Returning to Birmingham’s NEC from 20 to 25 February, the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show 2018 is the family-friendly event to visit this half-term, with children aged 15 and under going free and a host of activities for all of the family. The show brings together over 370 exhibitors as part of the UK’s largest showcase of caravans, campervans, motorhomes, caravan holiday homes and lodges as well as new season tents, trailer tents and folding caravans.

Throughout the six-day show, fun and free activities are on offer. Children can learn basic survival skills at bushcraft workshops, challenge themselves on the climbing wall with guidance from experienced instructors, clamber over the assault course and enjoy the new-for-2018 skate rink. Adults can take advantage of free campervan test driving sessions, with opportunities to brush up on motorhome manoeuvring and caravan towing skills*. The Top Dog Arena also provides a variety of entertainment, with performances from four-legged friends.

Explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes and female adventurer Anna McNuff take to the stage to recount tales of their latest journeys and show support for the event’s ‘24 hours outdoors’ initiative, encouraging people to spend more time with nature in 2018. The campaign aims to motivate people and raise awareness of the mental and physical health benefits of being outdoors. A study by The Camping and Caravanning Club also shows 55% of people agree camping is a great way to re-engage with old friends and family^.

The Discovery Theatre’s line-up of celebrity names includes wildlife presenter Gordan Buchanan, who officially opens the show on 20 February, and Chelsea Ladies FC captain Katie Chapman. Renowned cooks such as Rustie Lee, Paul Da Costa Greaves, Dean Edwards and Eat Well For Less’ Chris Bavin host live cookery demonstrations, sharing their top tips and favourite camping recipes.

Youngsters are on the career ladder thanks to an imaginative initiative between Haringey Council and a range of companies and charities. Called the Tottenham Charter it aims to ensure Tottenham residents get the most from the regeneration in the area in terms of jobs, health, education and training.

The organisation signs up to the charter and pledges, in their own way, to improve the quality of life for residents in the area.

One of these is leading engineering and construction company VolkerFitzpatrick, currently working to improve Northumberland Park’s railway station. Thanks to the charter, VolkerFitzpatrick’s Anglia Rail Skills Academy was brought together with Haringey Play Association which runs a popular adventure playground in north Tottenham. A ‘pre-apprenticeship programme’ was launched which saw a group of 16-19-year-olds build a new sandpit and water play area in the playground, aided by VolkerFitzpatrick staff who also organised a site tour and a construction workshop.

Indeed, the programme has been so successful that one of the group, 16-year-old Asha Clarke, has recently secured a job at the company as a trainee engineer.

“I did the pre-apprenticeship programme and then came on a week’s work experience at VolkerFitzpatrick,” he said. “I think they liked my attitude and how I performed but I was shocked when I was phoned to be told the good news. I couldn’t stop smiling for the whole day!”

Asha admits his life could have turned out very differently. He had fallen in with a particular crowd at school and found himself on a final warning.

“Six months ago I never would have dreamt I would have a full-time job in engineering. But this is my time to shine.”

Asha’s ‘mentor’ at the adventure playground in Somerford Grove was Tam Carrigan who encouraged Asha to apply for the programme.

“I’m so proud of him,” said Tam, beaming. “He still comes in to see us every week and tells the younger kids to think about their future and he is also a constant encouragement for his peers, just by the example he has set, which is wonderful. The charter is a great idea and it gives big companies like VolkerFitzpatrick the opportunity to give something back to the community.”

Wishing everyone a very Happy Chinese New Year 2018 as we enter the Year of the Dog!

<a href="http://www.freepik.com">Designed by Freepik</a>

Children will be getting breakfast with their books during half term "Cereal Readers" sessions at several local libraries as the popular scheme returns to Sandwell for the half-term holidays.

Cereal Readers is a library initiative in which children and their parents are invited to share a bowl of cereal and a glass of fruit juice as they take part in book related activities at the library during school holidays.

All the refreshments have been provided by local supermarkets and other community groups and all the sessions are run by library volunteers and it has proven popular with local families.

Councillor Syeda Khatun, deputy leader, said: "This is a brilliant idea for young people who love books and like to get along to their local library."

