birminghammail--2020-10-15--150 people found in shisha-selling Birmingham bar

A Birmingham city centre bar is 'putting lives at risk ' by ignoring Covid guidelines , including hosting a 150-person party as it sold shisha , the police have said .
Dahlak Lounge on Hampton Street has not been trading in a Covid-safe manner say police - despite several conversations with them - it was revealed today .
And the force has now requested for the premises licence to be suspended , with a full hearing set to be heard within 28 days if the application is successful .
Back in mid-August officers visited the venue and said it appeared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'complete lack of social distancing ' apparent .
This led to a further visit by the police toward the end of the month , in which they say they outlined the guidelines in a meeting with the premises licence holder .
They also say that the licence holder was sent information regarding the restrictions .
However this did not stop police visiting the premises again on October 10 , after they heard music coming from inside despite the doors appearing locked and shutters being pulled down .
`` Inside the premises on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 150 people downstairs , '' the report notes .
`` Seating on the ground floor was bench style or sofa type seating with no social distancing between different groups and no mitigation .
`` The premises was selling shisha which by its nature increases the risk of fire in the premises , in a venue that had limited if any means of escape and therefore making it vastly over capacity with the amount of available fire exits . ''
The report goes on to state that the venue 's fire risk assessment indicated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 60 people downstairs , something which police say was not being kept to when they visited in both August and October .
And , summing up at today 's ( Oct 15 ) licensing meeting , West Midlands Police concluded that the premises licence should be suspended pending a full hearing .
`` West Midlands Police have engaged with this premises , have spent a lot of time engaging with this premises face to face , yet we ’ re still finding that they are not trading in a Covid-safe manner , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their staff , customers and the general public at risk , '' a representative said .
`` Compounded by that was the fact that there ’ s a lot of fire safety issues in our opinion , the fact that they saw fit to close the shutters to the main entrance , and the doors locked while people were inside , just shows a total lack of regard for their customers and the wellbeing and health and safety of the customers .
`` And also the fact that shisha is being sold within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in our opinion .
Obviously the main point is the Covid-safe training , which we have been engaged in , we have tried to educate , we ’ ve sent links , we ’ ve sent emails , and yet we ’ re still finding ourselves last weekend meeted and greeted by a complete lack of Covid-safe training .
`` And this is a statement I read from an officer with vast experience in the city centre working the night-time economy .
So it ’ s not a new officer , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night-time economy and knows how premises should be trading .
`` West Midlands Police have no confidence that this premises at this time can trade in a Covid-safe manner , and would urge the committee to suspend the licence at this current time . ''

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A Birmingham city centre bar is 'putting lives at risk' by ignoring Covid guidelines, including hosting a 150-person party as it sold shisha, the police have said.
Dahlak Lounge on Hampton Street has not been trading in a Covid-safe manner say police - despite several conversations with them - it was revealed today.
And the force has now requested for the premises licence to be suspended, with a full hearing set to be heard within 28 days if the application is successful.
Back in mid-August officers visited the venue and said it appeared 'packed and overfull', with a 'complete lack of social distancing' apparent.
This led to a further visit by the police toward the end of the month, in which they say they outlined the guidelines in a meeting with the premises licence holder. They also say that the licence holder was sent information regarding the restrictions.
However this did not stop police visiting the premises again on October 10, after they heard music coming from inside despite the doors appearing locked and shutters being pulled down.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
"Inside the premises on the ground floor officers described there being approximately 150 people downstairs," the report notes.
"Seating on the ground floor was bench style or sofa type seating with no social distancing between different groups and no mitigation.
"The premises was selling shisha which by its nature increases the risk of fire in the premises, in a venue that had limited if any means of escape and therefore making it vastly over capacity with the amount of available fire exits."
The report goes on to state that the venue's fire risk assessment indicated that the capacity was 60 people upstairs and 60 people downstairs, something which police say was not being kept to when they visited in both August and October.
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And, summing up at today's (Oct 15) licensing meeting, West Midlands Police concluded that the premises licence should be suspended pending a full hearing.
"West Midlands Police have engaged with this premises, have spent a lot of time engaging with this premises face to face, yet we’re still finding that they are not trading in a Covid-safe manner, and they're putting the lives of their staff, customers and the general public at risk," a representative said.
"Compounded by that was the fact that there’s a lot of fire safety issues in our opinion, the fact that they saw fit to close the shutters to the main entrance, and the doors locked while people were inside, just shows a total lack of regard for their customers and the wellbeing and health and safety of the customers.
"And also the fact that shisha is being sold within a premises that is not shisha compliant, in our opinion. Obviously the main point is the Covid-safe training, which we have been engaged in, we have tried to educate, we’ve sent links, we’ve sent emails, and yet we’re still finding ourselves last weekend meeted and greeted by a complete lack of Covid-safe training.
"And this is a statement I read from an officer with vast experience in the city centre working the night-time economy. So it’s not a new officer, it’s an officer that knows the night-time economy and knows how premises should be trading.
"West Midlands Police have no confidence that this premises at this time can trade in a Covid-safe manner, and would urge the committee to suspend the licence at this current time."


birminghammail--2020-10-15--Blues and Danny Batth: Latest on the link with Stoke City defender

Danny Batth will not be moving to Birmingham City , BirminghamLive understands .
With just under 24 hours of the transfer window to go the Stoke City centre back was linked with a move to Blues by website teamTALK .
It was suggested the ex-Wolves defender was one of Aitor Karanka ’ s ‘ main targets ’ and that talks over a loan move were ongoing .
However , sources in both Stoke and close to the player have dismissed the prospect of Batth leaving the Bet 365 Stadium , who have allowed Bruno Martins Indi to go and still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pre-Sheffield Wednesday press conference Karanka was coy about the prospect of Blues adding to their squad - although admitted one or two more options would be ‘ perfect ’ .
Blues are likely to want to add more depth to their options in attack but in defence have club captain Harlee Dean and Karanka ’ s long-standing lieutenant George Friend as their first choice centre-half pairing .
Marc Roberts came off the bench to make his first appearance of the season last time out , while Mikel San Jose can also play at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Birmingham City newsletter here Batth came through the ranks at Wolves and , during lockdown , made the most of his status to help out in Dudley , where he was born .
He and his partner Natalie packaged 300 food parcels themselves at home before distributing them to staff working at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley .

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Danny Batth will not be moving to Birmingham City, BirminghamLive understands.
With just under 24 hours of the transfer window to go the Stoke City centre back was linked with a move to Blues by website teamTALK.
It was suggested the ex-Wolves defender was one of Aitor Karanka’s ‘main targets’ and that talks over a loan move were ongoing.
However, sources in both Stoke and close to the player have dismissed the prospect of Batth leaving the Bet 365 Stadium, who have allowed Bruno Martins Indi to go and still have Ryan Shawcross injured.
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At his pre-Sheffield Wednesday press conference Karanka was coy about the prospect of Blues adding to their squad - although admitted one or two more options would be ‘perfect’.
Blues are likely to want to add more depth to their options in attack but in defence have club captain Harlee Dean and Karanka’s long-standing lieutenant George Friend as their first choice centre-half pairing.
Marc Roberts came off the bench to make his first appearance of the season last time out, while Mikel San Jose can also play at the back.
Batth came through the ranks at Wolves and, during lockdown, made the most of his status to help out in Dudley, where he was born.
He and his partner Natalie packaged 300 food parcels themselves at home before distributing them to staff working at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley.


birminghammail--2020-10-16--Gymshark give cash-strapped athlete £9k to help him get to Tokyo Olympics

A West Midlands company has donated £9,000 to a British athlete dreaming of getting to Tokyo .
Daniel Bramble , a long jump athlete desperate to raise funds to achieve his dream in getting to the next Olympics , began a GoFundMe page .
And fitness giant Gymshark stepped up in style , gifting a staggering £8,875 to the athlete , who had been forced to get a job as a delivery driver to continue training .
In a message , Gymshark , which is based in Solihull , told Dan : “ We wanted to let you know that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspired by your story .
`` We knew we had to help you achieve your dream in any way we could and thought we ’ d start by making a donation to your gofundme page , so you can quit delivering parcels and get back to delivering gold .
“ We look forward to seeing you in Tokyo 2021.
” Daniel wrote on social media : “ From one silly tweet about to cr***y summer , that I nearly didn ’ t send ?
!
`` I ’ ve reached my Go Fund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know what to say .
Last year , Daniel set up a fundraising page in the hope of raising cash to afford rent , warm weather training , medical costs and more .
He needed help to fund training , memberships , food and nutrition , as well as new kit and fuel costs .
After Gymshark 's touching gesture , Team GB athletes responded with words of encouragement .
Greg Rutherford tweeted : “ This is utterly fantastic !
Well done to @ Gymshark who are helping @ Dbrambs_LJ on his hunt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head office is at Blythe Valley Park in Shirley .

