Following the recent release of the film It starring everyone’s favourite clown Pennywise – it’s clear we’re a nation that loves to be scared.

And as we head towards Halloween, houses will be adorned with scary spooks and costumes will be donned as people hide behind masks in order to shock their friends and neighbours.

Whilst this is a bit of fun for many people, our pet dogs can sometimes find this distressing – especially if they are part of the outfit! If your dog is nervous around strangers imagine opening the door to a masked ghoul or being around groups of excited youngsters or being dressed as a walking pumpkin!

As part of its “Happy Dogs, Happy Days” campaign, Lintbells, manufacturers of premium pet supplement YUCALM, is working with dog behavioural expert Dr. Emily Blackwell to help owners spot - and deal with – anxiety in their pet around Halloween.

“When it comes to celebrating Halloween it’s important to remember that it should be fun for the whole family – and of course this always includes your pet pooch,” said Dr. Blackwell PhD, Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Welfare and Behaviour at University of Bristol.

“So this Halloween consider these three areas of possible concern to your pet dog.”

Dr Blackwell’s top three areas to consider this Halloween:

Ghouls at the door

“If your dog is nervous around new people then groups of people in fancy dress at your door could be terrifying.

“If you anticipate anxiety in your pet then why not shelter them from this by keeping them away from the frivolity and giving them a tasty treat or fun game to play. These fun pastimes can also be used to create a positive association with sounds such as the doorbell.

Things that go bump in the night

“Unusual new items may be presented during times of fancy dress – for example, expect an influx of broom sticks at your front door! If a new item evokes fear or unusual behaviour in your dog it’s a good time to tackle this.

“If your dog does show signs of anxiety try introducing new things gradually in a calm environment and associate them with something good.

“And if or when your pet reacts to a new object or noise outside, never tell them off - even if they are barking - this will simply increase their fear.

Doggy dress up

“Before you decide to create an elaborate costume for this Halloween involving your pet, ask yourself if your dog really likes dressing up.

“Although your dog may appear to ‘tolerate’ being dressed up, a motionless, passive dog may in fact be “freezing” because they are frightened. Dogs restricted by clothing will often show a reluctance to walk and sadly this anxiety is sometimes misinterpreted as ‘calmness’.

“Some Halloween headwear can also make it very difficult for dogs to communicate using their ears and facial expression. Other dogs may behave strangely towards them too as they ‘look’ peculiar.

“Remember to be aware of these signs and do not carry on dressing up your dog if they appear anxious.

“If you remain concerned that your dog may be experiencing anxiety you should contact your vet or a Qualified Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) for advice.”

Old Park School, in Brierley Hill, Dudley unveiled its steel and copper commemorative tree at a remembrance service yesterday, attended by local manufacturer voestalpine Metsec plc who designed and created the memorial.

The tree, which will stand in the grounds of the school, will have the names engraved of pupils who have sadly died along with messages or poems from their loved ones. Old Park School is a special school for pupils aged 4-19 years old all of whom have severe learning difficulties, and many of the children have life limiting complex medical conditions too. Over the years, several pupils have sadly passed away and the school was keen to be able to memorialise them and create a place for families to remember their loved ones.

Metsec, based in Oldbury, has created a tree made of tubular steel which over time will rust to turn brown like the trunk of a tree. Decorated with leaves for families to engrave the names of their loved ones along with messages, the leaves are designed to turn green as the air oxidises the copper material of the leaves.

Mrs Cartwright, head teacher of Old Park School, said: “We work closely with Orchard School in Oldbury and saw that they had a remembrance tree to memorialise the pupils who have passed away designed, crafted and donated by Metsec.

“We really wanted a meaningful and interactive way to remember our lost pupils and so we approached Metsec to see if they would be able to create a slightly different tree for Old Park School.

“Metsec and its suppliers not only created a beautiful tree, but donated their time and the materials to creating this wonderful tribute and we are so pleased to be unveiling it this week in a remembrance service for the families.”

Clive Wolverson, operations director at Metsec, said: “Creating this tree for Old Park School was a labour of love for the Metsec team and we are delighted to be able to offer up our skills for such a heartfelt cause. A special thanks goes to Marc Williams and Mark Steventon who worked on this project.”

In addition to creating the steel tree, Metsec commissioned the crafting of the copper leaves from local company Steadfast Solutions.

