birminghammail--2020-05-18--Aston Villa favourite Lee Hendrie opens up on suicide attempts

Aston Villa hero Lee Hendrie has spoken for the first time about how he has tried to take his own life .
In a searingly honest interview with The Guardian Hendrie revealed a tale of bankruptcy , life support machines and his family ’ s anguish - but his hope that he can use his experience to help others .
The midfielder , who celebrates his 43rd birthday today , will appear on our screens for the next three nights in the second series of Harry ’ s Heroes .
He does so alongside former Villa and England team-mate Paul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battles with alcholism and gambling .
Hendrie admitted to misgivings about how he will be received but went on to describe occasions on which he has tried to take his own life .
“ I end up drinking , ” he told The Guardian .
“ But there ’ s nothing worse than taking alcohol and getting to the extreme levels where you don ’ t care at all .
“ When that happens I ’ m at my most vulnerable and think it may be time to do something .
The last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago .
“ The good thing is that now , when I ’ m low , it ’ s nowhere near the extremes of what I did when times were very , very dark.
” Such as in August 2010 when he was grappling with the fact his £10million property portfolio was ailing .
“ The football was almost over and my head was gone .
I ’ d been trying to sell property but the housing market crashed .
I got to the stage where I just wanted to end it all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I vaguely remember bits of the ambulance ride .
It was very blurred .
But one thing that really stood out was waking up .
It was horrible .
“ I didn ’ t like the fact I was still alive .
There were lots of worries .
‘ Am I going to a psychiatric ward because I ’ ve done this ?
’ But , most of all , I was thinking : ‘ I ’ m going to do this again .
I want to be free of everything.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ awful lot .
She ’ s seen me on life-support machines .
She ’ s seen me in distress and pain .
`` But it ’ s hard to explain when you can ’ t reach out to someone .
I was a closed book .
“ I still am to a certain extent .
But if I ’ d had that confidence to reach out to someone , I ’ m pretty sure I ’ d be telling you a different story.
” Hendrie described a second suicide attempt in July 2011 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to do it .
It felt like everything had been taken away .
My divorce [ to his first wife ] was prolonged .
Bankruptcy was in the wings .
So this time I was going to finish it off .
“ I woke up in completely different circumstances .
I didn ’ t realise I ’ d been on a life-support machine .
To see my family absolutely distraught was a picture I can ’ t ever get out of my head .
I still use that to this day when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t do that to them again .
My mum says : ‘ You ’ ve got to stop all this .
You ’ re hurting everyone.
’ I didn ’ t think of it like that .
I just thought of it selfishly as you do when you ’ re in them dire straits .
“ My wife took a photo of me not long after that second time .
But she deleted it because she didn ’ t want to be reminded of how close it was to me not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my children .
`` I ’ ve always been brought up as a provider .
And when you ’ re a proud man and you can ’ t provide ?
That ’ s when I thought it was the end.
” He has though made considerable progress .
“ I want to give something back to people who are also struggling .
I can still have bad weeks where I do think about doing the same .
But I ’ m mentally strong enough to try and get over that fact now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ enemy .
I don ’ t feel I deserve any plaudits .
But I ’ m proud I ’ ve become someone different .
I ’ ve ended up getting myself into a great job working for Sky Sports .
`` I ’ ve got to thank lots of people that have taken a punt on me and realised I ’ m not that person I ’ m painted out to be .
`` For all the bad press , I ’ m still a human being .
I ’ m striving to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always have that fear things could go wrong again .
“ I had to break the silence about what I ’ d gone through .
I felt I had to do that for my own peace of mind so I could move forward .
It makes me feel like I ’ m achieving something which can help someone else . ''
Harry ’ s Heroes : Euro Having a Laugh is on Monday to Wednesday at 9pm on ITV .
In the UK and Ireland , Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ samaritans.ie .

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Aston Villa hero Lee Hendrie has spoken for the first time about how he has tried to take his own life.
In a searingly honest interview with The Guardian Hendrie revealed a tale of bankruptcy, life support machines and his family’s anguish - but his hope that he can use his experience to help others.
The midfielder, who celebrates his 43rd birthday today, will appear on our screens for the next three nights in the second series of Harry’s Heroes.
He does so alongside former Villa and England team-mate Paul Merson, who has described his own battles with alcholism and gambling.
Hendrie admitted to misgivings about how he will be received but went on to describe occasions on which he has tried to take his own life.
“I end up drinking,” he told The Guardian. “But there’s nothing worse than taking alcohol and getting to the extreme levels where you don’t care at all.
“When that happens I’m at my most vulnerable and think it may be time to do something. The last time was a year and a half ago.
“The good thing is that now, when I’m low, it’s nowhere near the extremes of what I did when times were very, very dark.”
Such as in August 2010 when he was grappling with the fact his £10million property portfolio was ailing.
(Image: Richard Sellers/Getty Images)
“The football was almost over and my head was gone. I’d been trying to sell property but the housing market crashed. I got to the stage where I just wanted to end it all. I’d hit rock bottom.
“I vaguely remember bits of the ambulance ride. It was very blurred. But one thing that really stood out was waking up. It was horrible.
“I didn’t like the fact I was still alive. There were lots of worries. ‘Am I going to a psychiatric ward because I’ve done this?’ But, most of all, I was thinking: ‘I’m going to do this again. I want to be free of everything.’
“My wife went through an awful lot. She’s seen me on life-support machines. She’s seen me in distress and pain.
"But it’s hard to explain when you can’t reach out to someone. I was a closed book.
“I still am to a certain extent. But if I’d had that confidence to reach out to someone, I’m pretty sure I’d be telling you a different story.”
Hendrie described a second suicide attempt in July 2011.
“I was adamant I was going to do it. It felt like everything had been taken away. My divorce [to his first wife] was prolonged. Bankruptcy was in the wings. So this time I was going to finish it off.
“I woke up in completely different circumstances. I didn’t realise I’d been on a life-support machine. To see my family absolutely distraught was a picture I can’t ever get out of my head. I still use that to this day when I feel very low.
“I can’t do that to them again. My mum says: ‘You’ve got to stop all this. You’re hurting everyone.’ I didn’t think of it like that. I just thought of it selfishly as you do when you’re in them dire straits.
“My wife took a photo of me not long after that second time. But she deleted it because she didn’t want to be reminded of how close it was to me not being around, and not bringing up my children.
"I’ve always been brought up as a provider. And when you’re a proud man and you can’t provide? That’s when I thought it was the end.”
He has though made considerable progress.
“I want to give something back to people who are also struggling. I can still have bad weeks where I do think about doing the same. But I’m mentally strong enough to try and get over that fact now.
“I’m my own worst enemy. I don’t feel I deserve any plaudits. But I’m proud I’ve become someone different. I’ve ended up getting myself into a great job working for Sky Sports.
"I’ve got to thank lots of people that have taken a punt on me and realised I’m not that person I’m painted out to be.
"For all the bad press, I’m still a human being. I’m striving to do this new job well but I always have that fear things could go wrong again.
“I had to break the silence about what I’d gone through. I felt I had to do that for my own peace of mind so I could move forward. It makes me feel like I’m achieving something which can help someone else."
Harry’s Heroes: Euro Having a Laugh is on Monday to Wednesday at 9pm on ITV.
Read the full Guardian interview here.
In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie .


birminghammail--2020-05-18--Gang still on the loose after Good Samaritan stabbed

Police are still hunting the gang who stabbed a man in the street as he stepped in to protect a stranger .
The Good Samaritan was set upon in Johnson Road , Erdington , when trying to intervene in an attack on a woman on Saturday night , May 16 .
He had seen the woman appearing to be assaulted by a group of men at around 8pm .
But as he bravely tried to protect the stranger , he was viciously attacked himself .
The victim , aged in his 30s , was knifed and battered with a crowbar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police said they were not life-threatening .
Police were pictured making door-to-door enquiries and CCTV trawls in adjoining Dean Road on Sunday morning .
Now , exactly two days on from the attack , police say they have yet to arrest those responsible .
Enquiries are continuing and anyone with information or who witnessed the attack is urged to come foward .
A statement from West Midlands Police read : `` A man has been taken to hospital after being attacked by a group of men in Johnson Road , Birmingham just before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had intervened when he saw a woman appearing to be attacked by the group .
`` The good Samaritan , in his 30s , was stabbed and beaten with a crowbar .
Fortunately his injuries , although serious , are not thought to be life threatening or life changing .
`` Our officers are trawling CCTV and have stepped up patrols in the area to search for the offenders .
`` Anyone who has information to assist the investigation is urged to contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting log number 3312 of 16/5 . ''