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A West Midlands company has donated £9,000 to a British athlete dreaming of getting to Tokyo.
Daniel Bramble, a long jump athlete desperate to raise funds to achieve his dream in getting to the next Olympics, began a GoFundMe page.
And fitness giant Gymshark stepped up in style, gifting a staggering £8,875 to the athlete, who had been forced to get a job as a delivery driver to continue training.
In a message, Gymshark, which is based in Solihull, told Dan: “We wanted to let you know that we saw your tweet and were super inspired by your story.
"We knew we had to help you achieve your dream in any way we could and thought we’d start by making a donation to your gofundme page, so you can quit delivering parcels and get back to delivering gold.
“We look forward to seeing you in Tokyo 2021.”
Daniel wrote on social media: “From one silly tweet about to cr***y summer, that I nearly didn’t send?!
"I’ve reached my Go Fund Me goal. Honestly don’t know what to say.
"I’m not a crier but boy.. thankful”
Last year, Daniel set up a fundraising page in the hope of raising cash to afford rent, warm weather training, medical costs and more.
He needed help to fund training, memberships, food and nutrition, as well as new kit and fuel costs.
After Gymshark's touching gesture, Team GB athletes responded with words of encouragement.
Greg Rutherford tweeted: “This is utterly fantastic! Well done to @Gymshark who are helping @Dbrambs_LJ on his hunt for a Tokyo podium.”
Others branded the gesture "beautiful".
Gymshark's head office is at Blythe Valley Park in Shirley.


birminghammail--2020-10-16--Blues set to miss out on Butland windfall as Palace rumours swirl

The sell-on clause that for so long represented a lifeline for Birmingham City looks set to yield nothing .
Jack Butland , whom Blues sold to Stoke City for £3.5million in 2013 , is believed to be on the brink of a move to Crystal Palace .
In years gone by that would have been big news for Blues , indeed there was a stage last summer when Butland appeared to be set for a £20million switch to Aston Villa .
Under the terms of the original deal that took the then young Butland from St Andrew ’ s to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first club 20 per cent of a handsome profit - around £3.3million .
There have certainly been times in the last couple of years when that would have been more than handy .
However , if Butland does get the chance to reignite his career in the Premier League , it will be for a nominal fee , meaning there will be no profit for Blues to share .
They say tomorrow never comes - and in this instance that ’ s been proven correct .
Bristol-born Butland joined Blues as a schoolboy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make his first team debut 2012 - three days after he made his England bow .
He went on to be an ever present for Blues in the 2012/2013 campaign under Lee Clark but financial problems necessitated his sale .
In January 2013 Stoke took advantage and paid a relatively small fee before loaning him back to Blues .

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The sell-on clause that for so long represented a lifeline for Birmingham City looks set to yield nothing.
Jack Butland, whom Blues sold to Stoke City for £3.5million in 2013, is believed to be on the brink of a move to Crystal Palace.
In years gone by that would have been big news for Blues, indeed there was a stage last summer when Butland appeared to be set for a £20million switch to Aston Villa.
Under the terms of the original deal that took the then young Butland from St Andrew’s to Stoke, that could have netted his first club 20 per cent of a handsome profit - around £3.3million.
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There have certainly been times in the last couple of years when that would have been more than handy.
However, if Butland does get the chance to reignite his career in the Premier League, it will be for a nominal fee, meaning there will be no profit for Blues to share.
They say tomorrow never comes - and in this instance that’s been proven correct.
Bristol-born Butland joined Blues as a schoolboy in 2010 and came through the ranks to make his first team debut 2012 - three days after he made his England bow.
He went on to be an ever present for Blues in the 2012/2013 campaign under Lee Clark but financial problems necessitated his sale.
In January 2013 Stoke took advantage and paid a relatively small fee before loaning him back to Blues.


birminghammail--2020-10-16--Wales confirms travel ban on England's tier two or tier three lockdown areas

The Welsh Government has confirmed that a travel ban preventing people from areas of the UK with high levels of coronavirus from entering Wales will come into force later on Friday .
The ban will extend to all tier two and tier three locations .
Lancashire has become the second area of England to be placed under the toughest coronavirus restrictions .
From Saturday , people in the north west county will be banned from socialising with anybody they do not live with in any indoor setting or private garden , as well as in most outdoor hospitality venues .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are serving substantial meals , and casinos , bingo halls , bookmakers , betting shops , soft play areas and adult gaming centres will be forced to shut .
Car boot sales will also be banned .
It comes as it emerged there were an average of 27,900 new cases per day of Covid-19 in private households in England between October 2 and 8 , according to the latest estimates from the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) .
This is up from an estimated 17,200 new cases per day for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 .
The ONS said the rate of new infections has continued to increase in recent weeks .
The figures do not include people staying in hospitals , care homes or other institutional settings .
An estimated 336,500 people in private households in England had Covid-19 between October 2 and 8 , the ONS said .
This is the equivalent of around 0.62 % of the population .
The figures represent a jump from 224,400 people , or 0.41 % of the population , who were estimated to have Covid-19 in the previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

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The Welsh Government has confirmed that a travel ban preventing people from areas of the UK with high levels of coronavirus from entering Wales will come into force later on Friday.
The ban will extend to all tier two and tier three locations.
Lancashire has become the second area of England to be placed under the toughest coronavirus restrictions.
From Saturday, people in the north west county will be banned from socialising with anybody they do not live with in any indoor setting or private garden, as well as in most outdoor hospitality venues.
All pubs and bars must close unless they are serving substantial meals, and casinos, bingo halls, bookmakers, betting shops, soft play areas and adult gaming centres will be forced to shut. Car boot sales will also be banned.
It comes as it emerged there were an average of 27,900 new cases per day of Covid-19 in private households in England between October 2 and 8, according to the latest estimates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
This is up from an estimated 17,200 new cases per day for the period from September 25 to October 1.
The ONS said the rate of new infections has continued to increase in recent weeks.
The figures do not include people staying in hospitals, care homes or other institutional settings.
An estimated 336,500 people in private households in England had Covid-19 between October 2 and 8, the ONS said.
This is the equivalent of around 0.62% of the population.
The figures represent a jump from 224,400 people, or 0.41% of the population, who were estimated to have Covid-19 in the previous week of September 25 to October 1.


birminghammail--2020-10-16--Concern over West Midlands residents' access to green space

People in the West Midlands are more likely not to access green space than neighbours in the rest of England , figures show .
Some 40 per cent of survey respondents in the region had made “ no visits to green and natural spaces in the last 14 days ” when asked during April to June this year .
The “ East Midlands ” and “ East ” regions had the next highest amount of no visits at 39 per cent .
The regions with the least disconnect from green spaces were London and the North East , where just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the set time frame .
The findings , from the Natural England ‘ People and Nature ’ survey , were presented to councillors on the West Midlands Combined Authority ’ s environment and energy board today .
The “ West Midlands ” in this case refers to the wider region rather than the combined authority area .
Alex Chapman , senior researcher at New Economics Foundation Consulting , presented the findings .
He said : “ The proportion is highest of all England ’ s regions of people who haven ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added the West Midlands was among the worst performing in terms of level of agreement with the phrase “ my local green and natural spaces are within easy walking distance ” .
He also pointed out West Midlands residents least commonly agreed that “ my local green and natural spaces are a high enough standard to want to spend time in ” .
He said : “ There are a huge number of factors that could be driving that , especially in the middle of a crisis.
” He showed figures showing 34 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visits to green space , while 39 per cent of ethnic minority groups made no visits .
At the same time , the proportion of no visits to green spaces was inversely proportional to the household income band of respondents .
Almost half ( 46 per cent ) of those in a household earning less than £14,999 made no visits to green space while less than a quarter ( 24 per cent ) of those earning more than £50,000 made no visits .
Mr Chapman said : `` Generally across the combined authority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ population pressure on their local green space . ''
The meeting heard there are plans to link intersections of the West Midlands , as well as initiatives such as tree planting and the West Midlands National Park project to address residents ’ lack of access to green space .