When owners Steve Moseley and Garry Smith discovered what the order would be used for, they offered the leaves free of charge. The tree was installed by Logmoor building contractor and owner Tom Warren also offered his team and services free-of-charge.

Birmingham City University’s Royal Birmingham Conservatoire has announced Daniel Moult as the music and acting academy’s new Head of Organ.

Daniel Moult will succeed current Department head Henry Fairs, who has held the position since 2007.

Described by ‘The Organ’ as “one of the finest organists of our time”, Daniel Moult has a formidable reputation as a player and teacher and has made a significant contribution to the Organ Department at the Conservatoire since his appointment in 2016.

As a soloist, Daniel performs regularly throughout the UK, Europe, Australia and Singapore, with upcoming concerto appearances in London and Germany, and a major multi-DVD and CD recording project to be launched shortly.

His London-based work includes coaching various younger professional organists, and his renowned educational profile has also extended to several anthologies for Bärenreiter and other publishers.

Incoming Head of Organ, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, said:

“I am honoured and delighted to be entrusted with the direction of this renowned and vibrant organ department. Over the years, Henry Fairs has worked tirelessly to establish the Department as a national centre of excellence.

“Working alongside Henry, other colleagues and the dedicated and talented array of students here, I envisage a bright and thrilling future for the organ art at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.”

In order to meet his bourgeoning international commitments, Henry Fairs will step aside from the role of Head of Organ in November 2017. However, he remains a permanent member of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire staff and will devote his time at the institution to teaching and artistic projects.

Henry Fairs enjoys a world-wide reputation as a recitalist, teacher and international competition jury member. A multi-award winning performer, recent engagements include performances in festivals at Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral, Leipzig Gewandhaus, Naumburg and Merseburg Orgeltage, Tokyo Metropolitan Arts Space, Ekaterinburg Bach Fest in Russia and masterclasses at the conservatoires of Leipzig, Stuttgart, Zagreb, Oslo and Copenhagen, as well as an adjudicator for the Carl Nielsen, Wadden Sea and Silbermann international organ competitions.

Part of Birmingham City University, the new Royal Birmingham Conservatoire is a unique contemporary building, incorporating five public performance spaces including a new 500 seat concert hall for orchestral training and performance, a purpose-built organ studio and private rehearsal and practice rooms.

Furthermore, as the first purpose built conservatoire in the UK since 1987, the £57 million institution which opened earlier this month is the only one of its kind in the country designed for the demands of the digital age.

The Organ Studio at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, for example, houses a Eule Pipe organ with extensive plans for additional new instruments, and features overhead performance lighting and a Dante audio network for flexible location recording purposes.

The venue has a distinctive shape and tranquil atmosphere created by natural light flooding onto the pale wood of the interior. It is completely flexible in terms of the set-up and layout of the performance area and audience seating.

Shoppers were surprised to see a life size Triceratops roaming Coventry City Centre today. The astonishing 6 foot tall dinosaur, operated by two highly skilled puppeteers, was sighted in the Lower Precinct ahead of the arrival of the fun, interactive show, Dinosaur World at the Belgrade Theatre later this month.

Using incredible puppetry, Dinosaur World brings a range of remarkably life-like dinosaurs to the stage, including every child's favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, along with a Giraffatitan, Segnosaurus and baby Triceratops, to name a few!

The live show is followed by a post-show ‘meat and greet’ where audience members have the opportunity to meet the dinosaurs in person.

Visiting the Belgrade’s Main Stage this half-term from Thurs 26 to Sat 28 Oct, Dinosaur World is sure to delight the whole family, whilst also educating young people aged 3+ (and adults) about these incredible creatures from the Mesozoic era.

Dinosaur World is written and directed by Derek Bond (Sweet Charity, Manchester Theatre Awards 2017 winner, Little Shop of Horrors, Manchester Royal Exchange). The creative team includes: Puppet Designer Max Humphries (National Theatre, Royal Opera House, Cirque de Soleil); Puppet Director Laura Cubitt (Running Wild, Chichester Festival Theatre; Don Quixote, RSC; War Horse, NT Berlin); Puppetry Consultant Toby Olié (for the National Theatre: Elephantom, Peter Pan, The Light Princess, Hansel & Gretel, NT: 50 Years on Stage and also the original hind puppeteer of Joey in War Horse); Set & Costume Designer James Perkins; Lighting Designer John Maddox and Sound Designer Tom Mann.