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Police are still hunting the gang who stabbed a man in the street as he stepped in to protect a stranger.
The Good Samaritan was set upon in Johnson Road, Erdington, when trying to intervene in an attack on a woman on Saturday night, May 16.
He had seen the woman appearing to be assaulted by a group of men at around 8pm.
But as he bravely tried to protect the stranger, he was viciously attacked himself.
The victim, aged in his 30s, was knifed and battered with a crowbar.
He suffered serious injuries, though police said they were not life-threatening.
Police were pictured making door-to-door enquiries and CCTV trawls in adjoining Dean Road on Sunday morning.
Now, exactly two days on from the attack, police say they have yet to arrest those responsible.
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
Enquiries are continuing and anyone with information or who witnessed the attack is urged to come foward.
A statement from West Midlands Police read: "A man has been taken to hospital after being attacked by a group of men in Johnson Road, Birmingham just before 8pm last night.
"The man had intervened when he saw a woman appearing to be attacked by the group.
"The good Samaritan, in his 30s, was stabbed and beaten with a crowbar. Fortunately his injuries, although serious, are not thought to be life threatening or life changing.
"Our officers are trawling CCTV and have stepped up patrols in the area to search for the offenders.
"Anyone who has information to assist the investigation is urged to contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, call 101 anytime or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting log number 3312 of 16/5."


birminghammail--2020-05-18--The Villa youth star Jack Grealish raved about released by Wolves

Former Aston Villa youth-team winger and NextGen winner Jordan Graham has been released by Wolves .
The 25-year-old spent 12 years at Bodymoor Heath and played alongside the likes of Jack Grealish and Callum Robinson in the academy ranks .
Speaking only last week , captain Grealish highlighted Graham as one of two stand-out academy players , the other being Danny Crowley .
Grealish was asked who were best players in the academy , and said : `` Everyone who coached him and played with him would say the same and that 's Jordan Graham who 's a winger .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you 're a kid , you 're like they have to ( play in the Premier League ) .
`` I think he 's at Gillingham now .
Honestly he was unbelievable .
The skills , he just had everything as a winger .
He had so much confidence .
The most confidence I 've ever seen in a young footballer . ''
Grealish added : `` Fingers crossed they can kick on in the next few years and get where they should be . ''
Today , meanwhile , Wolves made the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new after his contract expired .
The Coventry-born winger signed a pro deal at Villa Park in March 2012 but never made a first-team appearance .
Graham joined Ipswich Town , Bradford City and Wolves on loan , the latter in 2015 before signing permanently on an 18-month deal .
He made a total of 17 appearances for Wolves but sustained a severe knee injury which halted his progress .
Future loans to Oxford , Fulham and , latterly , Gillingham followed with his time at Molineux now at an end .

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Former Aston Villa youth-team winger and NextGen winner Jordan Graham has been released by Wolves.
The 25-year-old spent 12 years at Bodymoor Heath and played alongside the likes of Jack Grealish and Callum Robinson in the academy ranks.
Speaking only last week, captain Grealish highlighted Graham as one of two stand-out academy players, the other being Danny Crowley.
Grealish was asked who were best players in the academy, and said: "Everyone who coached him and played with him would say the same and that's Jordan Graham who's a winger.
"When you looked at him when you're a kid, you're like they have to (play in the Premier League).
"I think he's at Gillingham now. Honestly he was unbelievable. The skills, he just had everything as a winger. He had so much confidence. The most confidence I've ever seen in a young footballer."
Grealish added: "Fingers crossed they can kick on in the next few years and get where they should be."
Today, meanwhile, Wolves made the decision to let Graham depart onto pastures new after his contract expired.
The Coventry-born winger signed a pro deal at Villa Park in March 2012 but never made a first-team appearance. Graham joined Ipswich Town, Bradford City and Wolves on loan, the latter in 2015 before signing permanently on an 18-month deal.
He made a total of 17 appearances for Wolves but sustained a severe knee injury which halted his progress. Future loans to Oxford, Fulham and, latterly, Gillingham followed with his time at Molineux now at an end.


birminghammail--2020-05-18--Gun gang still at large after shots fired at Walsall pizza shop

A masked gang of armed thugs are still on the loose after a fast food shop was shot at .
Gunshots were fired at the K2 Pizza and Peri Peri restaurant in Caldmore Green after the windows were smashed .
The weapon-wielding gang were believed to have attacked the pizza parlour with hammers .
The horrific incident happened in broad daylight - just after 5pm - on a busy street on May 14 .
No injuries have been reported .
A member of staff at the restaurant confirmed it had closed due to a `` police incident '' .
Today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police revealed that no arrests have been made and enquiries are still ongoing .
The investigation is at an early stage and anyone with information has been asked to get in touch via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk , or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 .
Quote log 3235 of May 14 .
Following a spate of violent attacks , Caldmore community members told BlackCountryLive the area had become a hotbed for crime between rival gangs .
A resident , who asked to remain anonymous , said : `` This seems to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police – including the council – need to deal with this .
`` We are feeling scared and intimidated as , lockdown or no lockdown , there are groups hanging around drinking and being anti-sociable .
`` I ’ m afraid to say Caldmore has made me and my family feel more unsafe then I was in my home country in Eastern Europe . ''

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A masked gang of armed thugs are still on the loose after a fast food shop had its windows smashed.
Initially it was thought gunshots had been fired at the K2 Pizza and Peri Peri restaurant in Caldmore Green, but police say there was "no confirmed firearms discharge".
The weapon-wielding gang were believed to have attacked the pizza parlour with hammers.
The horrific incident happened in broad daylight - just after 5pm - on a busy street on May 14.
No injuries have been reported.
A member of staff at the restaurant confirmed it had closed due to a "police incident".
Today (May 18), West Midlands Police revealed that no arrests have been made and enquiries are still ongoing.
The investigation is at an early stage and anyone with information has been asked to get in touch via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk, or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Quote log 3235 of May 14.
Following a spate of violent attacks, Caldmore community members told BlackCountryLive the area had become a hotbed for crime between rival gangs.
A resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "This seems to be getting bad to worse and the police – including the council – need to deal with this.
"We are feeling scared and intimidated as, lockdown or no lockdown, there are groups hanging around drinking and being anti-sociable.
"I’m afraid to say Caldmore has made me and my family feel more unsafe then I was in my home country in Eastern Europe."


birminghammail--2020-05-18--Husband builds this amazing gin shelf for his wife for free

More than a few people have turned to their favourite gins to see them through these stressful times .
But where are they storing all their stockpiled booze ?
One lucky lady was given the perfect lockdown present when her thoughtful husband put together a specially made gin shelf for her bottles - and it cost nothing .
A few wooden pallets secured to the wall painted in a sophisticated and understated grey and decorated with fairy lights - oila !
The perfect gin shelf !
The man 's delighted wife proudly shared his handiwork on the Facebook group Extreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post that generating more then 2,200 likes .
She wrote : `` My gin shelf my husband made out of old pallets we had .
Very easy to do ! ''
The impressed included : `` This is EXACTLY what I was looking for.
`` 'Need one of this ! ''
one user said .
Another added .
`` If only my gin lasted long enough to need one ! ''
There was also special mention given to the quality choice of gin .
One Facebook member replied with a picture of her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shelf Families up and down the country have been showing off their creative DIY skills over lockdown .
Last month we reported how Wayne Mulholland , 38 , a concrete repairer and diamond driller from Coventry , had used materials left over from building sites to create a cool playhouse for his three kids .
And the cost ?
Just £150 .