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People in the West Midlands are more likely not to access green space than neighbours in the rest of England, figures show.
Some 40 per cent of survey respondents in the region had made “no visits to green and natural spaces in the last 14 days” when asked during April to June this year.
The “East Midlands” and “East” regions had the next highest amount of no visits at 39 per cent.
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The regions with the least disconnect from green spaces were London and the North East, where just 30 per cent residents made no visits during the set time frame.
The findings, from the Natural England ‘People and Nature’ survey, were presented to councillors on the West Midlands Combined Authority’s environment and energy board today.
The “West Midlands” in this case refers to the wider region rather than the combined authority area.
Alex Chapman, senior researcher at New Economics Foundation Consulting, presented the findings.
He said: “The proportion is highest of all England’s regions of people who haven’t visit green and natural spaces.”
He added the West Midlands was among the worst performing in terms of level of agreement with the phrase “my local green and natural spaces are within easy walking distance”.
He also pointed out West Midlands residents least commonly agreed that “my local green and natural spaces are a high enough standard to want to spend time in”.
He said: “There are a huge number of factors that could be driving that, especially in the middle of a crisis.”
He showed figures showing 34 per cent of white residents made no visits to green space, while 39 per cent of ethnic minority groups made no visits.
At the same time, the proportion of no visits to green spaces was inversely proportional to the household income band of respondents.
Almost half (46 per cent) of those in a household earning less than £14,999 made no visits to green space while less than a quarter (24 per cent) of those earning more than £50,000 made no visits.
Mr Chapman said: "Generally across the combined authority, deprived areas have a lot of population pressure on their local green space."
The meeting heard there are plans to link intersections of the West Midlands, as well as initiatives such as tree planting and the West Midlands National Park project to address residents’ lack of access to green space.


birminghammail--2020-10-16--Murder suspect denies killing man found stabbed in Bristol Road

A murder suspect has denied killing a man who was found stabbed in Birmingham .
Thomas Rogers , 26 , @ @ @ @ @ the junction of Bristol Road and Mill Pool Way , Bournbrook , in August but @ @ @ @ @ his arrival .
Ryan Hurt , 22 , pleaded not guilty to Mr Rogers ' @ @ @ @ @ on Friday .
Mr Rogers ' brothers , 30-year-old Samuel Rogers and 32-year-old David Rogers @ @ @ @ @ , were not required to enter pleas during the short hearing .
Samuel Rogers , @ @ @ @ @ Sutton-in-Ashfield , Nottinghamshire ; David Rogers , of Nora Street , South Shields ; Welby @ @ @ @ @ ; and Hurt , of Peel Crescent , Mansfield will next appear at the same @ @ @ @ @ All four defendants were remanded into custody .

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A murder suspect has denied killing a man who was found stabbed in Birmingham.
Thomas Rogers, 26, was found seriously injured near the junction of Bristol Road and Mill Pool Way, Bournbrook, in August but died in hospital soon after his arrival.
Ryan Hurt, 22, pleaded not guilty to Mr Rogers' murder at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday.
Mr Rogers' brothers, 30-year-old Samuel Rogers and 32-year-old David Rogers, alongside 22-year-old Macauley Welby, were not required to enter pleas during the short hearing.
Samuel Rogers, of St Michaels Street in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire; David Rogers, of Nora Street, South Shields; Welby, of no fixed abode; and Hurt, of Peel Crescent, Mansfield will next appear at the same court on December 7.
All four defendants were remanded into custody.


birminghammail--2020-10-16--More than 200,000 people sign Marcus Rashford's petition for free school meals

More than 200,000 people have signed Marcus Rashford 's petition for free school meals over school holidays .
It comes after the footballer called on the government to help ' 61,000 children in Birmingham ' who he says need help over October half term .
The England striker started a campaign to help reduce food poverty during lockdown back in March and the government answered by making a U-turn on free school meal vouchers for eligible pupils over the summer holidays after sharing details on how similar schemes had helped him as a child .
Now , the Manchester United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help for October half term - but a Downing Street spokesman said on Thursday that circumstances had changed and that the vouchers would not be available .
His petition , which went live on Thursday , received more than 100,000 names in less than a day - surging through the threshold to be considered for parliamentary debate in just 10 hours .
By 10.30am on Friday October 16 , the petition had topped 202,000 signatures and was rapidly climbing .
Find out more here As a result , the sportsman has ramped up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide free meals during all school holidays now nearing 200,000 names just one day after it was launched .
On Thursday , Rashford tweeted the following message to his 3,471,447 followers : `` 61,000 children in Birmingham alone need our voice .
Please sign the petition .
Remember when I said I was going to need your help ... For the millions who do not have the platform to be heard .
`` Let 's stand as a 'United ' Kingdom to # endchildfoodpoverty .
Sign the petition . ''
Back in March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 61,000 children in the city receiving free school meals as the pandemic crisis swept the country .
The vouchers were administered by local schools for use in major supermarkets across the city .
Rashford is also campaigning for the free meals to be expanded to all households on Universal Credit in a bid to reach 1.5 million seven to 16-year-olds who are currently missing out .
The petition reads : `` Government should support vulnerable children & # endchildfoodpoverty by implementing 3 recommendations from the National Food Strategy to expand access to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activities during holidays to stop holiday hunger & increase the value of and expand the Healthy Start scheme . ''
It adds : `` Covid-19 has been tough on us all but Government should ensure children don ’ t pay the price : - 14 per cent of parents & ten per cent of children have experienced food insecurity over the last six months - 32 per cent of families have lost income as a result of Covid-19 - Demand for food banks this winter is predicted to be 61 per cent higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Poverty Taskforce , I am calling for Government to allocate money to - Expand free school meals to all under-16s where a parent or guardian is in receipt of Universal Credit or equivalent benefit - Provide meals & activities during all holidays - Increase the value of Healthy Start vouchers to at least £4.25 per week , and expand the scheme .
`` These three recommendations must be implemented without delay to # endchildfoodpoverty . ''
But the government has said the free voucher scheme would not be available over the October half-term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News : `` It 's not for schools to regularly provide food to pupils during the school holiday .
We believe the best way to support families outside term time is through Universal Credit rather than government subsidising meals . ''
`` We took the decision to extend free school meals during the pandemic when schools were partially closed during lockdown .
We 're in a different position now with schools back open to all pupils . ''
Rashford , who was recently made MBE for his services to vulnerable children , replied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not for food banks to feed millions of British children but here we are .
250 per cent increase in food poverty and rising ...
This is not going away anytime soon and neither am I… ''

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More than 200,000 people have signed Marcus Rashford's petition for free school meals over school holidays.
It comes after the footballer called on the government to help ' 61,000 children in Birmingham ' who he says need help over October half term.
The England striker started a campaign to help reduce food poverty during lockdown back in March and the government answered by making a U-turn on free school meal vouchers for eligible pupils over the summer holidays after sharing details on how similar schemes had helped him as a child.
Now, the Manchester United star, 22, is asking for help for October half term - but a Downing Street spokesman said on Thursday that circumstances had changed and that the vouchers would not be available.
His petition, which went live on Thursday, received more than 100,000 names in less than a day - surging through the threshold to be considered for parliamentary debate in just 10 hours.
By 10.30am on Friday October 16, the petition had topped 202,000 signatures and was rapidly climbing. Find out more here
As a result, the sportsman has ramped up his campaign with his new petition for provide free meals during all school holidays now nearing 200,000 names just one day after it was launched.
On Thursday, Rashford tweeted the following message to his 3,471,447 followers: "61,000 children in Birmingham alone need our voice. Please sign the petition. Remember when I said I was going to need your help ... For the millions who do not have the platform to be heard.
"Let's stand as a 'United' Kingdom to #endchildfoodpoverty. Sign the petition."
Back in March, Birmingham City Council funded vouchers for the 61,000 children in the city receiving free school meals as the pandemic crisis swept the country. The vouchers were administered by local schools for use in major supermarkets across the city.
Rashford is also campaigning for the free meals to be expanded to all households on Universal Credit in a bid to reach 1.5 million seven to 16-year-olds who are currently missing out.
The petition reads: "Government should support vulnerable children & #endchildfoodpoverty by implementing 3 recommendations from the National Food Strategy to expand access to Free School Meals, provide meals & activities during holidays to stop holiday hunger & increase the value of and expand the Healthy Start scheme."
It adds: "Covid-19 has been tough on us all but Government should ensure children don’t pay the price:
- 14 per cent of parents & ten per cent of children have experienced food insecurity over the last six months
- 32 per cent of families have lost income as a result of Covid-19
- Demand for food banks this winter is predicted to be 61 per cent higher than last.
With the Child Food Poverty Taskforce, I am calling for Government to allocate money to
- Expand free school meals to all under-16s where a parent or guardian is in receipt of Universal Credit or equivalent benefit
- Provide meals & activities during all holidays
- Increase the value of Healthy Start vouchers to at least £4.25 per week, and expand the scheme.
"These three recommendations must be implemented without delay to #endchildfoodpoverty."
But the government has said the free voucher scheme would not be available over the October half-term.
A Downing Street spokesman told Sky News: "It's not for schools to regularly provide food to pupils during the school holiday. We believe the best way to support families outside term time is through Universal Credit rather than government subsidising meals."
"We took the decision to extend free school meals during the pandemic when schools were partially closed during lockdown. We're in a different position now with schools back open to all pupils."
Rashford, who was recently made MBE for his services to vulnerable children, replied on Twitter: "It's also not for food banks to feed millions of British children but here we are. 250 per cent increase in food poverty and rising... This is not going away anytime soon and neither am I…"


birminghammail--2020-10-16--England coronavirus deaths 'will hit 690 a day in less than fortnight'