Performed by Danielle Stagg (Miranda), Rosie Nicholls (Puppeteer), Yana Penrose (Puppeteer), James Taylor (Puppeteer), Emma Thornett (Puppeteer), and Rafe Young (Puppeteer). Further casting to be announced.

Property services company, Romans held its first Big Sleep Out in Crowthorne House car park to raise funds for Launchpad, a Reading based charity whose mission is to prevent homelessness. Since the creation of their Community and Culture division in July, Romans have expanded their charitable giving and are now supporting nine local charities, each nominated by their staff.

Romans’ Community and Culture Manager Vanessa Foot explains; “Launchpad’s mission is very close to our hearts and being in the business of property, is an apt cause to get involved in. On 10th October, National Homeless Day, 14 Romans staff slept outdoors with nothing more than a shelter they made themselves on the night and a sleeping bag.”

The donations received from staff, friends and family were astronomical and so far the total amount raised is over £5,700! As part of the Big Sleep Out, participants each had to build their own shelter – the person who built the best shelter won a prize. On the night, Sam Arfield’s cardboard creation caught the attention of Jason McMahon, the representative from Launchpad, and Sam was announced as the winner.

“I am overjoyed with the amount of money which has been raised, just £700 is enough to help one person to start back on a pathway into education, training or employment. The donation from Romans of £5,700 and counting will certainly go a long way!

The passion and enthusiasm from both those that took part and those who made donations is really heart-warming and everyone from the Board of Directors to the staff working in the local branches have really got behind our cause,” explains Jason McMahon, the organiser of the Big Sleep Out.

With nine charities to support, the group has a busy calendar of charity events covering everything from sky dives to bake sales, and even a trek along the Great Wall of China!

Vanessa adds: “Working with local charities is extremely rewarding and is one of the best parts of my new role. Having listened to our employees and partnered with a range of charities nominated by them, we’ve really hit the ground running – watch this space for more updates!”

Along with working with charities, Vanessa and Romans’ Community and Culture team have also been working with local schools and sports clubs continuing to offer not only sponsorship but mentoring opportunities, careers guidance and incentive schemes.

Three Birmingham based charities have said thank you to local people for helping raise £5 million in vital funds over 20 years.

Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, Focus Birmingham and Acorns Children’s Hospice have received the impressive amount from the TLC Lottery, an organisation set up jointly by the three charities in 1997.

Players pay £1 per weekly draw and the money raised after running costs and prizes is split between the three charities. Currently over 13,000 players play the lottery across the West Midlands, competing for prizes ranging from £5 to £1,000.

Lynne Carter, Head of Fundraising at Acorns Children’s Hospice, said: “On behalf of the children and families we support and everyone at Acorns I want to say a huge thank you to the loyal players who have contributed to the Lottery over the past 20 years. We rely on fundraising for the £10 million it costs to provide our services every year - so your generosity means we can continue our vital work.”

Hamish Shilliday, head of fundraising at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, said: “The TLC is a fantastic initiative which allows players to have fun whilst raising vital funds for three local charities.

“I would like to thank all the players who have taken part over the past 20 years – with your continued support, we are able to provide expert care to local individuals and families living with terminal illness.

“All of our services – whether they are provided at the Hospice, in people’s homes or in the local community – are free of charge and so we rely on the generosity of local people, like the TLC’s players, to ensure we can continue to provide our care in Birmingham and Sandwell.”

Jasmin Rana, Marketing and Fundraising Manager at Focus Birmingham, said: “The TLC Lottery initiative has allowed Focus Birmingham to provide specialist support and services to people living with sight loss and disability in Birmingham for the past 20 years. We are truly grateful to the contributions made by the players over the years. Thank You.”

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for life limited and life threatened children and support for their families.

Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice is an independent charity which provides vital care to individuals and families living with terminal illness across Birmingham and Sandwell. Based in the heart of Selly Park, its services can be provided at the Hospice, in people’s homes and in the local community, making end of life care more accessible to all.

Based in Harborne, Focus Birmingham provides support and training to blind, visually impaired and disabled people of all ages and backgrounds, enabling and empowering people to reach their full potential.

The TLC Lottery is holding a series of celebrations on Friday 20 October to give the owner charities an opportunity to say thank you. The celebrations will also include a one-off £5,000 ‘super draw.’