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More than a few people have turned to their favourite gins to see them through these stressful times.
But where are they storing all their stockpiled booze?
One lucky lady was given the perfect lockdown present when her thoughtful husband put together a specially made gin shelf for her bottles - and it cost nothing.
A few wooden pallets secured to the wall painted in a sophisticated and understated grey and decorated with fairy lights - and voila! The perfect gin shelf!
The man's delighted wife proudly shared his handiwork on the Facebook group Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK - in a post that generating more then 2,200 likes.
She wrote: "My gin shelf my husband made out of old pallets we had. Very easy to do!"
The impressed included: "This is EXACTLY what I was looking for. "
'Need one of this!" one user said.
Another added. "If only my gin lasted long enough to need one!"
There was also special mention given to the quality choice of gin.
One Facebook member replied with a picture of her own husband's efforts at a kitchen shelf
Families up and down the country have been showing off their creative DIY skills over lockdown.
Last month we reported how Wayne Mulholland, 38, a concrete repairer and diamond driller from Coventry, had used materials left over from building sites to create a cool playhouse for his three kids.
And the cost? Just £150.


birminghammail--2020-05-18--Raul Jimenez's dad breaks silence on Wolves striker's future

Raul Jimenez finds speculation surrounding his future 'very cool ' - but he remains happy at Wolverhampton Wanderers .
During a rare interview in Mexico , Jimenez 's father - who is also called Raul Jimenez - has been discussing the Wolves striker 's future .
Jimenez Jr has been in sensational form for Wolves this season with 22 goals across all competitions , including 13 in the Premier League .
His star turns at Molineux have impressed clubs across the continent with Juventus the latest club to reportedly register an interest in the 29-year-old .
Jimenez has also been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal over the last few months .
But his father says the coveted centre-forward is content with life at Wolves , even if he is flattered by the constant murmurings in the media .
“ Raul has always said so , it ’ s something very cool ( to hear clubs like United and Juve are keen ) , ” Jimenez Sr told Medio Tiempo ( via Sport Witness ) .
“ He ’ s very happy at his club , hopefully getting into positions for Champions League and Europa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him , all of that will be very gratifying , very cool to hear those comments.
” There 's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter .
Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news , views , gossip and opinion .
All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this ... And what 's more , it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store Wolves ' season is currently on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic , although the Premier League has now agreed to let Jimenez and his teammates resume training in small groups later this week .
The club are currently sixth in the Premier League with nine games to play , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Europa League - a competition Jimenez has scored nine times in this term .
Jimenez 's dad added : “ Right now is the time of rumours , God willing the league hopefully resumes next month and that ’ s where we are right now .
The rest , there is nothing .
He ’ s only commented on what he sees that they publish , but nothing at the moment .
“ Later if there is something different , it will be seen .
But now , yes , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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Raul Jimenez finds speculation surrounding his future 'very cool' - but he remains happy at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
During a rare interview in Mexico, Jimenez's father - who is also called Raul Jimenez - has been discussing the Wolves striker's future.
Jimenez Jr has been in sensational form for Wolves this season with 22 goals across all competitions, including 13 in the Premier League. His star turns at Molineux have impressed clubs across the continent with Juventus the latest club to reportedly register an interest in the 29-year-old.
Jimenez has also been linked with moves to Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal over the last few months.
But his father says the coveted centre-forward is content with life at Wolves, even if he is flattered by the constant murmurings in the media.
“Raul has always said so, it’s something very cool (to hear clubs like United and Juve are keen),” Jimenez Sr told Medio Tiempo (via Sport Witness).
“He’s very happy at his club, hopefully getting into positions for Champions League and Europa League at the moment. Always for him, all of that will be very gratifying, very cool to hear those comments.”
Wolves daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news, views, gossip and opinion. All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - or sign up here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
Wolves' season is currently on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, although the Premier League has now agreed to let Jimenez and his teammates resume training in small groups later this week.
The club are currently sixth in the Premier League with nine games to play, while they're also into the last 16 of the Europa League - a competition Jimenez has scored nine times in this term.
Jimenez's dad added: “Right now is the time of rumours, God willing the league hopefully resumes next month and that’s where we are right now. The rest, there is nothing. He’s only commented on what he sees that they publish, but nothing at the moment.
“Later if there is something different, it will be seen. But now, yes, they are mere speculation and rumours.”


birminghammail--2020-05-18--'Police officer of year' sacked for sending explicit photo to woman

A motorbike cop has been dismissed from the police for gross misconduct after he sent an explicit photo to a woman while on duty .
Award-winning PC Dave Humpherson , from West Midlands Police , met `` Miss A '' at a petrol station just hours after matching on dating app Bumble .
The 41-year-old - voted police officer of the year in 2019 - was in uniform and on duty when he got into her car at a Shell garage on the A491 in Bell End , near Clent , on September 2 , 2019 .
The purpose of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibility of having a sexual relationship '' , a virtual hearing at Lloyd House in Birmingham was told .
PC Humpherson , who served 22 years with the force and worked to stop taxi drivers operating illegally , later sent her an explicit photo on WhatsApp the same day , the hearing was told .
West Midlands Police Chief Constable Dave Thompson , who presided over the misconduct hearing , said the actions were “ reckless and unwise.
” He found the officer had breached standards for discreditable conduct , duties and responsibilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the officer was dismissed without notice .
PC Humpherson 's barrister had argued the PC was “ encouraged ” into a sexualised conversation by Miss A .
Miss A sent the PC pictures of herself after striking up a flirty chat , the hearing was told .
`` He believed this to be a private conversation with someone who was also professional , '' his barrister Bo-Eun Jung said .
`` He accepts he was on duty when the picture was sent .
It did not stop him carrying out his duties and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admissions and has shown genuine remorse . ''
She said the hardworking officer would normally start work an hour early .
The meeting happened on his way to work for a 5pm to 3am shift and the intimate image was sent by PC Humpherson at 6.27pm .
Ms Jung said her client was able to carry out his duties at work , which involved admin and emails .
Ms Jung added : “ He has been comprehensive , consistent and honest .
“ He apologises wholeheartedly .
He is an exceptional and valued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date the Force has been greatly proud of.
” The woman did not make a formal complaint , but had made an inquiry with Professional Standards .
Ms Jung also said the officer had also received the West Midlands Police Diamond Award in 2015 .
The Chief Constable said the relationship between the taxi enforcement officer and Miss A had moved at “ great pace.
” “ When on duty you went to meet Miss A to advance a sexual relationship , ” he said .
He said PC Humpherson sending the intimate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his career . ''
He conceded the incident was a single episode and the officer had shown remorse .
However , he found the officer committed gross misconduct from a `` very serious case . ''
The officer was not at Lloyd House , but watched proceedings in a video call with a Police Federation representative .
Speaking after the hearing , Chief Superintendent Stephen Graham , commander at Birmingham West , said : “ Humpherson ’ s behaviour was completely unacceptable and a clear breach of our standards of professional behaviour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is paramount and it is vital that our communities have trust and confidence in everything that we do .
“ Any officer or staff member that fails to uphold our force values and falls below the high standards we expect will be dealt with accordingly . ''

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A motorbike cop has been dismissed from the police for gross misconduct after he sent an explicit photo to a woman while on duty.
Award-winning PC Dave Humpherson, from West Midlands Police, met "Miss A" at a petrol station just hours after matching on dating app Bumble.
The 41-year-old - voted police officer of the year in 2019 - was in uniform and on duty when he got into her car at a Shell garage on the A491 in Bell End, near Clent, on September 2, 2019.
The purpose of the meeting was to "explore the possibility of having a sexual relationship", a virtual hearing at Lloyd House in Birmingham was told.
PC Humpherson, who served 22 years with the force and worked to stop taxi drivers operating illegally, later sent her an explicit photo on WhatsApp the same day, the hearing was told.
West Midlands Police Chief Constable Dave Thompson, who presided over the misconduct hearing, said the actions were “reckless and unwise.”
He found the officer had breached standards for discreditable conduct, duties and responsibilities. It amounted to gross misconduct and the officer was dismissed without notice.
PC Humpherson's barrister had argued the PC was “encouraged” into a sexualised conversation by Miss A.
Miss A sent the PC pictures of herself after striking up a flirty chat, the hearing was told.
"He believed this to be a private conversation with someone who was also professional," his barrister Bo-Eun Jung said.
"He accepts he was on duty when the picture was sent. It did not stop him carrying out his duties and responsibilities.
"He has made open admissions and has shown genuine remorse."
She said the hardworking officer would normally start work an hour early. The meeting happened on his way to work for a 5pm to 3am shift and the intimate image was sent by PC Humpherson at 6.27pm.
Ms Jung said her client was able to carry out his duties at work, which involved admin and emails.
Ms Jung added: “He has been comprehensive, consistent and honest.
“He apologises wholeheartedly. He is an exceptional and valued police officer, which up to this date the Force has been greatly proud of.”
The woman did not make a formal complaint, but had made an inquiry with Professional Standards.
Ms Jung also said the officer had also received the West Midlands Police Diamond Award in 2015.
The Chief Constable said the relationship between the taxi enforcement officer and Miss A had moved at “great pace.”
“When on duty you went to meet Miss A to advance a sexual relationship,” he said.
He said PC Humpherson sending the intimate picture was a "moment of recklessness in his career."
He conceded the incident was a single episode and the officer had shown remorse. However, he found the officer committed gross misconduct from a "very serious case."
The officer was not at Lloyd House, but watched proceedings in a video call with a Police Federation representative.
Speaking after the hearing, Chief Superintendent Stephen Graham, commander at Birmingham West, said: “Humpherson’s behaviour was completely unacceptable and a clear breach of our standards of professional behaviour.
“Serving and protecting the public is paramount and it is vital that our communities have trust and confidence in everything that we do.
“Any officer or staff member that fails to uphold our force values and falls below the high standards we expect will be dealt with accordingly."