Scientists are warning England coronavirus deaths are 'likely to hit ' 240-690 a day in less than a fortnight .
The figures from Cambridge University will pile pressure on Boris Johnson - as one SAGE expert warned the virus could be back to where it was at the end of March in a couple of weeks .
Around 47,000 Covid-19 infections are occurring daily across England , with deaths expected to hit 240 to 690 per day by October 26 , according to evidence presented to Government scientists .
The Medical Research Council ( MRC ) biostatistics unit at Cambridge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on how fast the epidemic is growing across the country .
They estimate cases are doubling in under seven days , with a `` substantial proportion '' of those being asymptomatic .
The figures are fed to the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling , which provides real-time information to the Government through the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) , and to regional Public Health England ( PHE ) teams .
On October 12 , the MRC unit published a report saying : `` Our current estimate of the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is 47,000 .
`` We predict that the number of deaths each day is likely to be between 240 and 690 on October 26 . ''
They said the daily number of infections was within the range of 28,900 to 74,900 per day , with the best estimate being 47,000 .
They added the estimated growth rate for England is 0.09 per day .
`` This means that the number of infections grows by 9 % each day and it translates into a doubling in number in under one week , '' they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of new infections is particularly high in the North West and the North East and Yorkshire ( 17,600 and 10,700 infections per day , respectively ) , followed by London and the Midlands ( 5,450 and 5,720 , respectively ) .
`` Note that a substantial proportion of these daily infections will be asymptomatic . ''

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Scientists are warning England coronavirus deaths are 'likely to hit' 240-690 a day in less than a fortnight.
The figures from Cambridge University will pile pressure on Boris Johnson - as one SAGE expert warned the virus could be back to where it was at the end of March in a couple of weeks.
Around 47,000 Covid-19 infections are occurring daily across England, with deaths expected to hit 240 to 690 per day by October 26, according to evidence presented to Government scientists.
The Medical Research Council (MRC) biostatistics unit at Cambridge University published new predictions on October 12 on how fast the epidemic is growing across the country.
They estimate cases are doubling in under seven days, with a "substantial proportion" of those being asymptomatic.
The figures are fed to the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling, which provides real-time information to the Government through the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), and to regional Public Health England (PHE) teams.
On October 12, the MRC unit published a report saying: "Our current estimate of the number of infections occurring each day across England is 47,000.
"We predict that the number of deaths each day is likely to be between 240 and 690 on October 26."
They said the daily number of infections was within the range of 28,900 to 74,900 per day, with the best estimate being 47,000.
They added the estimated growth rate for England is 0.09 per day.
"This means that the number of infections grows by 9% each day and it translates into a doubling in number in under one week," they said.
"The central estimates for the number of new infections is particularly high in the North West and the North East and Yorkshire (17,600 and 10,700 infections per day, respectively), followed by London and the Midlands (5,450 and 5,720, respectively).
"Note that a substantial proportion of these daily infections will be asymptomatic."


birminghammail--2020-10-16--Wolves transfer news LIVE & Nuno's press conference

The second transfer deadline day of this month has arrived and Wolverhampton Wanderers are expected to be busier than they @ @ @ @ @ While Nuno Espirito Santo is n't expected to add to his squad today , Wolves @ @ @ @ @ some of their out-of-favour and fringe stars .
Ryan Bennett is the biggest name waiting @ @ @ @ @ and a move is expected to be found for him before today 's 5pm deadline @ @ @ @ @ half of last season on loan at Leicester City but the Foxes decided not to @ @ @ @ @ he returned to Wolves in September .
Young defenders Dion Sanderson and Oskar Buur are @ @ @ @ @ and gain more experience and have plenty of interest in the Championship .
Nuno is @ @ @ @ @ media today at 1pm so we will be bringing you all of the relevant updates @ @ @ @ @

The second transfer deadline day of this month has arrived and Wolverhampton Wanderers are expected to be busier than they were on the first.
While Nuno Espirito Santo isn't expected to add to his squad today, Wolves are searching for homes for some of their out-of-favour and fringe stars.
Ryan Bennett is the biggest name waiting in Wolves' departure lounge and a move is expected to be found for him before today's 5pm deadline.
Bennett spent the second half of last season on loan at Leicester City but the Foxes decided not to make his move permanent and he returned to Wolves in September.
Young defenders Dion Sanderson and Oskar Buur are also keen to head out and gain more experience and have plenty of interest in the Championship.
Nuno is also due to face the media today at 1pm so we will be bringing you all of the relevant updates from that as well.


birminghammail--2020-10-16--West Brom transfer news live: Transfer deadline day updates

Transfer deadline day has arrived for West Bromwich Albion - but they likely won ’ t be too busy as @ @ @ @ @ Albion secured the services of striker Karlan Grant on Thursday , after long drawn out @ @ @ @ @ for most of the window , and in doing so they raised their tally of @ @ @ @ @ With Grant and Grady Diangana being the marquee signings of the window for Albion in @ @ @ @ @ market to operate in because of the club ’ s limited transfer budget , it @ @ @ @ @ a quiet deadline day .
There may yet be one or two players who leave @ @ @ @ @ There is interest from the Championship in both winger Kamil Grosicki and striker Kenneth Zohore @ @ @ @ @ who are out of favour with Slaven Bilic - could both secure moves away from @ @ @ @ @ We ’ ll also bring you updates from Slaven Bilic ’ s press conference , @ @ @ @ @ .
He ’ ll be talking transfers , Grant and Burnley .

Transfer deadline day has arrived for West Bromwich Albion - but they likely won’t be too busy as the clock ticks down.
Albion secured the services of striker Karlan Grant on Thursday, after long drawn out negotiations which have rumbled on for most of the window, and in doing so they raised their tally of summer signings to nine.
With Grant and Grady Diangana being the marquee signings of the window for Albion in what has been a difficult market to operate in because of the club’s limited transfer budget, it’s expected to be a quiet deadline day.
There may yet be one or two players who leave the club, however.
There is interest from the Championship in both winger Kamil Grosicki and striker Kenneth Zohore, and the pair - who are out of favour with Slaven Bilic - could both secure moves away from The Hawthorns before 5pm.
We’ll also bring you updates from Slaven Bilic’s press conference, which gets underway at 1:30pm. He’ll be talking transfers, Grant and Burnley.
Stay tuned!


birminghammail--2020-10-16--Emiliano Martinez explains bold Aston Villa ambitions

Emiliano Martinez wants to help bring European football back to Villa Park , saying : `` I did not come here thinking that we are going to settle for not being relegated . ''
Martinez has hit the ground running for Aston Villa since his £20million move from Arsenal in the summer , firmly establishing himself as Dean Smith 's number one .
He 's kept two clean sheets in three matches as Villa have enjoyed a terrific start to the season with maximum points in the Premier League .
The turnaround from last term 's relegation battle has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to impress .
Villa last played in Europe in the 2010/11 season when they were knocked out in the Europa League play-offs during a run of three successive appearances in the tournament .
“ My goal is to play in Europe , because I did not come here thinking that we are going to settle for not being relegated , ” the 28-year-old told DAZN , as relayed by AS .
“ My ambition is to reach the Europa League and that is my goal , it is my dream , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s why I do everything I do.
” Having been forced to wait patiently for his opportunities at Arsenal , an injury to the Gunners ' first-choice stopper Bernd Leno last season gave Martinez the chance to shine .
He grasped it , playing the final nine matches of the Premier League campaign and playing a vital role in the club 's FA Cup triumph .
There were strong calls for Martinez to keep hold of his place in the starting XI but boss Mikel Arteta opted to restore Leno to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new season against Fulham .
Martinez then completed his move to Villa in mid-September , putting pen to paper on four-year deal .
He said : “ I know the history , I know the club and I know the ambition that the club has .
They called me from day one and what 's more , I said no to many teams to come here because my intuition told me to come here .
”

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Emiliano Martinez wants to help bring European football back to Villa Park, saying: "I did not come here thinking that we are going to settle for not being relegated."
Martinez has hit the ground running for Aston Villa since his £20million move from Arsenal in the summer, firmly establishing himself as Dean Smith's number one.
He's kept two clean sheets in three matches as Villa have enjoyed a terrific start to the season with maximum points in the Premier League.
The turnaround from last term's relegation battle has been remarkable and Martinez is convinced Villa will continue to impress.
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Villa last played in Europe in the 2010/11 season when they were knocked out in the Europa League play-offs during a run of three successive appearances in the tournament.
“My goal is to play in Europe, because I did not come here thinking that we are going to settle for not being relegated,” the 28-year-old told DAZN, as relayed by AS.
“My ambition is to reach the Europa League and that is my goal, it is my dream, that’s why I work, that’s why I do everything I do.”
Having been forced to wait patiently for his opportunities at Arsenal, an injury to the Gunners' first-choice stopper Bernd Leno last season gave Martinez the chance to shine.
He grasped it, playing the final nine matches of the Premier League campaign and playing a vital role in the club's FA Cup triumph.
There were strong calls for Martinez to keep hold of his place in the starting XI but boss Mikel Arteta opted to restore Leno to the team for the first match of the new season against Fulham.
Martinez then completed his move to Villa in mid-September, putting pen to paper on four-year deal.
He said: “I know the history, I know the club and I know the ambition that the club has. They called me from day one and what's more, I said no to many teams to come here because my intuition told me to come here.”


