as many times as you like from Monday to Wednesday .
All the restaurant has to do is claim back the discount from the Government .
And all you need to do is find a restaurant you fancy and book !
There 's an ever growing list of venues signing up to the scheme so to make things a bit easier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local listings website InYourArea to create this very handy widget .
Simply enter your postcode below ( click 'View On InYourArea ' if results do n't display automatically ) to find details of participating businesses on your doorstep .
If you ca n't see the search box on your device , click 'view interactive content ' .
The discount applies to food and soft drinks only and any service charges may be added to your bill .
Many Birmingham restaurants are creating their own bargain deals too thanks to the Chancellor 's temporary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also announced in his mini budget .
Plush city centre eatery Opus on Cornwall Street is offering whole grilled 1lb Native Lobster or char grilled 6oz dry aged steak , both served with hand cut chips and garlic butter at £27.50 per person for two courses every Friday and Saturdays .
And new kid of the restaurant block Dishoom - is offering half price on all meals - so there 's no £10 limit .
Foodies should check with their chosen restaurant for details of the days any deals are available and if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probably best to book if you can .
We have created a list of great deals offered by some of Brum 's best restaurants here .
Happy safe eating and drinking Birmingham .

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This month Brummies can enjoy amazing meals at amazingly good prices.
And it's all thanks to the The Eat Out to Help Out initiative launched by the Chancellor during his mini budget.
Rishi Sunak is helping out the struggling hospitality industry by ensuring the government picks up part of the bill for any customers dining in August from Mondays to Wednesday - up to 50% off their meals - at a cap of £10 per person.
So for example if you and a friend go out for a slap up dinner on those days and spend a total of £40 plus on food and soft drinks - you will be entitled to £20 off! The deal does not cover alcohol and applies to dine in customers only. You can use the discount as many times as you like from Monday to Wednesday.
All the restaurant has to do is claim back the discount from the Government. And all you need to do is find a restaurant you fancy and book!
There's an ever growing list of venues signing up to the scheme so to make things a bit easier, we have teamed up with our local listings website InYourArea to create this very handy widget.
Simply enter your postcode below (click 'View On InYourArea' if results don't display automatically) to find details of participating businesses on your doorstep.
If you can't see the search box on your device, click 'view interactive content'.
The discount applies to food and soft drinks only and any service charges may be added to your bill.
Many Birmingham restaurants are creating their own bargain deals too thanks to the Chancellor's temporary VAT cut for hospitality - which was also announced in his mini budget.
Plush city centre eatery Opus on Cornwall Street is offering whole grilled 1lb Native Lobster or char grilled 6oz dry aged steak, both served with hand cut chips and garlic butter at £27.50 per person for two courses every Friday and Saturdays.
And new kid of the restaurant block Dishoom - is offering half price on all meals - so there's no £10 limit.
Foodies should check with their chosen restaurant for details of the days any deals are available and if walk ins are accepted. It's probably best to book if you can.
We have created a list of great deals offered by some of Brum's best restaurants here. Happy safe eating and drinking Birmingham.


birminghammail--2020-08-04--Shock moment teen caught on CCTV  battering man walking home from night out

This is the horrific moment a violent teenager battered a stranger as he walked home from a night out in Sandwell .
Sickening CCTV footage shows Robin Foster repeatedly punching and kicking the man – who he bumped into just after midnight – as he sought refuge in a petrol station forecourt .
West Midlands Police said the 19-year-old shouted 'yo mate ' to his victim and asked for a cigarette as he spotted him in Park Street , Oldbury , on August 27 last year .
But seconds later , and without warning , Foster floored the stranger with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head .
He was chased almost a mile to the Shell garage in Churchbridge where he pleaded for a cashier to call the police before Foster , then aged 18 , continued his savage attack .
The 34-year-old victim lost two teeth and suffered nasty cuts to his forehead .
He was treated at the scene by paramedics while Foster ran away .
You can watch the clip above .
Cops seized CCTV footage from the garage and released images in the hope someone would recognise the offender .
It prompted a man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers arrested him on October 4 from his home in Roway Lane , Oldbury .
Clothing matching that worn by the attacker , including a distinctive Nike top , Calvin Klein body-warner and a chain shown on CCTV hanging from his jeans pocket , was found at the address .
He was charged with wounding and at Wolverhampton Crown Court on July 22 he was jailed for seven years and four months having admitted the offence .
Investigating officer , PC Andy Mimnagh , said : `` This was a brutal , shocking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unprovoked .
The victim had missed his bus so started walking home when Foster called out to him…seconds later he was under attack .
`` The victim can be seen on the video curling up in a foetal position as he tried to defend himself .
One customer at the petrol station thought they were play fighting before seeing blood pouring from the man ’ s nose and mouth .
`` I wish the victim well for the future and hopefully , when Foster is eventually released , he will take advantage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brighter future.
” Chief Inspector Gill Davenport from the Dudley & Sandwell Crimes Team , added : `` Foster had no previous offences recorded against him ; that should act as a clear warning to anyone who thinks random acts of violence are not taken seriously by the police or and courts .
`` This sentence demonstrates our joint commitment to reducing public place violence .
`` Tackling violent crime is a priority for us…everyone in Sandwell and Dudley deserves safe streets .
We ’ ve increased patrols and are working with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