birminghammail--2020-05-18--The Aston Villa item fans are desperate to get their hands on

Garden gnomes , key rings , dog leads and even rubber ducks for your bubbly bath - Aston Villa -related tattle knows no bounds .
However , one thing that supporters are currently going crazy for are Aston Villa face masks in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
The materialised masks are being made privately and , according to health experts , do n't necessarily protect you from fully contracting Covid-19 .
Hundreds upon hundreds of die hard Villa fans have been craving the Villa-inspired masks , though , with some selling for as much as £6 a pop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks - complete with the Villa badge and mock Kappa and W88 logos - to the supermarket , on site and at work .
One Villa fan said : `` Take my money , I want one now !
! ''
Another posted : `` The club shop need to get these in stock .
They would sell out instantly ! ''
While a fan simply put : `` I need .
Looks awesome !
UTV . ''
Those making the unofficial face masks have been inundated with requests .
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We also have a free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store A supporter told us : `` A mate of mine has done about 150 already and has got another order for 100 .
`` I must have had , privately and publicly , 200 people asking me and I have put them in touch with someone who knows the guy .
`` There are others doing the rounds as well I have seen .
It could be something Villa should look at as a spin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks are privately made and are not official merchandise .
According to the BBC , wearing a face covering can prevent an infected person passing on the virus , rather than stopping someone contracting it .
The new government guidance in England states how people should aim to wear face coverings on public transport and in some shops .
Also in other `` enclosed spaces where social distancing is not always possible and they come into contact with others that they do not normally meet '' .

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Garden gnomes, key rings, dog leads and even rubber ducks for your bubbly bath - Aston Villa -related tattle knows no bounds.
However, one thing that supporters are currently going crazy for are Aston Villa face masks in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The materialised masks are being made privately and, according to health experts, don't necessarily protect you from fully contracting Covid-19.
Hundreds upon hundreds of die hard Villa fans have been craving the Villa-inspired masks, though, with some selling for as much as £6 a pop.
Supporters have been donning the claret masks - complete with the Villa badge and mock Kappa and W88 logos - to the supermarket, on site and at work.
One Villa fan said: "Take my money, I want one now!!"
Another posted: "The club shop need to get these in stock. They would sell out instantly!"
While a fan simply put: "I need. Looks awesome! UTV."
Those making the unofficial face masks have been inundated with requests.
Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox In our daily Aston Villa bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
A supporter told us: "A mate of mine has done about 150 already and has got another order for 100.
"I must have had, privately and publicly, 200 people asking me and I have put them in touch with someone who knows the guy.
"There are others doing the rounds as well I have seen. It could be something Villa should look at as a spin off."
The Aston Villa face masks are privately made and are not official merchandise.
According to the BBC, wearing a face covering can prevent an infected person passing on the virus, rather than stopping someone contracting it.
The new government guidance in England states how people should aim to wear face coverings on public transport and in some shops.
Also in other "enclosed spaces where social distancing is not always possible and they come into contact with others that they do not normally meet".


birminghammail--2020-05-18--Teen cyclist airlifted to hospital serious injured at beauty spot

A teenager was airlifted to hospital after he was seriously injured at a nature reserve in Stourport .
An air @ @ @ @ @ medics raced to Burlish Top Nature Reserve at lunchtime today ( May 18 ) .
@ @ @ @ @ treatment at the scene before being taken to hospital .
It is believed the youngster @ @ @ @ @ A West Midlands Ambulance Service said : `` We were called at 1.07pm today ( @ @ @ @ @ a cyclist had come off their bike at Burlish Top Nature Reserve .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ from Cosford , two land ambulances , a paramedic officer and BASICS doctor to the @ @ @ @ @ we found one patient , a teenage male , in a serious condition .
He @ @ @ @ @ scene before being taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham by air ambulance . ''

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A teenager was airlifted to hospital after he was seriously injured at a nature reserve in Stourport.
An air ambulance and a team of medics raced to Burlish Top Nature Reserve at lunchtime today (May 18).
The cyclist was given trauma treatment at the scene before being taken to hospital.
It is believed the youngster came off his bike.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We were called at 1.07pm today (May 18) to reports a cyclist had come off their bike at Burlish Top Nature Reserve.
"We sent the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford, two land ambulances, a paramedic officer and BASICS doctor to the scene.
"On arrival we found one patient, a teenage male, in a serious condition. He was given trauma care on scene before being taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham by air ambulance."


birminghammail--2020-05-18--What happens when you're chosen to do an antibody test

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced everyone over the age of five who is showing Covid-19 symptoms is now eligible for a coronavirus test in the UK .
This news follows from on last month 's announcement that 100,000 randomly selected people would be invited to carry out home tests to see whether they are infected .
It is only if the transmission levels are low , that the UK will be the green light to exit the lockdown .
The research is being run by doctors and researchers at Imperial College London , research company Ipsos Mori and funded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Care , reports the Manchester Evening News .
The tests are being sent to people who responded to the posted test invite , with full instructions of how to use the kit .
It explains : `` Antibodies are made by the immune system to fight infection .
`` We urgently need rapid and reliable antibody tests that show whether someone has been previously infected with the virus which causes Covid-19 .
`` The results from these tests may be able to help us understand how many people have already been infected in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can happen , we first need to understand how well the antibody tests work , and how easy they are to use . ''
So what happens when you get a test ?
Participants pricks their finger for blood .
This is dropped on the kit to produce a result - this will determine if you have antibodies .
Then you record the test result by sighing into the REACT Study 's survey website and upload a photograph of the test result - which is optional .
The last step is entering an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you found the test in terms of ease of use .
There is a detailed booklet provided explaining the process .
How long does the test take ?
Why do I have to fill in a survey ?
The online survey you should fill includes questions on age , sex , ethnicity and also if you have taken previous diagnostic Covid-19 tests .
You will be asked about the timing of any recent illness and symptoms , and past heath issues .
Kelly Beaver , managing director of Public Affairs at Ipsos Mori @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the online survey , regardless of whether they were able to take the test or not as it `` really important to help us understand your experience with the test so that we can make it better in the future , '' she said .
She added the survey helped to `` understand how easy people find to use these sort of tests .
This will help the government plan for when a more reliable test becomes available . ''
Some details about participants is collected , including age , sex , ethnicity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests .
They will be asked about the timing of any recent illness and symptoms .
Who will see the results ?
The anonymous results of the study will be shared with the NHS , Public Health England , the Department of Health and Social Care and scientists to help improve the way the antibody tests are designed .
Results may be published in medical journals at the end of the study and reported to Imperial College London and the Health Research Authority .
If antibody self-testing is found to work with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ useability , it will be rolled out to 100,000 people later this year , to provide an indication of the prevalence of Covid-19 based on the presence of coronavirus antibodies .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Helen Carter, Sanjeeta Bains)