birminghammail--2020-10-16--Man jailed after shining laser at police helicopter

A Redditch man who admitted shining a laser pen at a helicopter has been jailed for four months .
Alexandru Gheorghe , of Heronfield Close , appeared at Warwick Crown Court in relation to an incident in Warwick earlier this year .
At around 10.20pm on May 6 , the National Police Air Service was flying over Warwick when a bright green laser was shone into their cockpit .
They located the source as coming from a nearby premises on Rothwell Road and informed police who attended the scene .
Using descriptions provided by NPAS and CCTV from the premises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrest 28-year-old Gheorghe .
A search was carried out and a laser cap seized .
After further investigation , Gheorghe was charged with shining/directing a laser beam towards a person providing air traffic services .
He pleaded guilty to the offence and was sentenced to four months imprisonment on Wednesday ( October 14 ) .
PC Jenn Fitchew described the act as 'incredibly dangerous ' and added it could have had catastrophic consequences .
“ Gheorghe was identified following a quick response by patrol officers working closely with NPAS using thermal imaging and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ premises where he was , '' she said .
“ Shining a laser beam at any , land/water vehicle or aircraft is not only a criminal offence but it can also be dangerously distracting to the pilot and crew on board and have potentially catastrophic consequences .
“ Thankfully no damage was caused in this instance but it was an incredibly dangerous act as the helicopter was flying over a built up area and could have crashed .
“ I hope that Gheorghe 's sentence acts as a deterrent to others and highlights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often goes undetected .
”

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A Redditch man who admitted shining a laser pen at a helicopter has been jailed for four months.
Alexandru Gheorghe, of Heronfield Close, appeared at Warwick Crown Court in relation to an incident in Warwick earlier this year.
At around 10.20pm on May 6, the National Police Air Service was flying over Warwick when a bright green laser was shone into their cockpit.
They located the source as coming from a nearby premises on Rothwell Road and informed police who attended the scene.
Using descriptions provided by NPAS and CCTV from the premises, officers were able to identify and arrest 28-year-old Gheorghe.
A search was carried out and a laser cap seized.
After further investigation, Gheorghe was charged with shining/directing a laser beam towards a person providing air traffic services.
He pleaded guilty to the offence and was sentenced to four months imprisonment on Wednesday (October 14).
PC Jenn Fitchew described the act as 'incredibly dangerous' and added it could have had catastrophic consequences.
“Gheorghe was identified following a quick response by patrol officers working closely with NPAS using thermal imaging and comparing this with CCTV images at the premises where he was," she said.
“Shining a laser beam at any, land/water vehicle or aircraft is not only a criminal offence but it can also be dangerously distracting to the pilot and crew on board and have potentially catastrophic consequences.
“Thankfully no damage was caused in this instance but it was an incredibly dangerous act as the helicopter was flying over a built up area and could have crashed.
“I hope that Gheorghe's sentence acts as a deterrent to others and highlights the dangers of this crime, which often goes undetected.”


birminghammail--2020-10-16--Grosicki could be set for West Brom transfer on deadline day

Kamil Grosicki could yet leave West Brom on transfer deadline day if a deal with Championship outfit Nottingham Forest can be struck , according to sources in the winger ’ s native Poland .
Grosicki , fresh from scoring a hat-trick while captaining Poland in this international break , has returned to Albion and has spoken out previously of his intentions to fight for his place at The Hawthorns , despite Premier League opportunities this term not being particularly forthcoming under Slaven Bilic .
Grosicki scored once in 14 appearances last term , after arriving on deadline day in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ featured for just an hour this campaign - that coming in the second round win over Harrogate Town in the Carabao Cup .
The 32-year-old was linked with a move to Olympiakos at the end of the international window - another club , like Forest , owned by Evangelos Marinakis - but the Greek side denied those claims .
Since those links with Forest , the management has changed at the City Ground ; Sabri Lamouchi has been sacked , and in his place has come Chris Hughton , tasked with arresting their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all four league games thus far .
Yet the interest in Grosicki remains , despite the fact that they ’ re interested in Fulham winger Anthony Knockaert too .
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Google Play Store and App Store Albion boss Bilic has previously spoken of how he hoped for a couple of players to move on before the closure of the window , those who wouldn ’ t be playing a significant role in his squad , and moves out for Grosicki and Kenneth Zohore hang in the balance .
If Forest can strike a deal , it ’ s expected to be a season-long loan deal , according to Meczyki .
That would mean that he ’ d have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; Grosicki signed an 18-month contract with Albion and so his deal expires next summer .

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Kamil Grosicki could yet leave West Brom on transfer deadline day if a deal with Championship outfit Nottingham Forest can be struck, according to sources in the winger’s native Poland.
Grosicki, fresh from scoring a hat-trick while captaining Poland in this international break, has returned to Albion and has spoken out previously of his intentions to fight for his place at The Hawthorns, despite Premier League opportunities this term not being particularly forthcoming under Slaven Bilic.
Grosicki scored once in 14 appearances last term, after arriving on deadline day in the January transfer window, and he has featured for just an hour this campaign - that coming in the second round win over Harrogate Town in the Carabao Cup.
The 32-year-old was linked with a move to Olympiakos at the end of the international window - another club, like Forest, owned by Evangelos Marinakis - but the Greek side denied those claims.
Since those links with Forest, the management has changed at the City Ground; Sabri Lamouchi has been sacked, and in his place has come Chris Hughton, tasked with arresting their poor form which has seen them lose all four league games thus far.
Yet the interest in Grosicki remains, despite the fact that they’re interested in Fulham winger Anthony Knockaert too.
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Albion boss Bilic has previously spoken of how he hoped for a couple of players to move on before the closure of the window, those who wouldn’t be playing a significant role in his squad, and moves out for Grosicki and Kenneth Zohore hang in the balance.
If Forest can strike a deal, it’s expected to be a season-long loan deal, according to Meczyki. That would mean that he’d have played his last game for the club; Grosicki signed an 18-month contract with Albion and so his deal expires next summer.


birminghammail--2020-10-16--Pret A Manger cutting 400 jobs and shutting more shops

Pret A Manger has said it plans to shut six more shops and cut around another 400 jobs after its recovery slowed in the face of recently tightened restrictions and rising case numbers .
In August , the coffee and sandwich chain axed 2,800 roles as part of a restructuring which saw it close 30 sites .
It said it has seen `` consistent sales growth '' in the four months since reopening sites but this has `` slowed since the end of September '' .
Clare Clough , Pret 's UK managing director , said : `` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop the spread of the virus and tackle the new wave of infections .
`` Sadly , the result of the rise in infections and the necessary shift in public health guidance mean that our recovery has slowed .
`` We 've said all along that it 's up to Pret to decide our own future and that we must adapt to the new situation we find ourselves in .
`` That 's why we have to make these further changes as we continue to transform our business model and prepare for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing everything we can to support our team members and to prevent further job losses at Pret . ''
The news from the sandwich shop comes after Black Country based pub owner Marston 's has said around 2,150 of its pub workers on furlough are facing potential redundancy as it struggles in the face of tightening coronavirus restrictions .
It is the latest pub group to plan job cuts as the end of furlough nears , after rival Mitchell & Butlers said on Monday that it is consulting with staff over redundancies .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential job losses to more than 200,000 since the start of lockdown in March , according to tracking by the PA news agency .
All Bar One owner Mitchells & Butlers has started redundancy consultations with staff as it struggles with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic .
The pub and bar group , which also owns Harvester and Toby Carvery , said it is facing `` significant difficulties '' after restrictions tightened again .
It has not disclosed how many jobs are likely to be affected .
Last week , rival Greene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs , while fellow pub groups Young 's , Fuller 's and City Pub Group have also said they are planning redundancies .
Mitchells & Butlers operates around 1,700 restaurants , pubs and bars across the UK and employs around 44,000 people .

