School support workers who go that extra mile have been honoured by the Mayor of Wolverhampton. Mayor Councillor Barry Findlay hosted a reception reward the winners of Unison's search for the Stars in Our Schools, a celebration of the wonderful work Wolverhampton's school support workers do day in, day out. Support staff were nominated by schools across Wolverhampton, with the winners invited to the Mayor Parlour for this week's celebration.

John Taylor Hospice has launched a brand new way to raise funds by introducing a weekly lottery draw. The Birmingham-based hospice has teamed up with Your Hospice Lottery to offer people the chance to win weekly cash prizes whilst raising vital funds for hospice care. For just £1 per entry to the weekly draw, lottery members have the chance to win one of 136 guaranteed prizes ranging from £10 to £1,000. There is also the addition of a rollover jackpot which, if not won, goes up by £250 each week - up to an amazing £10,000!

A groundbreaking vegan poster campaign launched this month, with Go Vegan World ads now appearing on buses, taxis and billboards. Go Vegan World launched in the UK last June and their current campaign is targeting people for the New Year! The campaign directs viewers to research the issues for themselves by downloading the campaign’s Free Vegan Guide.

A British-Indian politician has been honoured by both the UK and Indian governments for her contributions to public service. Ludhiana-born Neena Gill, who was first elected to the European Parliament in 1999 was named in the New  Year’s honour list and is to be awarded a CBE by her majesty the queen for her contributions to Politics in a ceremony later this year.

2^nd Generation of Barbadians & Friends (Birmingham) and the BCA (Birmingham Community Association) are jointly holding a Cancer Awareness Day, on Saturday, January 28, in aid of The Teenage Cancer Trust and the Macmillan Cancer Trust on a day that will provide fun for all the family which includes a bouncy castle and face painting for the children, soca aerobics massages with food on sale.

MedicAnimal, the UK’s leading pet healthcare retailer, is warning motorists and gardeners about the consequences of using antifreeze and the potentially lethal effect it can have on cats and dogs. The Met Office has this week issued a severe weather warning to several parts of the UK with temperatures expected to drop below 0 degrees Celsius.  Antifreeze is typically 95% ethylene glycol (EG) and diluted 1:2 or 1:3 with water when added to the car’s radiator or washer fluid container.