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This is the horrific moment a violent teenager battered a stranger as he walked home from a night out in Sandwell.
Sickening CCTV footage shows Robin Foster repeatedly punching and kicking the man – who he bumped into just after midnight – as he sought refuge in a petrol station forecourt.
West Midlands Police said the 19-year-old shouted 'yo mate' to his victim and asked for a cigarette as he spotted him in Park Street, Oldbury, on August 27 last year.
But seconds later, and without warning, Foster floored the stranger with a punch to the side of his head.
He was chased almost a mile to the Shell garage in Churchbridge where he pleaded for a cashier to call the police before Foster, then aged 18, continued his savage attack.
The 34-year-old victim lost two teeth and suffered nasty cuts to his forehead. He was treated at the scene by paramedics while Foster ran away. You can watch the clip above.
Cops seized CCTV footage from the garage and released images in the hope someone would recognise the offender.
It prompted a man to get in touch naming Foster and officers arrested him on October 4 from his home in Roway Lane, Oldbury.
Clothing matching that worn by the attacker, including a distinctive Nike top, Calvin Klein body-warner and a chain shown on CCTV hanging from his jeans pocket, was found at the address.
He was charged with wounding and at Wolverhampton Crown Court on July 22 he was jailed for seven years and four months having admitted the offence.
(Image: WMP)
Investigating officer, PC Andy Mimnagh, said: "This was a brutal, shocking attack and from what we understand totally unprovoked. The victim had missed his bus so started walking home when Foster called out to him…seconds later he was under attack.
"The victim can be seen on the video curling up in a foetal position as he tried to defend himself. One customer at the petrol station thought they were play fighting before seeing blood pouring from the man’s nose and mouth.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"I wish the victim well for the future and hopefully, when Foster is eventually released, he will take advantage of help offered to him and create a brighter future.”
Chief Inspector Gill Davenport from the Dudley & Sandwell Crimes Team, added: "Foster had no previous offences recorded against him; that should act as a clear warning to anyone who thinks random acts of violence are not taken seriously by the police or and courts.
"This sentence demonstrates our joint commitment to reducing public place violence.
"Tackling violent crime is a priority for us…everyone in Sandwell and Dudley deserves safe streets. We’ve increased patrols and are working with the Violence Reduction Unit to tackle the issue.”


birminghammail--2020-08-04--Man United's Europa League decision could be a huge boost for Wolves

“ We have to think big .
If we think like this – we want to be in the final and win it , we have to go with that mentality and effort – we can achieve it.
” That was the bullish message issued by Raul Jimenez , as Wolves prepare to embark on the home-straight of their marathon campaign .
After 13 months and 15 matches , Wolves are potentially , just four games away from winning the club ’ s first major European honour .
Arsenal ’ s win over Chelsea in the FA Cup final narrowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s squad want another European campaign next term , they will need to cap this memorable season , with the most picture-book ending imaginable .
Olympiakos provide Wolves with a stern test first-up , but with an away goal and key players missing , they will be confident of navigating their way through that tie at Molineux .
And then it is all eyes on Germany and the most unique end to this most unique of seasons , as Wolves face-off against some of the biggest teams in world football , with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer .
Should they beat Olympiakos , it will be either Roma or Sevilla in Duisburg , by some distance , their most difficult assignment in the competition so far .
Roma finished fifth in Serie A , whilst the Spaniards secured a top-four finish after a stunning end to the season .
But , if they could somehow win that , the entire tournament has the possibility of opening up for them .
Want the biggest Wolves stories straight to your inbox ?
Sign up at the top of this story or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a semi-final against Manchester United isn ’ t an easy task , but with Champions League football secured , a second Europa League crown in less than a decade , isn ’ t high on the priority list at Old Trafford .
In fact , Manchester Evening News report that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could use the mini-tournament as an opportunity to blood some of his talented youngsters , while resting his most recognisable players , ready for next season .
Wolves have a fine record against the best Solskjaer has to offer - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have faced off seven times - with United only winning once in the last two seasons .
If they are not at full strength , it could provide Nuno ’ s men with a golden opportunity of a European final at the end of August .
Beating four powerhouses of the world game in less than a month looks a tall order , but if the cards fall their way , Wolves will fancy their chances and Solskjaer ’ s decision could make that task substantially easier .

