Community News

Pupils from Lordship Lane Primary School have taken the lead in warning dog owners to clean up their pets’ mess.

Lordship Lane pupils with Cllr Ahmet and Cllr WatersA new series of “scoop up the Poop” posters designed by pupils highlight the risk of an £80 fine for allowing pooches to foul the pavement.

A poster-design competition was launched after community-spirited six-year-old pupil Eloise Charnock wrote to Haringey Council to complain after she spotted dog mess on her walk home from school.

Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Peray Ahmet and Woodside ward Cllr Ann Waters visited the school to launch the competition and choose the three winning designs, which are being displayed around the borough.

Winning designer Junaid Junel, 11, said: “I’ve seen the posters outside and I feel like I’ve achieved something.”

Paul Bullen, 10, and his sister Louise, 6, produced the two other winning designs. Paul said: “I’m so very excited. There were so many good posters and I was very surprised I won.”

Cllr Peray Ahmet said:

It’s really encouraging to see children take an active interest in their environment. Well done to Eloise for speaking up against dog mess, and to Paul, Louise and Junaid for their winning designs. They’ve created some great posters that will encourage people to clean up their mess – they should be extremely proud of what they’ve achieved.”

All three winners received a framed picture of their poster, a waterproof lamppost version and a gift voucher.

Sandwell Council is asking people for their views on a proposed 20mph zone in Friar Park ward.

The 20mph zone would include traffic calming measures in Manor Road and Carrington Road, in the Friar Park ward.

Figures show there were four accidents involving casualties in Manor Road and two in Carrington Road since 2012.

Councillor Dave Hosell, Sandwell Council's cabinet for highways and environment, said: “We want residents and drivers’ views about these plans and have set up three meetings where people can come along and find out more about the proposals.”

The consultation events are from 5-7pm on 14 September at Park Hill Primary School, 21 September at St Luke’s Church Hall and 25 September at the Millennium Centre.

Letters will be delivered to homes in the first week of September explaining further details of the proposed scheme and the various ways residents can have their say.

Nicola Elliott, founder and creative director of wellbeing and home fragrance brand, Neom Organics, will be the keynote speaker at a major business awards and celebration this October.

Nicola will deliver an inspirational speech at the 35^th Annual Women of the Year Awards taking place at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel on Friday, 6 October.

The event, which includes the prize for Businesswoman of the Year, aims to inspire women and young girls to follow their dreams and achieve their goals in the world of business.

Nicola, who launched Neom in 2005, has done just that.  Having spent  years working 60-hour weeks at glossy magazines in London, she was burnt out and started to notice her own wellbeing suffer, as well as that of her colleagues and close friends.

This kick-started Nicola’s move into the field of wellbeing. She trained as an aromatherapist and nutritionist and from there, Neom Organics was launched.

Today, Neom’s promise is to create 100 per cent natural fragrance for the mind and body and aims to help women (and men) manage their wellbeing in a simple way.  All of the fragrances deliver true therapeutic benefits to relieve stress, aid sleep, boost energy or lift mood.

The company, which boasts countless awards and celebrity fans, has seen continued growth and now retails in three standalone stores, major stockists such as John Lewis, M&S and Selfridges, as well as independent salons and  spas in both the UK and overseas.

Nicola, who won an entrepreneur of the year award in 2012, will describe her career and how she has overseen the company’s expansion, as well as how she steers the creative vision of the brand and ensures that every product Neom creates serves a therapeutic need or purpose

Pauline Edden, director of Women of the Year Luncheon and Awards, said: “We are thrilled to have Nicola Elliott as our keynote speaker on our 35^th anniversary event.  It’s always a wonderful celebration for women’s achievements in business and society and to secure such a great speaker means this year’s event is one not to be missed.”

Judy Groves, director of the Businesswoman of the Year Award, said: “Nominations are open for Businesswoman of the Year and we’ve already had some very strong entries. My plea to women, however, is to put modesty to one side and put themselves forward for this award so that women and girls can be inspired by their achievements in the world of business.”

The Mayor of Wolverhampton’s chosen charities are £1,098 better off thanks to the success of the city’s inaugural Festival of Food and Drink.

In line with tradition, the Mayor, Councillor Elias Mattu, has chosen a selection of charities which he and the Mayoress will raise money for over the year.

His chosen charities are Interfaith Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton Sickle Cell Care Centre, Street Pastors, Wolverhampton Central Youth Theatre and Acorns Children's Hospice.

More than 18,500 people attended the Festival of Food and Drink last month, with free tickets on offer.