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Pret A Manger has said it plans to shut six more shops and cut around another 400 jobs after its recovery slowed in the face of recently tightened restrictions and rising case numbers.
In August, the coffee and sandwich chain axed 2,800 roles as part of a restructuring which saw it close 30 sites.
It said it has seen "consistent sales growth" in the four months since reopening sites but this has "slowed since the end of September".
Clare Clough, Pret's UK managing director, said: "It's absolutely right that we take steps to stop the spread of the virus and tackle the new wave of infections.
"Sadly, the result of the rise in infections and the necessary shift in public health guidance mean that our recovery has slowed.
"We've said all along that it's up to Pret to decide our own future and that we must adapt to the new situation we find ourselves in.
"That's why we have to make these further changes as we continue to transform our business model and prepare for the six months ahead.
"We are doing everything we can to support our team members and to prevent further job losses at Pret."
The news from the sandwich shop comes after Black Country based pub owner Marston's has said around 2,150 of its pub workers on furlough are facing potential redundancy as it struggles in the face of tightening coronavirus restrictions.
It is the latest pub group to plan job cuts as the end of furlough nears, after rival Mitchell & Butlers said on Monday that it is consulting with staff over redundancies.
These pub cuts have helped push total potential job losses to more than 200,000 since the start of lockdown in March, according to tracking by the PA news agency.
All Bar One owner Mitchells & Butlers has started redundancy consultations with staff as it struggles with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
The pub and bar group, which also owns Harvester and Toby Carvery, said it is facing "significant difficulties" after restrictions tightened again.
It has not disclosed how many jobs are likely to be affected.
Last week, rival Greene King revealed plans to cut around 800 jobs, while fellow pub groups Young's, Fuller's and City Pub Group have also said they are planning redundancies.
Mitchells & Butlers operates around 1,700 restaurants, pubs and bars across the UK and employs around 44,000 people.


birminghammail--2020-10-16--Parents warned ‘keep distance’ at school to stop Covid spread

A warning has been issued to parents in Worcestershire gathering too closely at school to socially distance - and help stop the spread of coronavirus .
Worcestershire County Council has received reports of parents not keeping two metres apart or not wearing face coverings at the start and the end of the school day .
The county council and Worcestershire Children First , working with partners , are set to reinforce the message with bright warning sign wraps being placed around lampposts at hundreds of schools .
The wraps state : “ Keep Worcestershire Safe .
Please keep a safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others will help save lives.
” Worcestershire currently sits in Tier One - the lowest tier of the Government 's new three-tier Covid alert system placing the county at 'medium ' risk .
Both Bromsgrove and Wyre Forest , which includes Kidderminster , Bewdley and Stourport , have rates above 100 per 100,000 people - Bromsgrove 133.2 and Wyre Forest 104.6 , with Redditch just below at 90.3 .
Chief executive of Worcestershire Children First , Catherine Driscoll , said : “ Our schools and our children are doing a great job in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I ’ d like to ask for the support of parents and carers to keep to the social distancing guidelines at all times , keeping two metres apart from others , whilst dropping off and collecting children from school .
By doing this , you can help stop the spread of the virus.
” The wraps will used on lampposts on the main paths approaching school gates and will be rolled out to around 200 schools across the county over the coming weeks , starting with primary schools with the biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cabinet member for Education and Skills at Worcestershire County Council said : “ We hope these wraps will be a colourful reminder for those across the county who do the all-important school run to keep to the social distancing rules .
“ By following this simple rule , along with washing hands and wearing a face covering where required , we can together all do our bit to stop the spread of the virus and keep us in the lowest tier of measures .
“ Let ’ s continue our hard work to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk level , resulting in tougher restrictions .
”

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A warning has been issued to parents in Worcestershire gathering too closely at school to socially distance - and help stop the spread of coronavirus.
Worcestershire County Council has received reports of parents not keeping two metres apart or not wearing face coverings at the start and the end of the school day.
The county council and Worcestershire Children First, working with partners, are set to reinforce the message with bright warning sign wraps being placed around lampposts at hundreds of schools.
The wraps state: “Keep Worcestershire Safe. Please keep a safe distance. Staying 2 metres away from others will help save lives.”
Worcestershire currently sits in Tier One - the lowest tier of the Government's new three-tier Covid alert system placing the county at 'medium' risk.
Both Bromsgrove and Wyre Forest, which includes Kidderminster, Bewdley and Stourport, have rates above 100 per 100,000 people - Bromsgrove 133.2 and Wyre Forest 104.6, with Redditch just below at 90.3.
Chief executive of Worcestershire Children First, Catherine Driscoll, said: “Our schools and our children are doing a great job in helping to break the chain of infection.
“I’d like to ask for the support of parents and carers to keep to the social distancing guidelines at all times, keeping two metres apart from others, whilst dropping off and collecting children from school. By doing this, you can help stop the spread of the virus.”
The wraps will used on lampposts on the main paths approaching school gates and will be rolled out to around 200 schools across the county over the coming weeks, starting with primary schools with the biggest pupil population.
Councillor Marcus Hart, cabinet member for Education and Skills at Worcestershire County Council said: “We hope these wraps will be a colourful reminder for those across the county who do the all-important school run to keep to the social distancing rules.
“By following this simple rule, along with washing hands and wearing a face covering where required, we can together all do our bit to stop the spread of the virus and keep us in the lowest tier of measures.
“Let’s continue our hard work to ensure we do not enter a higher risk level, resulting in tougher restrictions.”


birminghammail--2020-10-16--Aston Villa handed Josh King boost on transfer deadline day

Everton have pulled out of the race to sign Aston Villa target Josh King from AFC Bournemouth , according to reports .
The Cherries striker is in-demand with a host of teams chasing his signature on transfer deadline day and confirmed his desire to seal a return to the Premier League in an interview yesterday .
`` If you had asked me two months ago if I thought I would be in Bournemouth ( now ) , I would have answered 110 per cent no , '' said King .
`` It is a bit special to be a football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his contract .
We 'll see if I go now or in January .
`` Had it been up to me , I would have already signed for a club and started the season , played four games and been in top form .
`` I think the club would rather I be there but , like I said , I felt I had done my part and been loyal to the club for many years .
We had an agreement between us ( that he could leave ) after what happened in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ linked with a move for King throughout the summer months and reportedly made a £16million bid for him at the beginning of September .
Dean Smith has since landed Ollie Watkins for a club-record £28million but Villa are light in forward areas .
King has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs including West Ham , West Bromwich Albion and Everton , though our sister title the Liverpool Echo claims the Toffees are out of the running .
The report states 'there are no plans as things stand for the Blues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadline and the focus will instead be on outgoings . '
West Brom completed the signing of striker Karlan Grant from Huddersfield yesterday , while West Ham are on the verge of landing coveted forward Said Benrahma .

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Everton have pulled out of the race to sign Aston Villa target Josh King from AFC Bournemouth, according to reports.
The Cherries striker is in-demand with a host of teams chasing his signature on transfer deadline day and confirmed his desire to seal a return to the Premier League in an interview yesterday.
"If you had asked me two months ago if I thought I would be in Bournemouth (now), I would have answered 110 per cent no," said King.
"It is a bit special to be a football player who has nine months left on his contract. We'll see if I go now or in January.
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"Had it been up to me, I would have already signed for a club and started the season, played four games and been in top form.
"I think the club would rather I be there but, like I said, I felt I had done my part and been loyal to the club for many years. We had an agreement between us (that he could leave) after what happened in January."
Villa have been heavily linked with a move for King throughout the summer months and reportedly made a £16million bid for him at the beginning of September.
Dean Smith has since landed Ollie Watkins for a club-record £28million but Villa are light in forward areas.
King has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs including West Ham, West Bromwich Albion and Everton, though our sister title the Liverpool Echo claims the Toffees are out of the running.
The report states 'there are no plans as things stand for the Blues to move for King before the 5pm deadline and the focus will instead be on outgoings.'
West Brom completed the signing of striker Karlan Grant from Huddersfield yesterday, while West Ham are on the verge of landing coveted forward Said Benrahma.


birminghammail--2020-10-16--Blues transfer deadline day: Latest as Karanka fine tunes his squad

Aitor Karanka says Birmingham City will remain open for business right up to Friday ’ s transfer deadline .
The summer window closes at 5pm but Blues will continue to look to improve their squad – whilst also looking to off-load experienced players like David Davis and Maikel Kieftenbeld .
Asked about incomings at Thursday ’ s press conference the head coach was typically tight-lipped – although he did expand on outgoings .
“ The market finishes tomorrow at five o ’ clock , so 4:59pm I will tell you that we are finished , I am always open , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would like more as a coach but one thing is for sure – that tomorrow after five o ’ clock , I will have the best squad in the world because they are my players.
” Asked if he is looking at a particular area of his squad to strengthen , he said : “ No , because we have a good squad , if we have to play with this squad – we are good .
It is true if we can add something more the team will improve .
“ As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if one more or two more arrives , it will be perfect , if nobody else arrives it will still be good.
” The 47-year-old did confirm the availability of Davis and Kieftenbeld , however .
“ Since the beginning they knew .
David is in touch with the CEO and trying to find a solution .
“ Maikel is training with the team and he is a very good professional .
`` If he stays with us it would not be a problem because he did really well in pre-season.
” Davis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ main group .
“ It is something I like to respect because they are our players .
It is true when we sign players from other clubs or teams they have been training with the Under 23 or on their own .
“ But with us it is not the case , everybody is training with the team , everybody is doing the same task the same exercise .
`` I don ’ t know if they go or won ’ t but for sure if they go anywhere they will be one @ @ @ @ @ @