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“We have to think big. If we think like this – we want to be in the final and win it, we have to go with that mentality and effort – we can achieve it.”
That was the bullish message issued by Raul Jimenez, as Wolves prepare to embark on the home-straight of their marathon campaign.
After 13 months and 15 matches, Wolves are potentially, just four games away from winning the club’s first major European honour.
(Image: PA)
Arsenal’s win over Chelsea in the FA Cup final narrowed minds. If Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad want another European campaign next term, they will need to cap this memorable season, with the most picture-book ending imaginable.
Olympiakos provide Wolves with a stern test first-up, but with an away goal and key players missing, they will be confident of navigating their way through that tie at Molineux.
And then it is all eyes on Germany and the most unique end to this most unique of seasons, as Wolves face-off against some of the biggest teams in world football, with the carrot of the Europa League trophy on offer.
Should they beat Olympiakos, it will be either Roma or Sevilla in Duisburg, by some distance, their most difficult assignment in the competition so far.
Roma finished fifth in Serie A, whilst the Spaniards secured a top-four finish after a stunning end to the season.
But, if they could somehow win that, the entire tournament has the possibility of opening up for them.
Want the biggest Wolves stories straight to your inbox? Sign up at the top of this story or follow the instructions here
On paper, a semi-final against Manchester United isn’t an easy task, but with Champions League football secured, a second Europa League crown in less than a decade, isn’t high on the priority list at Old Trafford.
In fact, Manchester Evening News report that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could use the mini-tournament as an opportunity to blood some of his talented youngsters, while resting his most recognisable players, ready for next season.
Wolves have a fine record against the best Solskjaer has to offer - since promotion in 2018, the two have faced off seven times - with United only winning once in the last two seasons. If they are not at full strength, it could provide Nuno’s men with a golden opportunity of a European final at the end of August.
Beating four powerhouses of the world game in less than a month looks a tall order, but if the cards fall their way, Wolves will fancy their chances and Solskjaer’s decision could make that task substantially easier.


birminghammail--2020-08-04--County is Covid-death free for first time in more than four months

There have been no Covid-related deaths across the whole of Worcestershire in the latest weekly figures released by the UK ’ s statistics authority .
For the first time since the coronavirus pandemic took hold at the end of March there have no deaths registered where there has been any mention of Covid-19 on the death certificate .
The latest ONS figures relate to deaths from Saturday , July 18 to Friday , July 24 and registered to Saturday August 1 .
While there were 111 deaths in Worcestershire in that week –week 30 of 2020 – none mentioned Covid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since Week 12 – the week ending Friday , March 20 – just prior to the nationwide lockdown .
So the total Covid-19-related deaths remain at 527 registered in the county since the pandemic began .
Of those 133 were of Bromsgrove residents , 74 in hospital,54 in a care home , four elsewhere and one in an other communal establishment .
Wyre Forest has had 115 Covid deaths of its residents with 65 in hospitals , 39 in care homes , nine at home and two in other communal settings .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents : 49 in hospital , 48 in care homes , five at home , one elsewhere , two in hospices and four in other communal settings .
Worcester has had 62 deaths : 28 in hospitals , 27 in care homes , four in a home , one in a hospice and two other communal .
Redditch has had 60 deaths related to the pandemic ’ s disease- there have been 49 hospital Covid deaths , eight in care homes , two at home , one other communal .
While Malvern Hills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in hospitals , 20 at a care home , two at home and one other communal .
And deaths in Worcestershire ’ s hospitals remain at 306 with 278 at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust – the last on July 27 .
And 28 at Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust sites – the last on June 1 .
Nationally Covid-19 death rates continue to fall and the excess deaths figure – considered the gold standard for measuring the impact of the coronavirus pandemic – has dipped below the five-year average for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There were 161 fewer deaths in the week to July 24 ( Week 30 ) than on average in England and Wales .
Of the 8,891 deaths that week – 217 mentioned Covid-19 , the lowest number for 18 weeks , mirroring the picture in Worcestershire .
The number of deaths involving Covid-19 decreased across all English regions , except for Yorkshire and The Humber and the East Midlands .
Six of the nine regions had fewer overall deaths than the five-year average .
In Wales , the total number of deaths was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death fewer ) for Week 30 .
Of all deaths involving Covid-19 registered up to Week 30 , 63.4 per cent occurred in hospital with the remainder mainly occurring in care homes ( 29.7 per cent ) , private homes ( 4.7 per cent ) and hospices ( 1.4 per cent ) .
There were nine Covid deaths recorded in the UK in the 24 hours to 4pm on Monday , August 3 .
The total number of UK deaths where a positive Covid-19 test has been recorded now stands at 46,210 .