Just over 1,000 visitors chose to pay on the gate, with half of the receipts going to the Mayor’s chosen charities and the other half to event costs.

Mayor Mattu said: “I’m tremendously proud of holding our first festival of food and drink which bought so many new visitors to the city and gave residents an opportunity to have a fabulous family day out.

“I’d like to thank the promoter for his kind donation and for everyone involved in making the weekend an occasion to remember.

“The money will be divided between the charities to boost the important work they all do.”

Festival of Food and Drink organiser William Power, of Street Banquet and Director of E11EVEN GROUP, added: “The Festival of Food and Drink was a great success, enjoyed by thousands of people, and I’m delighted it also delivered the added bonus of helping these fantastic charities.”

This year, for the first time ever, the annual Christian arts festival, ‘Greenbelt,’ will be partnering with Amal, a British grant-giving fund supporting British Muslim art and culture, which providing opportunities for people in Britain, regardless of their faith or beliefs, to come together and explore the rich diversity of Muslim cultures and arts including storytelling, visual arts, theatre, poetry, music, dance and film.

The festival will be the first time Britain's biggest Christian arts festival, which has previously featured artists like U2, Moby and Cliff Richard, will host such a major Muslim presence with a full programme of performances.

Through this unique initiative, Christian and Muslim artistry, ideas, conversation and spirituality will be showcased together through a powerful ensemble of storytelling, visual arts, theatre, poetry, music and dance.

Championing imagination and values of compassion, conviviality and social justice, Amal believes that culture and the arts broaden horizons and forge common ground within and between communities, as it facilitates experiences, encounters and discoveries that help to address the complex and critical issues facing communities today in an inclusive atmosphere of creative expression and mutual respect. Through its varied activities, it hopes to achieve a deeper and broader understanding of Muslim cultures, thereby adding to the strength and vitality of contemporary British society.

Beginning in 2016, it started as a Programming Fund making grants in support of Muslim cultural productions over a pilot phase of around one year.

Taking place on August 25-28, on the grounds of Boughton House in Northamptonshire, the new Amal @ Greenbelt venue will be curated by Chicago cultural producer, Asad Ali Jafri, aka DJ Man-O-Wax, whop said: “We’re so excited to have received funding from Amal to produce a brand new venue and programme at Greenbelt this summer, showcasing Muslim art, culture, thought and spirituality

And we’re thrilled to introduce the curator we’ve appointed to shape the Amal programme for us this year.”

The UK’s biggest high-end Christmas shopping event, the Spirit of Christmas Fair is returning to Olympia London for its 17th year on the 30 October – 5 November 2017.

Visitors can uncover the most extraordinary gifts with the unrivalled and exciting new collections of 800 independent boutiques, all hand-picked by the Spirit of Christmas Fair gifting experts.

There’s something for everyone at this ultimate destination for Christmas shopping: gifts, home, fashion, baby & child, decorations, health & beauty to jewellery and men's. Discerning shoppers will be spoilt for choice with never-seen-before items across seven straight days.

Visitors will also be treated to exclusive tips and tricks from the best in the business with the complimentary interactive workshops. From creating floral arrangements with one of London’s top florists, to tasting some of the world's most decadent Champagnes with a Master of Wine, there’s something for everyone.

Foodies will rejoice in the gourmet heaven that is The Food Hall, including the Great Taste Food Market. A showcase like no other of the finest culinary delights from handmade Cornish cheeses, organic oils and preserves and the finest oak-smoked Scottish salmon, to luxury Christmas puddings, truffles and caviar. Not to mention the irresistible array of fine wines, teas, spirits and Champagne on offer.

Thi Dinh, Show Manager of the Spirit of Christmas Fair says:  “The Spirit of Christmas Fair is returning for the 17th year and is bigger and better than ever. We go to great pains to ensure every item has a distinct style and quality. We are proud to offer a unique shopping experience, so many of the brands are exclusively available to our shoppers only. Team this up with our interactive workshops with Sophie Conran and Claridge’s and not only do you have everything you’ll need this Christmas under one roof but a day of seasonal retail therapy to just enjoy with friends!”

A Midlands city is preparing for what could be the biggest show of arts and cultural diversity with the ‘70 Rickshaws’ event which will be offering visitors the chance of a free ride in one of the world’s most classic forms of transport traditionally used in India and Pakistan.

Celebrating South Asian culture outside of Asia, the festival is being held to mark the 70^th anniversary of both countries’ 70^th Anniversary of Independence, with the aim of making 70 rides in a1 hour.