Brian Dick
How things stand
Birmingham City have just today to put the finishing touches to Aitor Karanka’s squad.
To be fair to Blues the arrival of ten new players has already made this transfer window – on paper at least – a very successful one.
However, as we all know football matches aren’t played on paper and Birmingham City followers know more than most that mass recruitment drives don’t always pay dividends.
Think back to the summer of 2017 when Harry Redknapp and Xuandong Ren brought 13 new players to the club and within eight matches the former was gone and over the following three years the latter was left to repent at leisure.
Transfer restrictions, a points deduction, an EFL reprimand and a couple of relegation battles later and only now has the ship steadied.
However, that’s old ground, Blues seem more stable under the management of Karanka and most of the players who have come to the club certainly seem hand-picked by the head coach and there’s a logicality to what’s been done so far.
Which means the remaining few hours, with the window due to shut at 5pm on Friday, October 16, will not define the summer’s trading.
The Jude Bellingham money has come at an essential time – the hope is it has been spent wisely on players who can be fashioned into team capable of challenging in what is an open Championship.
So what are we expecting over the rest of the day?
On one hand Karanka is very willing to talk about the players who might be leaving – on the other it’s blood and stone time when it comes to incomings.
An ideal Deadline Day would probably mean a net reduction in players for the head coach.
It is obvious Blues remain open for business in terms of bringing one or two in, that is more likely to be a loan than a splashy permanent signing.
While they were linked with Danny Batth and are clearly light at full back, BirminghamLive understands new arrivals are more likely to be attacking rather than defensive. So far it seems as though they have kept their preferred candidates under wraps.
(Image: BCFC)
Karanka has been more effusive about the efforts being made to find new clubs for Maikel Kieftenbeld and David Davis.
Both continue to train with the first team but while that could change today, there wasn’t anything in the pipeline as of yesterday evening.
Blues will also try to find some senior experience for young players like Odin Bailey who has had a couple of nibbles at League One level without anything crystallising into a loan move.
If this window has told us anything though, it’s that Blues have the capacity to pull a coup and it would be totally in keeping with this window if they managed just one more.
How times have changed from the last deadline day when they were messed around by Bright Enobakhare and Renat Dadashov.


birminghammail--2020-10-16--Teen biker suffers potentially life-changing injuries in crash with car

A teen bike rider has suffered potentially life-changing injuries after he broke his leg multiple times during a crash in Dudley .
The youngster was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital after the smash between the off-road bike and car in New Rowley Road on Thursday ( October 15 ) .
Part of the carriageway was closed off by West Midlands Police as enquires surrounding the crash were carried out .
A West Midlands Police spokesman said : `` We were alerted to a serious road collision at around 7.30pm last night at the junction of New Rowley Road and Banklands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ riding an off-road bike suffered serious leg injuries after colliding with a car .
He is in hospital with multiple leg fractures ; his condition is potentially life changing .
`` The driver of the car was not seriously hurt .
Any witnesses are urged to message us via Live Chat on our website or by calling 101 ; please quote log 4132 from 15 October . ''
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service added : `` We were called to reports of a collision between a car and a motorbike on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` One ambulance , a paramedic officer and the MERIT team , including a doctor and a critical care paramedic attended the scene .
`` On arrival we discovered one patient , a teenage male , who was the motorcyclist .
`` He was treated for a serious injury before being taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further treatment . ''

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A teen bike rider has suffered potentially life-changing injuries after he broke his leg multiple times during a crash in Dudley.
The youngster was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital after the smash between the off-road bike and car in New Rowley Road on Thursday (October 15).
Part of the carriageway was closed off by West Midlands Police as enquires surrounding the crash were carried out.
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: "We were alerted to a serious road collision at around 7.30pm last night at the junction of New Rowley Road and Banklands Road in Dudley.
"A teenager riding an off-road bike suffered serious leg injuries after colliding with a car. He is in hospital with multiple leg fractures; his condition is potentially life changing.
"The driver of the car was not seriously hurt. Any witnesses are urged to message us via Live Chat on our website or by calling 101; please quote log 4132 from 15 October."
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service added: "We were called to reports of a collision between a car and a motorbike on New Rowley Road at 7.26pm last night.
"One ambulance, a paramedic officer and the MERIT team, including a doctor and a critical care paramedic attended the scene.
"On arrival we discovered one patient, a teenage male, who was the motorcyclist.
"He was treated for a serious injury before being taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further treatment."


birminghammail--2020-10-16--Primark fans 'totally in love' with £16 boots

Thousands of Primark fans have been running out to buy a new pair of boots which are said to be `` fabulous '' according to some customers .
Autumn is upon us and the nights are getting darker quicker and cooler so many fashion outlets are already releasing their new clothing lines .
And Primark is no different as it has already got tons of customers running out to buy numerous items to make sure they stay nice and toasty during the winter months .
More recently , the popular retailer has excited its thousands of fans on social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people are `` in love with '' .
The ankle-high shoes look perfect for autumn and they seem to have really drawn in fans as the post has more than 30,000 likes and hundreds of comments .
The description reads : `` The perfect boots for all those crunchy leaves .
Boots from £16/€19/ $ 21 # Primark # InStoreNow `` One person said : `` Wow I really , really want these '' while another person wrote : `` I want them all right now '' A third person wrote : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fourth said : `` Got some last year .
They are so comfy '' .
This comes shortly after another pair of £14 shoes have drawn in more customers who are desperate to get their hands on the product .
Shoppers also found the shoes on the store 's Instagram page with some claiming that they look identical to a £1,000 designer pair .
They are said to be very similar to a brand Bottega Veneta version .
And instead of forking out tons , you could grab them for much cheaper @ @ @

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Chris  Harper)

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Thousands of Primark fans have been running out to buy a new pair of boots which are said to be "fabulous" according to some customers.
Autumn is upon us and the nights are getting darker quicker and cooler so many fashion outlets are already releasing their new clothing lines.
And Primark is no different as it has already got tons of customers running out to buy numerous items to make sure they stay nice and toasty during the winter months.
More recently, the popular retailer has excited its thousands of fans on social media with a pair of £16 boots that people are "in love with".
The ankle-high shoes look perfect for autumn and they seem to have really drawn in fans as the post has more than 30,000 likes and hundreds of comments.
The description reads: "The perfect boots for all those crunchy leaves. Boots from £16/€19/$21 #Primark #InStoreNow "
One person said: "Wow I really, really want these" while another person wrote: "I want them all right now"
A third person wrote: "Lovely. I want!" and a fourth said: "Got some last year. They are so comfy".
This comes shortly after another pair of £14 shoes have drawn in more customers who are desperate to get their hands on the product.
Shoppers also found the shoes on the store's Instagram page with some claiming that they look identical to a £1,000 designer pair. They are said to be very similar to a brand Bottega Veneta version.
And instead of forking out tons, you could grab them for much cheaper at Primark.


birminghammail--2020-10-16--Driver 'lost mind' during lockdown and sparked 80mph police chase

A drunk driver sparked an 80mph police chase through the streets of Birmingham after 'losing his mind ' at the start of lockdown .
Thomas Milne , 24 , had been drinking and arguing with his girlfriend before getting behind the wheel of a MINI on March 21 .
The construction worker , from Hall Green , later sparked a police chase through residential streets during which a pedestrian had to leap out of his way .
Milne , of Shaftmoor Lane , has now been sentenced to 14 months jail , suspended for 21 months , after admitting dangerous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was also ordered to do 160 hours unpaid work and was banned from the roads for two years .
His defence solicitor claimed his client had 'lost his mind ' during the beginning of the UK lockdown in March .
Birmingham Crown Court was told a motorcycle cop saw Milne driving along Shaftmoor Lane at around 11am and hiis vehicle appeared to be damaged .
The officer followed but Milne accelerated to 75mph and began `` weaving '' through residential streets .
With the pursuit underway , he failed to give way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a road with cars parked on either side .
He twice braked heavily , on one occasion causing smoke to come from the tyres as the brakes locked .
Milne also did two hand-brake turns and drove on the wrong side of the road .
Rob Cowley , prosecuting , said at one point a pedestrian had taken five steps in to the road at a crossing but was forced to `` stumble backwards '' as the defendant passed .
Eventually the officer decided to abandon the pursuit .
They later went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registered in Shaftmor Lane where he saw Milne who claimed to have been in bed all morning .
He was breathalysed and found to be almost twice over the permitted alcohol limit .
In passing sentence Judge Roderick Henderson said it had been quite a long pursuit , adding it was `` astonishing '' that no one had been seriously injured .
Jeremy Frost , defending , said : `` This is a truly awful piece of driving .
This is completely out of character . ''
He said it happened at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people were losing their minds .
`` He did lose his mind , '' said Mr Frost .
`` He had an argument with his girlfriend and went off the leash on this occasion . ''