Cereal Readers sessions are taking place from 19 to 23 February at the following libraries.

Blackheath Library – Monday – Friday 9.30am-11am

Glebefields Library  Monday – Friday 9.30-10.30am

Rounds Green Library - Monday, Wednesday and Friday 11-11.30am

Stone Cross Library -  Monday, Tuesday and Friday 9.30-10.30am

Fed up with the same old walkies? Stuck for ideas on how to keep your hound happy in the winter months? Well worry no more… pet insurer MORE TH>N has developed a free ideas generator for days out with dogs - owners simply pop in their postcode and push the button, and hey presto, the tool will recommend dog-friendly holidays and days out for dogs in the UK.

So whether you and your faithful friend want to explore the paw-fectly named Roundball Woods or Barky Beach, or you’re simply looking for a nearby dog-friendly beach, dog-friendly pub or a new walking route in the countryside, town or a new dog-friendly park – all the information is at a touch of a button.

The generator has a number of filters enabling owners to select a location and the distance they are willing to travel with a dog for some new fun. The results page also includes testimonials from other dog owners who use the recommended places regularly.

MORE TH>N’s vet Andrew Moore said: “No matter what the weather, dogs need to be walked and go out every day. This new dog days out tool is the perfect solution for owners stuck in a rut, as new smells, sights and sounds are very stimulating for dogs and a paw-some antidote to the rainy day blues.”

Owners can click here for the generator and to find the perfect dog-friendly holiday or day out.

The National Wedding Show returns the NEC Birmingham again highlighting the biggest name in wedding events offering every bride and groom much needed inspiration, advice and planning tips for their big day, all in one place.

Show-stopping favourites will run alongside brand new features over three days, during which guests will have the chance to imagine the reality of their own wedding day providing over 300 of the best experts, planners and brands the world of weddings has to offer, including David’s Bridal, Confetti.co.uk, Debenhams, Oasis, Ben Sherman, Your Singing Waiters, Exclusive Yacht Weddings and Warwick Castle alongside many more.

Brand new for 2018 is the Money Matters Theatre, the must visit feature for all couples seeking budgeting and financial advice ahead of their big day. The theatre welcomes a host of expert speakers who’ll advise on everything from “Spend V’s Save” and “How best to create a reliable wedding budget.”

Must visit show-stopping features include: ‘The Catwalk’ where you can take a seat at the FROW where the season’s newest wedding dress designs are showcased alongside beautiful bridal hair, accessories and make-up, as well as the latest looks for the whole of the wedding party, including suits and bridesmaid dresses.

Following sell out sessions in the Autumn, ‘The Inspiration Lab’ offers brides, grooms, family and friends the chance to be inspired ahead of their big day.  The workshops, ranging from calligraphy to creating flower crowns, help guests tap into their own creativity and flair, encouraging them to take away armfuls of tips in how to create something personal, unique and beautiful for their special day.

An extraordinary panel of planning experts, from artisan cake companies to photographers, will be on hand at the ‘Hitched.co.uk Wedding Planning Platform’ to answer any queries and relieve any wedding worries.  They’ll be ready to answer any questions!

Weddings and honeymoons are held around the world. ‘TUI Wedding Travel Lounge’ will be hosting the Wedding Travel Lounge and providing the ultimate in destination wedding and honeymoon services at the show, including advice on creating a celebration that is unique and bespoke, as well as the ability to book the perfect weddings and honeymoons there and then.

Visitors will be invited to take a time-out and toast each other, or a loved one, when they reach the heart of the show, at ‘The Champagne Bar.’

With so much to enjoy, the ‘VIP Experience’ is also a must for visitors this Spring.  No queues for the VIP’s as they swan past the crowds at the door and make their way straight to the private lounge, collecting their goody bag on the way.  They’re also the envy of the bunch as they get seated in the VIP section for The Catwalk!

The National Wedding Show NEC Birmingham (Between February 23 and 25) will provide everything a couple needs to plan their dream wedding in one exciting event.

All National Wedding Show ticket holders will receive complimentary access to visit ‘The Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Show’ which is also new for 2018, and an essential event for all couples planning a wedding or honeymoon abroad, hosted in association with BookYourWeddingDay.com.