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Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced everyone over the age of five who is showing Covid-19 symptoms is now eligible for a coronavirus test in the UK.
This news follows from on last month's announcement that 100,000 randomly selected people would be invited to carry out home tests to see whether they are infected.
It is only if the transmission levels are low, that the UK will be the green light to exit the lockdown.
The research is being run by doctors and researchers at Imperial College London, research company Ipsos Mori and funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The tests are being sent to people who responded to the posted test invite, with full instructions of how to use the kit.
It explains: "Antibodies are made by the immune system to fight infection.
"We urgently need rapid and reliable antibody tests that show whether someone has been previously infected with the virus which causes Covid-19.
"The results from these tests may be able to help us understand how many people have already been infected in the UK. However, before this can happen, we first need to understand how well the antibody tests work, and how easy they are to use."
So what happens when you get a test?
Participants pricks their finger for blood. This is dropped on the kit to produce a result - this will determine if you have antibodies.
Then you record the test result by sighing into the REACT Study's survey website and upload a photograph of the test result - which is optional.
The last step is entering an access code to tell Ipsos Mori how you found the test in terms of ease of use. There is a detailed booklet provided explaining the process.
How long does the test take?
Around 45 minutes in total.
Why do I have to fill in a survey?
The online survey you should fill includes questions on age, sex, ethnicity and also if you have taken previous diagnostic Covid-19 tests. You will be asked about the timing of any recent illness and symptoms, and past heath issues.
Kelly Beaver, managing director of Public Affairs at Ipsos Mori has urged everyone should take part in the online survey, regardless of whether they were able to take the test or not as it "really important to help us understand your experience with the test so that we can make it better in the future," she said.
She added the survey helped to "understand how easy people find to use these sort of tests. This will help the government plan for when a more reliable test becomes available."
Some details about participants is collected, including age, sex, ethnicity and details of any previous diagnostic Covid-19 tests. They will be asked about the timing of any recent illness and symptoms.
Who will see the results?
The anonymous results of the study will be shared with the NHS, Public Health England, the Department of Health and Social Care and scientists to help improve the way the antibody tests are designed.
Results may be published in medical journals at the end of the study and reported to Imperial College London and the Health Research Authority.
If antibody self-testing is found to work with a high degree of accuracy, acceptability and useability, it will be rolled out to 100,000 people later this year, to provide an indication of the prevalence of Covid-19 based on the presence of coronavirus antibodies.


birminghammail--2020-05-18--Sturridge 'contacted' over move after Villa claims - reports

Daniel Sturridge was repeatedly linked with a move to Aston Villa last summer .
The Birmingham-born striker was released by Liverpool at the end of last season and constantly appeared alongside newly-promoted Villa 's name in gossip columns during the transfer window .
Villa instead decided to sign Brazilian forward Wesley Moraes from Club Brugge for a record £22million .
With a return to Villa - where he started out in the academy - off the table Sturridge signed for Turkish side Trabzonspor .
There 's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Aston Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Villa news , views , gossip and opinion .
All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this ... And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Play Store and App Store However , despite four goals in his first seven Super Lig starts , Sturridge was released from his contract after The FA banned him for four months for breaching betting rules .
He is now a free agent and eyeing a return to football as quickly as possible once fixtures are able to restart following the coronavirus pandemic , and it seems a stint in the US could be next on the horizon .
Goal report both DC United and Inter Miami - who are owned by David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potentially plying his trade stateside .
Sturridge regularly holidays in America , and a switch to the MLS seems like a viable option for the 30-year-old .

Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox
In our daily Aston Villa bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans.
How do you sign up?
It's easy and only takes seconds.
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up.
And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here.
If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to.
And what's more, it's absolutely free!
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter.
We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store


birminghammail--2020-05-18--The Chase fans notice huge change to the show as it returns to ITV

Fans of the The Chase will have noticed a big change to the show on Monday night .
The quiz show , fronted by Bradley Walsh , returned to ITV1 with the ex-Coronation Street star at the helm .
Bradley , the former Corrie actor and current Doctor Who star , welcomed four new contestants onto the ITV1 quiz show .
The four contestants were all aiming to try and land a life-changing sum of money .
But rather than their attempts to score a huge prize , This Morning fans were all left noticing something else .
The massive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form of a new sponsor : 52 Lives , a charity which is dedicated to `` kindness '' .
The charity has replaced Gala Bingo as sponsor of the show .
The Chase will continue each weekday evening this week , with episodes from 5pm on Tuesday to Friday .
Bradley will be at the helm of each , with one of five Chasers also featuring alongside him .
On Monday evening , this was Anne Hegerty , who is also known as The Governess .
She is one of fiver Chasers utilised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mark Labbett , aka The Beast , and Jenny Ryan , branded The Vixen .
Shaun Wallace , also known as The Dark Destroyer , completes the quintet , alongside Paul Sinha , whose nickname is The Sinnerman .

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Fans of the The Chase will have noticed a big change to the show on Monday night.
The quiz show, fronted by Bradley Walsh, returned to ITV1 with the ex-Coronation Street star at the helm.
Bradley, the former Corrie actor and current Doctor Who star, welcomed four new contestants onto the ITV1 quiz show.
The four contestants were all aiming to try and land a life-changing sum of money.
But rather than their attempts to score a huge prize, This Morning fans were all left noticing something else.
The massive change on the show came in the form of a new sponsor: 52 Lives, a charity which is dedicated to "kindness".
The charity has replaced Gala Bingo as sponsor of the show.
The Chase will continue each weekday evening this week, with episodes from 5pm on Tuesday to Friday.
Bradley will be at the helm of each, with one of five Chasers also featuring alongside him.
On Monday evening, this was Anne Hegerty, who is also known as The Governess.
She is one of fiver Chasers utilised by the ITV1 quiz show, alongside Mark Labbett, aka The Beast, and Jenny Ryan, branded The Vixen.
Shaun Wallace, also known as The Dark Destroyer, completes the quintet, alongside Paul Sinha, whose nickname is The Sinnerman.


birminghammail--2020-05-18--All the National Trust sites you can visit near Birmingham as reopening begins

The National Trust has started reopening some of its car parks at beauty spots in England so that people can visit to enjoy fresh air and open space as part of their permitted exercise during the coronavirus crisis .
The trust had closed all its gated parks and gardens , along with houses , shops and cafés , on March 22 , and then all its visitor car parks were shut by the end of March 24 just after lockdown was announced by Boris Johnson .
But now a phased reopening has begun .
For the moment , pay-for-entry places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open to tourists .
But open countryside areas owned by the trust are still accessible and many visitor car parks are now being reopened too .
So which places can you visit ?
Here 's what we know so far for National Trust sites in and near Birmingham .
The trust describes the site as partially open because the countryside of the hills is still accessible but the usual public car parking at Nimmings Wood Car Park is closed to visitors .
Anyone going to the hills by car would need to park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We 're working hard to reopen many of our places where it is safe to do so , however Nimmings car park and other facilities are closed . ''
Car parks are open but with limited spaces .
The National Trust said : `` Our car parks will be open from Saturday May 16 .
We have limited spaces , so if the car park is full please come back another time .
All other facilities at Kinver will remain closed until further notice . ''
The National Trust said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May 14 .
We have limited spaces , so if the car park is full please come back another time . ''
The National Trust said : `` Our car parks and toilets will be open from May 21 .
We have limited spaces , so if the car park is full please come back another time .
The tearoom and shop at Carding Mill Valley will remain closed until further notice . ''
The National Trust said : `` Our car park will be open from May 13 .
We have limited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is full please come back another time . ''
The National Trust said : `` Our car park will be open from May 13 .
We have limited spaces , so if the car park is full please come back another time . ''
The moorland is open to the public but the car park and the public toilets remain closed .
The National Trust said : `` Many of our facilities including the main Woodcroft car park and toilets are closed .
In the countryside , rights of way , concessionary routes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , we urge people to stay local and observe social distancing . ''
The heather moorland is open to visitors but the National Trust said : `` Many facilities in the general area are closed to restrict the spread of coronavirus .
In the countryside , rights of way concessionary routes and areas of open access remain open .
However we urge people to stay local and observe social distancing . ''
The National Trust said : `` Our car park will be open from May 13 .
We have limited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is full please come back another time . ''
Do you need to book parking ?
On Monday May 18 , a booking system opened on the National Trust website for some of its larger car parks , days after it started opening some smaller car parks in line with Government advice .
Some of these larger car parks in England will reopen from Thursday May 21 to visitors who have pre-booked their spaces .
The trust 's webpage for a particular site will state whether booking is required .
Search for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .
When you book your car parking space you ’ ll need to choose a 30-minute arrival time for the day you want to visit .
You only need to book one ticket per car .
Due to limited spaces , you are only asked to book once a week to allow others a chance to visit .
Members can park for free , but need to bring membership cards .
Non-members will need to pay online in advance through the booking system .
You can become a member of the National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
The National Trust said : `` We 've worked hard to reopen our places , and we want to keep them open .
But we ’ re all in this together and we need your help to enable us to keep places open safely .
We look forward to seeing you .
`` For now , while the First Minister in Wales and the Northern Ireland Executive reiterate the 'stay at home ' message , all car parks in Wales and Northern Ireland will unfortunately remain closed .
`` Sadly , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including houses and gardens , will need to remain closed , due to the latest government guidance restricting the public 's use of outdoor ticketed venues .
`` When we get the chance to reopen any pay-for entry places it will be phased and gradual to ensure that we protect any local communities from being overwhelmed .
In order to maintain social distancing when they reopen , we plan to introduce a pre-booking system . ''

