Twycross Zoo spent the weekend in a flutter as it welcomed the UK’s very own butterfly whisperer, six-year-old Rebecca Bailey.

Rebecca’s love of butterflies has made her a big name in the world of conservation, with hundreds of followers on YouTube and Twitter. The primary school pupil has been described as an ‘inspiration’ for her passion to tell the world about butterflies and how to nurture them.

On hand to interview the rising star was Twycross Zoo Conservation Club member, nine-year-old Sidney Hills. The dynamic duo got up close and personal with a host of spectacular butterflies in the tropical Butterfly Forest exhibit, gaining an insight into the insects fascinating life cycle.

As a member of the Butterfly Conservation, a national charity headed up by Sir David Attenborough, Rebecca will return to the award-winning conservation charity this summer for the Big Butterfly Count, a nationwide survey aimed at helping assess the health of our environment.

Said Rebecca: “I had so much fun visiting Twycross Zoo, learning all about its wonderful butterflies! Thank you to Sid for showing me around, me and my mum are already looking forward to coming back and making some more exciting videos.”

To see Rebecca in action, visit https://www.14dd5266c70789bdc806364df4586335-gdprlock/watch?v=yIjA8p9IVFk.

The 444-mile wilderness adventure paddling race is held on the Yukon River from Whitehorse to Dawson City in Canada's Yukon Territory. Taking place during the last week of June (27 June - 1 July, 2018), the Yukon River Quest is the world's longest annual canoe, kayak and stand-up paddleboard race.

It is known as the “Race to the Midnight Sun,” as paddlers race round-the-clock under a sky that never gets dark. There are just two mandatory rest stops at Carmacks (7 hours) and Coffee Creek (3 hours) as teams paddle non-stop to reach the “City of Gold". The allure of the Yukon River Quest has made it a huge success, and for its 20th anniversary year in 2018, there are already 122 teams registered with paddlers from 16 countries including the United Kingdom.

An excited Staffordshire bull terrier runs circuits around a paddock, plays with a ball and jumps in the leaves after spending long periods inside a crate.

Ty was collected from a home in the West Midlands last week as his owners were struggling to care for him properly.

RSPCA inspector Elizabeth Boyd said: “Ty’s owners were struggling with him after he began destroying their home.

“They were finding it hard to cope with him so began using a crate to curb his destructive behaviour.

“We worked with his owners but, in the end, they decided it would be best for him if they signed him over.”

Animal collection officer (ACO) Cara Gibbon collected him and took him to RSPCA Coventry, Nuneaton & District Branch.

“This poor boy was confined to a crate 24/7,” ACO Gibbon said. “I took him down to the dog run at the rehoming centre so he could run free. He was so happy.

“He looked really happy and his tail was wagging 19 to the dozen. It was lovely to see him enjoying the freedom and fresh air.

“Hopefully we’ll be able to find him the paw-fect home where he’ll be able to run, explore and play games with his new garden - and where he’ll never be locked in a cage again.”

Staff at the branch caring for Ty said he is settling in well and will soon be ready to find a new home.

He is thought to be around seven-years-old. He’s very friendly and loves being out in the garden and playing with toys.

Crates can be a valuable tool and are often used for training and transporting dogs safely. Many owners use them to create safe, secure den-like spaces for their pets to retreat to when they want some peace and quiet. However, the RSPCA doesn’t advise keeping dogs confined in crates for any period of time that is likely to cause distress and would urge anyone whose pets is displaying behavioural problems to speak to their vet who may refer them to a clinical animal behaviourist for help.

A heritage trail to celebrate historical sites in Princes End is set to launch later this month (February).

Tipton Town Libraries Local History Group has worked with library staff and Tipton deputy town lead Councillor Bill Cherrington.

The trail will show former industrial and heritage sites, including Gospel Oak Ironworks, Seedhouse Brewery and Boulton and Watt’s first steam engine.

Councillor Cherrington said: “The trail will highlight the industrial significance Princes End made and encourage people to get involved in local history activities and be proud of the area.”

A special history day will be held at Glebefields Library from 10.30am to 1pm on Saturday 24 February to launch the trail, along with a series of guided walks.

The history group meets monthly at Great Bridge Library. For more details, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call Robert on 0121 557 1796.

Derek Nicholls from the history group said he welcomed the new trail as "an opportunity for people to find out more about their local area".

From March 31st urban thrillseekers can enjoy the ultimate adventure of abseiling down London's ArcelorMittal Orbit - the tallest sculpture in the UK.

The 114-metre tall tower, which is located in the heart of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, has become one of the city's most recognised landmarks since opening as part of the 2012 London Olympics.

Now Wire & Sky, pioneers of the Urban Aerial Adventure concept, are giving people the chance to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience as they abseil 82-metres down the outside of this iconic structure.

Participants can take in the unrivalled 20-mile panoramic views across the city and beyond as they step off the tower's viewing platform for their dramatic 80-metre descent.

Highly-trained Wire & Sky instructors guide adventure-seekers every step of the way; providing expert tuition and preparation before helping you kit up and venture outside the sculpture to start the ride of a lifetime.

Utilising the safest triplicate rigging systems available Wire & Sky have painstakingly designed and installed the experience to ensure maximum fun in a safe and controlled environment.

The abseil is available to book now for both individuals and groups to enjoy and there are also special Twilight Abseils available so participants can experience the sun setting as they make their descents.

Abseilers can also relive their epic adventure with spectacular GoPro footage from special helmet cameras (separate charges apply).

A new music-making pilot project has launched in Sandwell to help people experiencing memory loss or in the early stages of dementia.

Sandwell Council is working in partnership with Beat It Percussion to provide the Drumming Together sessions for people and their carers on Thursday mornings.

Sessions are held at West Bromwich Town Hall, supported by a team of volunteers.

Lynn Kay, founder and CEO of Beat It Percussion, said: "We use drums and percussion instruments as a way of communicating and working together in a friendly group environment so people feel less isolated.

"It’s informal but structured with activities designed to help with memory and other cognitive skills. We are really excited to be bringing our work to Sandwell and this will be the first of many new projects.

"Beat It works with many different client groups and enquiries are always welcomed."

Councillor Elaine Costigan, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for public health and protection said: "This is a great way to engage with people who are experiencing memory loss and we hope that it will help a number of Sandwell people.

"It is the latest effort by the council to get involved with people with health problems and we look forward to seeing how this new initiative works out."

Drumming Together sessions run at West Bromwich Town Hall on Thursday mornings up to and including 12 April (except for 5 April).

Sessions are held from 10am to 11.15am with a refreshment break. Sessions are £2.50 per person per session or £4 per person and carer.

Please contact Lynn at Beat It Percussion for more information and to book. Call 07875 090946 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Charity Better Understanding of Dementia for Sandwell (BUDS) is also hosting sessions in the town for invited participants.