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A drunk driver sparked an 80mph police chase through the streets of Birmingham after 'losing his mind' at the start of lockdown.
Thomas Milne, 24, had been drinking and arguing with his girlfriend before getting behind the wheel of a MINI on March 21.
The construction worker, from Hall Green, later sparked a police chase through residential streets during which a pedestrian had to leap out of his way.
Milne, of Shaftmoor Lane, has now been sentenced to 14 months jail, suspended for 21 months, after admitting dangerous driving and driving with excess alcohol.
He was also ordered to do 160 hours unpaid work and was banned from the roads for two years.
His defence solicitor claimed his client had 'lost his mind' during the beginning of the UK lockdown in March.
Birmingham Crown Court was told a motorcycle cop saw Milne driving along Shaftmoor Lane at around 11am and hiis vehicle appeared to be damaged.
The officer followed but Milne accelerated to 75mph and began "weaving" through residential streets.
With the pursuit underway, he failed to give way at junctions, then accelerated to 80mph on a road with cars parked on either side.
He twice braked heavily, on one occasion causing smoke to come from the tyres as the brakes locked. Milne also did two hand-brake turns and drove on the wrong side of the road.
Rob Cowley, prosecuting, said at one point a pedestrian had taken five steps in to the road at a crossing but was forced to "stumble backwards" as the defendant passed.
Eventually the officer decided to abandon the pursuit.
They later went to the property where the car was registered in Shaftmor Lane where he saw Milne who claimed to have been in bed all morning.
He was breathalysed and found to be almost twice over the permitted alcohol limit.
In passing sentence Judge Roderick Henderson said it had been quite a long pursuit, adding it was "astonishing" that no one had been seriously injured.
Jeremy Frost, defending, said: "This is a truly awful piece of driving. This is completely out of character."
He said it happened at the time of lockdown when a lot of people were losing their minds.
"He did lose his mind," said Mr Frost.
"He had an argument with his girlfriend and went off the leash on this occasion."


birminghammail--2020-10-16--NHS 'in talks' over coronavirus vaccine programme by as soon as December

A coronavirus vaccine could be mobilised by December - with reports suggesting the likelihood of a programme being established this year at `` 50/50 '' .
According to reports , NHS England is in dialogue with the BMA and other groups over rolling out a vaccine by the end of the calendar year .
Pulse , one media publication , has reported there is growing optimism - with a likelihood now rated at 50 per cent .
A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson said : `` The Government will do everything needed to roll out a successful vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amount of planning and preparation has already taken place including ensuring we have adequate provision , transport , PPE and logistical expertise .
`` We are working closely with the NHS and we will use the military in the planning of logistics as necessary , as they have already gone to great lengths to successfully support our operational efforts . ''
It comes as Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has condemned a reported Russian disinformation campaign to undermine confidence in a British coronavirus vaccine as `` utterly deplorable '' .
The Times reported that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up in order to spread fear about the Oxford University coronavirus vaccine , with pictures , memes and video clips depicting the British-made inoculation as dangerous .
The paper said the campaign crudely claims the vaccine could turn people into monkeys because it uses a chimpanzee virus as a vector and reported that Russia is targeting countries where it wants to sell its own Sputnik V vaccine , as well as western nations .
Pascal Soriot , chief executive of AstraZeneca , the pharmaceutical giant that plans to mass produce the Oxford vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Misinformation is a clear risk to public health .
`` I urge everyone to use reliable sources of information , to trust regulatory agencies and to remember the enormous benefit vaccines and medicines continue to bring to humanity . ''
A Chinese Covid-19 vaccine candidate based on inactivated coronavirus is safe and elicits an antibody response , preliminary results have shown .
The research , published in the journal Lancet Infectious Disease , is based on small early phase randomised clinical trials involving 640 participants .
And a top US doctor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one '' coronavirus vaccine to be ready by the end of the year , but warned that the US was still in `` a precarious situation '' .
Dr Anthony Fauci , one of the nation 's top infectious disease experts told a virtual summit on Thursday that the country had `` not yet seen the worst '' of effects caused by colder winter temperatures and that they needed to `` double down '' on prevention methods .

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A coronavirus vaccine could be mobilised by December - with reports suggesting the likelihood of a programme being established this year at "50/50".
According to reports, NHS England is in dialogue with the BMA and other groups over rolling out a vaccine by the end of the calendar year.
Pulse, one media publication, has reported there is growing optimism - with a likelihood now rated at 50 per cent.
A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "The Government will do everything needed to roll out a successful vaccine quickly and safely.
"An enormous amount of planning and preparation has already taken place including ensuring we have adequate provision, transport, PPE and logistical expertise.
"We are working closely with the NHS and we will use the military in the planning of logistics as necessary, as they have already gone to great lengths to successfully support our operational efforts."
(Image: PA)
It comes as Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has condemned a reported Russian disinformation campaign to undermine confidence in a British coronavirus vaccine as "utterly deplorable".
The Times reported that a Russian disinformation campaign has been set up in order to spread fear about the Oxford University coronavirus vaccine, with pictures, memes and video clips depicting the British-made inoculation as dangerous.
The paper said the campaign crudely claims the vaccine could turn people into monkeys because it uses a chimpanzee virus as a vector and reported that Russia is targeting countries where it wants to sell its own Sputnik V vaccine, as well as western nations.
Pascal Soriot, chief executive of AstraZeneca, the pharmaceutical giant that plans to mass produce the Oxford vaccine if cleared for public use, said: "Misinformation is a clear risk to public health.
"I urge everyone to use reliable sources of information, to trust regulatory agencies and to remember the enormous benefit vaccines and medicines continue to bring to humanity."
A Chinese Covid-19 vaccine candidate based on inactivated coronavirus is safe and elicits an antibody response, preliminary results have shown.
The research, published in the journal Lancet Infectious Disease, is based on small early phase randomised clinical trials involving 640 participants.
And a top US doctor has said he expects "more than one" coronavirus vaccine to be ready by the end of the year, but warned that the US was still in "a precarious situation".
Dr Anthony Fauci, one of the nation's top infectious disease experts told a virtual summit on Thursday that the country had "not yet seen the worst" of effects caused by colder winter temperatures and that they needed to "double down" on prevention methods.


birminghammail--2020-10-16--Second exclusive Pokemon England Futsal trading card announced by GAME

GAME has today confirmed the launch of a second exclusive Pokemon England Futsal trading card .
It said the card would be available from October 16 .
It 's the second of a series of four .
The first of the exclusives , Eevee England Futsal Promo Card , has been a huge hit with fans and now the second card , Grookey England Futsal Promo Card , is available online and at GAME stores .
Fans across the country can head online or to their local GAME store – subject to availability and whilst stocks last .
Stores in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Birmingham Bullring .
GAME said in a statement : `` These four cards are only available to GAME customers , but to stand a chance of getting your hands on a fifth special card all you have to do is register your Club for The FA Pokémon Youth Futsal Programme and you ’ ll be in with the chance to receive the Pikachu England Futsal Promo Card . ''
Find out more here .
These five special Pokemon England Futsal trading cards mark Pokemon 's partnership with the England Football Association to promote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ version of football .
Pokemon TCG is a collectible card game based on the Pokemon video game series .
Fans can get their hands on one of these cards exclusively online with selected bundles and throughout English stores when they spend £15 on a Pokemon Trading Card Game product .
Those under the age of 16 must have parental consent .
Pokemon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular children 's entertainment properties in the world .

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GAME has today confirmed the launch of a second exclusive Pokemon England Futsal trading card.
It said the card would be available from October 16. It's the second of a series of four.
The first of the exclusives, Eevee England Futsal Promo Card, has been a huge hit with fans and now the second card, Grookey England Futsal Promo Card, is available online and at GAME stores.
(Image: GAME)
Fans across the country can head online or to their local GAME store – subject to availability and whilst stocks last.
Stores in the Midlands include a branch in the Birmingham Bullring.
GAME said in a statement: "These four cards are only available to GAME customers, but to stand a chance of getting your hands on a fifth special card all you have to do is register your Club for The FA Pokémon Youth Futsal Programme and you’ll be in with the chance to receive the Pikachu England Futsal Promo Card."
Find out more here.
These five special Pokemon England Futsal trading cards mark Pokemon's partnership with the England Football Association to promote Youth Futsal and encourage participation in this version of football.
Pokemon TCG is a collectible card game based on the Pokemon video game series.
Fans can get their hands on one of these cards exclusively online with selected bundles and throughout English stores when they spend £15 on a Pokemon Trading Card Game product.
Those under the age of 16 must have parental consent.
Pokemon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular children's entertainment properties in the world.