The National Trust has started reopening some of its car parks at beauty spots in England so that people can visit to enjoy fresh air and open space as part of their permitted exercise during the coronavirus crisis.
The trust had closed all its gated parks and gardens, along with houses, shops and cafés, on March 22, and then all its visitor car parks were shut by the end of March 24 just after lockdown was announced by Boris Johnson.
But now a phased reopening has begun.
For the moment, pay-for-entry places including houses and gardens are still not open to tourists.
But open countryside areas owned by the trust are still accessible and many visitor car parks are now being reopened too.
So which places can you visit?
Here's what we know so far for National Trust sites in and near Birmingham.
What's open and what's closed
1. Birmingham Back to Backs - closed
2. The Roundhouse, Birmingham - closed
3. Moseley Old Hall, Wolverhampton - closed
4. Wightwick Manor & Gardens, Wolverhampton - closed
5. Letocetum Roman Baths and Museum, Lichfield - closed
(Image: SWNS)
6. Clent Hills, Worcestershire - partially open
The trust describes the site as partially open because the countryside of the hills is still accessible but the usual public car parking at Nimmings Wood Car Park is closed to visitors. Anyone going to the hills by car would need to park elsewhere.
The National Trust said: "We're working hard to reopen many of our places where it is safe to do so, however Nimmings car park and other facilities are closed."
7. Hanbury Hall and Gardens, Droitwich - closed
8. Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses, Staffordshire - partially open
The heath and woodland at Kinver Edge is open to the public but not the rock houses. Car parks are open but with limited spaces.
The National Trust said: "Our car parks will be open from Saturday May 16. We have limited spaces, so if the car park is full please come back another time. All other facilities at Kinver will remain closed until further notice."
9. Wenlock Edge, Shropshire - open
The countryside of Wenlock Edge is open to visitors and the car parking has now reopened too.
The National Trust said: "Our car park will be open from May 14. We have limited spaces, so if the car park is full please come back another time."
10. Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd, Shropshire - partially open
The National Trust said: "Our car parks and toilets will be open from May 21. We have limited spaces, so if the car park is full please come back another time. The tearoom and shop at Carding Mill Valley will remain closed until further notice."
11. Shugborough Estate, Staffordshire - closed
12. Downs Banks, near Stone, Staffordshire - open
The National Trust said: "Our car park will be open from May 13. We have limited spaces, so if the car park is full please come back another time."
13. Hawksmoor, Cheadle, Staffordshire - open
The National Trust said: "Our car park will be open from May 13. We have limited spaces, so if the car park is full please come back another time."
14. Longshaw, Burbage and the Eastern Moors, Peak District - partially open
The moorland is open to the public but the car park and the public toilets remain closed.
The National Trust said: "Many of our facilities including the main Woodcroft car park and toilets are closed. In the countryside, rights of way, concessionary routes and areas of open access remain open. However, we urge people to stay local and observe social distancing."
15. Kinder, Edale and the Dark Peak, Peak District - open
The heather moorland is open to visitors but the National Trust said: "Many facilities in the general area are closed to restrict the spread of coronavirus. In the countryside, rights of way concessionary routes and areas of open access remain open. However we urge people to stay local and observe social distancing."
16. May Hill, Gloucestershire - open
The National Trust said: "Our car park will be open from May 13. We have limited spaces, so if the car park is full please come back another time."
17. Coughton Court, Warwickshire - closed
18. Charlecote Park, Warwickshire - closed
19. Baddesley Clinton, Warwickshire - closed
20. Packwood House, Warwickshire - closed
Do you need to book parking?
On Monday May 18, a booking system opened on the National Trust website for some of its larger car parks, days after it started opening some smaller car parks in line with Government advice.
Some of these larger car parks in England will reopen from Thursday May 21 to visitors who have pre-booked their spaces.
The trust's webpage for a particular site will state whether booking is required. Search for the National Trust site you want to visit here.
When you book your car parking space you’ll need to choose a 30-minute arrival time for the day you want to visit. You only need to book one ticket per car.
Due to limited spaces, you are only asked to book once a week to allow others a chance to visit.
Members can park for free, but need to bring membership cards. Non-members will need to pay online in advance through the booking system.
You can become a member of the National Trust here
When will other places reopen?
The National Trust said: "We've worked hard to reopen our places, and we want to keep them open. But we’re all in this together and we need your help to enable us to keep places open safely. We look forward to seeing you.
"For now, while the First Minister in Wales and the Northern Ireland Executive reiterate the 'stay at home' message, all car parks in Wales and Northern Ireland will unfortunately remain closed.
"Sadly, for the time being our pay-for-entry places, including houses and gardens, will need to remain closed, due to the latest government guidance restricting the public's use of outdoor ticketed venues.
"When we get the chance to reopen any pay-for entry places it will be phased and gradual to ensure that we protect any local communities from being overwhelmed. In order to maintain social distancing when they reopen, we plan to introduce a pre-booking system."


birminghammail--2020-05-18--Wolves reportedly 'reach agreement' to sign Joao Palhinha

Reports in Portugal suggest Wolverhampton Wanderers have reached an agreement to sign Sporting midfielder Joao Palhinha .
The 24-year-old has spent the past two seasons on loan with Sporting 's Primeira Liga rivals Braga and played against Wolves twice in the Europa League this term .
Palhinha was instrumental in Braga 's famous 1-0 win over Wolves at Molineux in September , while he played in the 3-3 draw between the two clubs at the Municipal Stadium in November .
Nuno Espirito Santo has been keeping a keen eye on Palhinha and , according to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manhã @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have an 'agreement in principle ' to sign him for €15million once the transfer window opens .
If Palhinha does join Wolves he will become the fifth member of Nuno 's squad to have been developed at Sporting 's world-renowned academy in Lisbon .
Rui Patricio , Joao Moutinho , Daniel Podence and Ruben Vinagre all spent time on Sporting 's books - and Palhinha joined their academy in 2012 .
He quickly moved through the ranks but , as of now , he 's only made 16 appearances for their first team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series of loans , the last of which has been with Braga .
Palhinha has been a regular pick during his two seasons with Braga and helped the club qualify for the Europa League last season .
He 's scored three times in 29 appearances this season , including the winner at Benfica in February .
Palhinha is perhaps the type of midfielder Wolves do n't have .
Ruben Neves and Moutinho are both capable of dictating games , while the former is also partial to producing a spectacular strike every now and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a destructive midfield player .
`` Palhinha has had two very good seasons with Braga , '' Sporting supporter Nuno Valinhas tells us .
`` He is a strong defensive midfielder who is very good in ball recoveries and positional play .
`` He 's managed to get a few goals this season too .
He 's better than any of our ( Sporting ) midfield options but he never really got his chance . ''
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It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Store If Palhinha is sold to Wolves it 's likely to cause further uproar at Sporting with fans keen to see the midfielder integrated into Ruben Amorim 's squad .
Amorim has only recently been appointed Sporting boss after a compensation package was agreed with Braga , where he briefly managed Palhinha .
And Sporting president Frederico Verandas has done little to discourage supporters with comments he 's made about Palhinha 's future recently .
Speaking to Record in February , Varandas insisted Palhinha would return to the club once his loan spell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He ) will return , '' said Varandas .
`` It was a loan from the transitory management commission .
He is a Sporting player . ''
What has Palhinha said ?
Palhinha offered a far from definitive answer when he was questioned on the subject last month .
`` There has been a lot of speculation and I do n't even know how my future will be , '' he told Spanish publication Estadio Deportivo .
`` The nearest future is waiting for this to return to normal .
When the season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Palhinha has also been linked with a transfer to West Ham , while reports on the continent suggest clubs in Spain and Germany are chasing him .