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There have been no Covid-related deaths across the whole of Worcestershire in the latest weekly figures released by the UK’s statistics authority.
For the first time since the coronavirus pandemic took hold at the end of March there have no deaths registered where there has been any mention of Covid-19 on the death certificate.
The latest ONS figures relate to deaths from Saturday, July 18 to Friday, July 24 and registered to Saturday August 1.
(Image: Victoria Jones/PA Wire)
While there were 111 deaths in Worcestershire in that week –week 30 of 2020 – none mentioned Covid, the first time that has happened since Week 12 – the week ending Friday, March 20 – just prior to the nationwide lockdown.
So the total Covid-19-related deaths remain at 527 registered in the county since the pandemic began.
Of those 133 were of Bromsgrove residents, 74 in hospital,54 in a care home, four elsewhere and one in an other communal establishment.
Wyre Forest has had 115 Covid deaths of its residents with 65 in hospitals, 39 in care homes, nine at home and two in other communal settings.
There have been 110 deaths now of Wychavon residents: 49 in hospital, 48 in care homes, five at home, one elsewhere, two in hospices and four in other communal settings.
Worcester has had 62 deaths: 28 in hospitals, 27 in care homes, four in a home, one in a hospice and two other communal.
Redditch has had 60 deaths related to the pandemic’s disease- there have been 49 hospital Covid deaths, eight in care homes, two at home, one other communal.
While Malvern Hills has had 47 Covid deaths – 24 in hospitals, 20 at a care home, two at home and one other communal.
And deaths in Worcestershire’s hospitals remain at 306 with 278 at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust – the last on July 27. And 28 at Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust sites – the last on June 1.
Nationally Covid-19 death rates continue to fall and the excess deaths figure – considered the gold standard for measuring the impact of the coronavirus pandemic – has dipped below the five-year average for the sixth week running the ONS said.
There were 161 fewer deaths in the week to July 24 (Week 30)than on average in England and Wales. Of the 8,891 deaths that week – 217 mentioned Covid-19, the lowest number for 18 weeks, mirroring the picture in Worcestershire.
The number of deaths involving Covid-19 decreased across all English regions, except for Yorkshire and The Humber and the East Midlands. Six of the nine regions had fewer overall deaths than the five-year average. In Wales, the total number of deaths was similar to the five-year average (one death fewer) for Week 30.
Of all deaths involving Covid-19 registered up to Week 30, 63.4 per cent occurred in hospital with the remainder mainly occurring in care homes (29.7 per cent), private homes (4.7 per cent) and hospices (1.4 per cent).
There were nine Covid deaths recorded in the UK in the 24 hours to 4pm on Monday, August 3. The total number of UK deaths where a positive Covid-19 test has been recorded now stands at 46,210.


birminghammail--2020-08-04--No further action as house fire which killed four children ruled accidental

A man and woman arrested on suspicion of manslaughter by gross negligence following a house fire in Stafford will face no further action , it has been revealed .
The 30-year-old and 26-year-old , who have not been named , have been released without charge following a 'complex investigation ' by the Crown Prosecution Service .
Riley Holt , eight , Keegan Unitt , six , Tilly Rose Unitt , four , and Olly Unitt , three , all tragically died when the flames swept through the address in Sycamore Lane , Highfields , in February 2019 .
Three survivors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – were treated in hospital after they managed to escape through a window of the burning building .
And now , more than a year on , Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service investigators believe the blaze was accidental and caused by smoking materials .
Detective Inspector Alan Lyford , of Staffordshire Police , who has led the investigation , said : `` We appreciate this has been a lengthy process , but it was right and proper that this investigation was a thorough and complex one given the dreadful loss of four young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deeply affected the local community , who have rallied round to support the family .
We would again like to thank the community for their patience and support.
” The inquest into the deaths will take place later this year .

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A man and woman arrested on suspicion of manslaughter by gross negligence following a house fire in Stafford will face no further action, it has been revealed.
The 30-year-old and 26-year-old, who have not been named, have been released without charge following a 'complex investigation' by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Riley Holt, eight, Keegan Unitt, six, Tilly Rose Unitt, four, and Olly Unitt, three, all tragically died when the flames swept through the address in Sycamore Lane, Highfields, in February 2019.
(Image: Aaron Chown/PA Wire)
Three survivors – two adults and a fifth child – were treated in hospital after they managed to escape through a window of the burning building.
And now, more than a year on, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service investigators believe the blaze was accidental and caused by smoking materials.
(Image: Staffordshire Police/PA Wire)
Detective Inspector Alan Lyford, of Staffordshire Police, who has led the investigation, said: "We appreciate this has been a lengthy process, but it was right and proper that this investigation was a thorough and complex one given the dreadful loss of four young lives.
"This tragic case has deeply affected the local community, who have rallied round to support the family. We would again like to thank the community for their patience and support.”
The inquest into the deaths will take place later this year.