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Wolverhampton Wanderers continue to be linked with a move for Sporting midfielder Joao Palhinha.
The 25-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Braga, is understood to be a player of interest to Wolves as Nuno Espirito Santo bids to add quality to his squad in the transfer window.
Palhinha is believed to favour a move to the Premier League and reports in Portugal suggest Molineux is his likeliest destination.
Here's the lowdown on Palhinha:
Background
If Palhinha does join Wolves he will become the fifth member of Nuno's squad to have been developed at Sporting's world-renowned academy in Lisbon.
Rui Patricio, Joao Moutinho, Daniel Podence and Ruben Vinagre all spent time on Sporting's books - and Palhinha joined their academy in 2012.
He quickly moved through the ranks but, as of now, he's only made 16 appearances for their first team. His development has continued with a series of loans, the last of which has been with Braga.
Palhinha has been a regular pick during his two seasons with Braga and helped the club qualify for the Europa League in 2018/19. He scored three times in 38 appearances last season, including the winner at Benfica in February.
Playing style
Palhinha is perhaps the type of midfielder Wolves don't have. Ruben Neves and Moutinho are both capable of dictating games, while the former is also partial to producing a spectacular strike every now and then, whereas Palhinha is more of a destructive midfield player.
"Palhinha has had two very good seasons with Braga," Sporting supporter Nuno Valinhas tells us. "He is a strong defensive midfielder who is very good in ball recoveries and positional play.
"He's managed to get a few goals this season too. He's better than any of our (Sporting) midfield options but he never really got his chance."
Portuguese journalist Luis Cristovao adds: "He should be a starting XI player at Sporting. Sporting also needs money so it's the perfect circle. He wants to leave, Sporting needs money and he will be good business for the team that takes him.
"He is a very mature player. He was mostly a defensive player in the midfield, but I think he has made an evolution in these last two seasons under Ruben Amorim in Braga.
"He can play in a two-man midfield too, so he's not only a defensive player. I see Palhinha as a Premier League player and he has the qualities to play in that level.
"I really think that if he goes to Wolverhampton he can be a big surprise. He doesn't have a high level of expectation as a defensive midfielder in Braga, but I think he can be much more than that. He's a very good player in this market."
Wolves daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news, views, gossip and opinion. All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - or sign up here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
What has Palhinha said?
Palhinha offered a far from definitive answer when he was questioned on the subject earlier this year.
"There has been a lot of speculation and I don't even know how my future will be," he told Spanish publication Estadio Deportivo. "The nearest future is waiting for this to return to normal. When the season ends, I'll see what happens."
Palhinha has also been linked with a transfer to West Ham, while reports on the continent suggest clubs in Spain and Germany are chasing him.


birminghammail--2020-05-18--Chief provides major update on when Wolves will return to action

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has insisted they are still hopeful of a June 12 restart but admitted that they must be 'flexible ' on a return date .
Top-flight clubs agreed to return to training this week during their latest meeting on Monday as stage one of Project Restart .
Wolves , meanwhile , have been back at Compton since May 11 , albeit training alone and apart with contact training set to be reintroduced at a later date .
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo and his players remain hopeful of pushing back the June 12 restart deadline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to full fitness after a near three-month absence .
However , chief exec Masters , talking on a conference call after the meeting , said : “ We have been focused on this staging post , it ’ s not a firm commitment , for June 12 .
There 's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter .
Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news , views , gossip and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this ... And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store '' What we are able to do today is basically to move forward on small group training .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussing full contact training protocols for that .
`` Once you know when you can start full contact training and we have had a proper discussion with clubs about how much is required to create the fitness levels before they can start playing we are then in a position to be able to confirm when the season start is .
“ So we haven ’ t changed the start date , we have to be flexible about it .
What we don ’ t want to do is continually move that start date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , we need to be flexible and acknowledge we are in a step by step process.
” Players will resume training together from Tuesday afternoon in small groups as the first phase of their reintegration .
However , Masters revealed the Premier League are hopeful of getting full-contact training approved next week .
“ Today we haven ’ t talked to the players or even that clubs yet about a return to contact training , in terms of the fine details of protocols , ” said Masters .
“ We ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next week to 10 days .
“ Before any decisions are made exactly the same as this stage ’ s decision , we will have very similar meetings with players and managers to explain to them how to contact training would work and so they can raise their concerns and questions and we can answer any medical concerns they might have .
“ It ’ s exactly the same process repeated we have done for this stage of the protocols , we ’ ll repeat that for stage two.
” Discussions are ongoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the season , including TV rights .
Some reports in the media have stated Premier League games could be broadcasted on free-to-view TV for the first time in the competition 's history .
On discussions with major TV shareholders , Masters added : “ For the remaining 92 games we were able to give clubs a very brief update on that and the discussions we are having with both the Government and the broadcasters to try to come up with the right formula .
“ Out of respect to all of those broadcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is right to confirm any specific part of it .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Elliot Jackson, Ashley Preece)

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Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has insisted they are still hopeful of a June 12 restart but admitted that they must be 'flexible' on a return date.
Top-flight clubs agreed to return to training this week during their latest meeting on Monday as stage one of Project Restart.
Wolves, meanwhile, have been back at Compton since May 11, albeit training alone and apart with contact training set to be reintroduced at a later date.
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo and his players remain hopeful of pushing back the June 12 restart deadline, in a bid to get back up to full fitness after a near three-month absence.
However, chief exec Masters, talking on a conference call after the meeting, said: “We have been focused on this staging post, it’s not a firm commitment, for June 12.
Wolves daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news, views, gossip and opinion. All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - or sign up here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
"What we are able to do today is basically to move forward on small group training.
“Next week we are going to be discussing full contact training protocols for that.
"Once you know when you can start full contact training and we have had a proper discussion with clubs about how much is required to create the fitness levels before they can start playing we are then in a position to be able to confirm when the season start is.
“So we haven’t changed the start date, we have to be flexible about it. What we don’t want to do is continually move that start date. So we haven’t changed it, we need to be flexible and acknowledge we are in a step by step process.”
Players will resume training together from Tuesday afternoon in small groups as the first phase of their reintegration.
However, Masters revealed the Premier League are hopeful of getting full-contact training approved next week.
“Today we haven’t talked to the players or even that clubs yet about a return to contact training, in terms of the fine details of protocols,” said Masters.
“We’re anticipating we can do that in the next week to 10 days.
“Before any decisions are made exactly the same as this stage’s decision, we will have very similar meetings with players and managers to explain to them how to contact training would work and so they can raise their concerns and questions and we can answer any medical concerns they might have.
“It’s exactly the same process repeated we have done for this stage of the protocols, we’ll repeat that for stage two.”
Discussions are ongoing about the format of the remainder of the season, including TV rights.
Some reports in the media have stated Premier League games could be broadcasted on free-to-view TV for the first time in the competition's history.
On discussions with major TV shareholders, Masters added: “For the remaining 92 games we were able to give clubs a very brief update on that and the discussions we are having with both the Government and the broadcasters to try to come up with the right formula.
“Out of respect to all of those broadcast partners, I don’t think it is right to confirm any specific part of it.”


birminghammail--2020-05-18--UK 'may have to learn to live with coronavirus for several years'

England ’ s deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam has warned we may have to live with deadly coronavirus for `` several years '' .
At the daily press briefing , he struck a more sombre note just a day after the public were told medics were `` making good progress '' on clinical trials for a vaccine .
And Prof Van-Tam delivered the blow that a vaccine may never be found .
He said : “ Maybe people are just hoping and praying this virus will just go away as indeed I hope and pray it will .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ until we get a vaccine , and only if we get a vaccine that is really capable of suppressing disease levels , will we ever be what we would call ‘ out of this ’ .
“ We may have to learn to live with this virus in the long term and certainly for many months to come , if not several years . ''
He added it is “ not clear ” that coronavirus recedes in summer as much as the flu , but there “ may be an element of seasonality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may well be that the autumn and winter conditions provide a better environment for the virus to then do its work again .
“ So we have to be very cautious about that and plan for these kind of healthcare surges.
” Asked about children 's reaction to the virus , Professor Van-Tam said that while the data is “ pretty sparse at the moment ” , initial findings appear to be that children transmit coronavirus less than adults .
He said emerging data suggests the rate at which children become infected is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , possibility a little lower in the younger children ” .
But when they do get Covid-19 it ’ s usually a “ much more mild ” disease than in adults , he added .
Yesterday ministers confirmed that there are plans in place to roll out a COVID-19 vaccine to 30 million people by September if trials are successful .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock also announced everyone aged five and over is now eligible to be tested for coronavirus if they are showing symptoms , which have been expanded to included a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follows last month 's news that 100,000 randomly selected people , from 315 local authorities across England , would be invited to carry out home tests to see whether they are infected with Covid-19 .
It is only if the transmission levels are low , that the UK will be the green light to exit the lockdown .
Anyone suffering the newly-added symptoms , or a continuous cough or high fever , should self-isolate for seven days to risk the spread of infection , and anyone they live with should stay home for @ @ @

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Oliver Milne , Sanjeeta Bains)

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England’s deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam has warned we may have to live with deadly coronavirus for "several years".
At the daily press briefing, he struck a more sombre note just a day after the public were told medics were "making good progress" on clinical trials for a vaccine.
And Prof Van-Tam delivered the blow that a vaccine may never be found.
He said: “Maybe people are just hoping and praying this virus will just go away as indeed I hope and pray it will.
(Image: PA)
“But the reality is that certainly until we get a vaccine, and only if we get a vaccine that is really capable of suppressing disease levels, will we ever be what we would call ‘out of this’.
“We may have to learn to live with this virus in the long term and certainly for many months to come, if not several years."
He added it is “not clear” that coronavirus recedes in summer as much as the flu, but there “may be an element of seasonality”.
He added: “It may well be that the autumn and winter conditions provide a better environment for the virus to then do its work again.
“So we have to be very cautious about that and plan for these kind of healthcare surges.”
Asked about children's reaction to the virus, Professor Van-Tam said that while the data is “pretty sparse at the moment”, initial findings appear to be that children transmit coronavirus less than adults.
He said emerging data suggests the rate at which children become infected is “about the same as in adults, possibility a little lower in the younger children”.
But when they do get Covid-19 it’s usually a “much more mild” disease than in adults, he added.
Yesterday ministers confirmed that there are plans in place to roll out a COVID-19 vaccine to 30 million people by September if trials are successful.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock also announced everyone aged five and over is now eligible to be tested for coronavirus if they are showing symptoms, which have been expanded to included a loss of taste or smell.
This follows last month's news that 100,000 randomly selected people, from 315 local authorities across England, would be invited to carry out home tests to see whether they are infected with Covid-19.
It is only if the transmission levels are low, that the UK will be the green light to exit the lockdown.
Anyone suffering the newly-added symptoms, or a continuous cough or high fever, should self-isolate for seven days to risk the spread of infection, and anyone they live with should stay home for 14 days.


birminghammail--2020-05-18--Aston Villa set to push Premier League date back amid concerns

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has insisted they are still hopeful of a June 12 restart but admitted that they must be 'flexible ' on a return date .
Top-flight clubs agreed to return to training this week during their latest meeting on Monday as stage one of Project Restart .
Aston Villa will return to training for the first time tomorrow , with staff and players to be screened for coronavirus symptoms upon arrival .
Dean Smith and his players are , though , hopeful of pushing back the June 12 deadline in a bid to get back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three-month absence .
However , Masters , talking on a conference call after the meeting , said : “ We have been focused on this staging post , it ’ s not a firm commitment , for June 12 .
`` What we are able to do today is basically to move forward on small group training .
“ Next week we are going to be discussing full contact training protocols for that .
`` Once you know when you can start full contact training and we have had a proper discussion with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create the fitness levels before they can start playing we are then in a position to be able to confirm when the season start is .
“ So we haven ’ t changed the start date , we have to be flexible about it .
What we don ’ t want to do is continually move that start date .
So we haven ’ t changed it , we need to be flexible and acknowledge we are in a step by step process.
” Players will resume training from Tuesday afternoon in small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reintegration .
However , Masters revealed the Premier League are hopeful of getting full-contact training approved next week .
“ Today we haven ’ t talked to the players or even that clubs yet about a return to contact training , in terms of the fine details of protocols , ” said Masters .
“ We ’ re anticipating we can do that in the next week to 10 days .
“ Before any decisions are made exactly the same as this stage ’ s decision , we will have very similar meetings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them how to contact training would work and so they can raise their concerns and questions and we can answer any medical concerns they might have .
“ It ’ s exactly the same process repeated we have done for this stage of the protocols , we ’ ll repeat that for stage two.
” Discussions are ongoing about the format of the remainder of the season , including TV rights .
Some reports in the media have stated Premier League games could be broadcasted on free-to-view TV for the first time in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with major TV shareholders , Masters added : “ For the remaining 92 games we were able to give clubs a very brief update on that and the discussions we are having with both the Government and the broadcasters to try to come up with the right formula .
“ Out of respect to all of those broadcast partners , I don ’ t think it is right to confirm any specific part of it .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Elliott Jackson, Ashley Preece)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has insisted they are still hopeful of a June 12 restart but admitted that they must be 'flexible' on a return date.
Top-flight clubs agreed to return to training this week during their latest meeting on Monday as stage one of Project Restart.
Aston Villa will return to training for the first time tomorrow, with staff and players to be screened for coronavirus symptoms upon arrival.
Dean Smith and his players are, though, hopeful of pushing back the June 12 deadline in a bid to get back up to full fitness after a near three-month absence.
However, Masters, talking on a conference call after the meeting, said: “We have been focused on this staging post, it’s not a firm commitment, for June 12.
Claret & Blue podcast Have you tried our Claret & Blue podcast out? Claret & Blue is our expanded look at everything Aston Villa - and you can find it on iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube, as well as your podcast service of choice. Our writers will bring you the latest from Villa Park in their own unique style, taking a deeper look at the Villans while having a lot of fun along the way. What can you expect? Well,analysis, news, interviews and debate along with, yes, a fair amount of nonsense! That's not all though, you can find the podcast on Twitter here, and as a newsletter which you can subscribe to here. In our newsletter you'll get original articles like this and exclusive interviews before anyone else has access. What are you waiting for?
"What we are able to do today is basically to move forward on small group training.
“Next week we are going to be discussing full contact training protocols for that.
"Once you know when you can start full contact training and we have had a proper discussion with clubs about how much is required to create the fitness levels before they can start playing we are then in a position to be able to confirm when the season start is.
“So we haven’t changed the start date, we have to be flexible about it. What we don’t want to do is continually move that start date. So we haven’t changed it, we need to be flexible and acknowledge we are in a step by step process.”
Players will resume training from Tuesday afternoon in small groups as the first phase of their reintegration.
However, Masters revealed the Premier League are hopeful of getting full-contact training approved next week.
“Today we haven’t talked to the players or even that clubs yet about a return to contact training, in terms of the fine details of protocols,” said Masters.
“We’re anticipating we can do that in the next week to 10 days.
“Before any decisions are made exactly the same as this stage’s decision, we will have very similar meetings with players and managers to explain to them how to contact training would work and so they can raise their concerns and questions and we can answer any medical concerns they might have.
“It’s exactly the same process repeated we have done for this stage of the protocols, we’ll repeat that for stage two.”
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Discussions are ongoing about the format of the remainder of the season, including TV rights.
Some reports in the media have stated Premier League games could be broadcasted on free-to-view TV for the first time in the competition's history.
On discussions with major TV shareholders, Masters added: “For the remaining 92 games we were able to give clubs a very brief update on that and the discussions we are having with both the Government and the broadcasters to try to come up with the right formula.
“Out of respect to all of those broadcast partners, I don’t think it is right to confirm any specific part of it.”