Now in its 7^th year, ‘An Indian Summer,’ will see the vibrant passenger cars escorting people throughout the streets of Leicester, in the East Midlands, where it will be making stops at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium, Highcross Shopping Centre and Cathedral Gardens.

Festival Director Jiten Anand of organisers, Inspirate, said: “As a cultural organisation we are delighted to bring this range of world-class programming to the people of Leicester and beyond.

Our goal is to represent the next generation of South Asian arts and culture on the national stage and share this with as many communities as we can.”

Assistant City Mayor Piara Singh Clair says: “An Indian Summer - part of the City Festival, which represents all areas of sports, arts and culture which takes place in the city - is a fantastic project showcasing Indian heritage and culture in creative ways and I am proud to be an partner organisation in this city-wide festival.”

The event, on Sunday August 13, will see rickshaws also accompanying cyclists taking part in British Cycling and Ride Leicester as they race through the city’s streets.

Despite high profile government and police campaigns highlighting the dangers of using a mobile when driving, many motorists are still flouting the law and putting their lives, and those of other road users, at risk. A new study for Kwik Fit, the UK’s leading automotive servicing and repair company, reveals that a third (34%) of drivers are still using their mobile phone without a handsfree set.

The figures are especially alarming as the most recent government statistics show that in five years there was a 24% increase in the number of accidents in which a contributory factor was the driver being distracted by using a mobile phone.

Kwik Fit’s study revealed that more than a quarter (26%) of drivers use their satnav or GPS on their phone, while almost one in five say they take calls (19%) or read text messages (17%). One in six (16%) make calls without a handsfree set, with around one in eight (12%) sending texts. Although some drivers claim they only use their phone in an emergency, more than half a million motorists admit to making calls on almost every journey they make.

Four months on from the introduction of increased penalties for mobile phone use, many drivers remain unaware of the laws and the penalties for breaking them. More than two in five people (43%) do not know that the penalty for using a hand-held phone when driving is six points. The additional focus on inexperienced drivers has also passed many people by, with only 47% of Brits knowing that those caught using a phone without a handsfree set in their first two years will lose their licence.

It is worrying that it is the youngest drivers who are the most ignorant about mobile phone rules, despite the use of a handheld mobile phone having been illegal since before they started driving.  Drivers aged 18-24 are nearly three times more likely than the average motorist to believe it’s legal to use your phone when stopped at traffic lights, and twice as likely to say you can answer calls but not make outgoing ones, and that drivers are allowed to use their phone in slow moving traffic. All these statements are incorrect.

It is also the youngest drivers who are most likely to have experienced trouble on the road due to mobile phone use. 40% of 18-24 year olds have either had a collision or near miss, or got involved in an argument because somebody was using their mobile phone, more than double the figure for all drivers. Almost one in ten (8%) drivers aged 18-24 say they have had a collision because they were distracted by their mobile phone, with a further 8% saying they have almost done so. This compares with figures of 2% and 3% respectively for all drivers.

While many of these collisions may be minor bumps with no injury, government data reveals that there has been a large increase in serious accidents where a contributory factor has been the driver using a mobile phone. The number of accidents in which people were killed or seriously injured increased by 25% between 2011 and 2015, the most recent years for which full data is available.  Although the number of fatal accidents in which a driver has been distracted by a mobile phone has remained consistent at an average of 22 per year – there has been a big rise in the number of accidents resulting in serious or slight injuries.

Flouting the laws on mobile phone use is most common in London, where nearly half of drivers (47%) say they use their phone without a handsfree set. The most law abiding region is the East of England, yet even here, almost a quarter (24%) admit to breaking the law when it comes to mobile phone use.

Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit, said: “The findings of this study are very worrying indeed. While car manufacturers have made great strides in improving safety, it is vital that drivers remember that they are the most important safety feature in the vehicle. Any form of distraction can have serious consequences, as sadly, the statistics clearly show.

“It is especially important for inexperienced drivers to be fully focused on what they are doing. The fact that this report has found that younger drivers have less knowledge of the rules and are more likely to take risks means more needs to be done to educate them in the very first weeks and months of driving. Kwik Fit is working with schools and colleges around the country to hold events aimed at improving the safety of those drivers who are new to the road and education on the use of mobiles is an important part of that.”

A Birmingham School of Acting alumnus is set to appear in the internationally acclaimed production of ‘War Horse’

Lewis Howard will be playing the role of the Heart of Joey, a horse from Devon who was sold to the British cavalry during the First World War and shipped to France.

The National Theatre play, based on the award-winning novel by Michael Morpurgo, centres around Joey’s journey as he gets caught up in enemy fire, fights on both sides and eventually finds himself in no man’s land. It also follows Joey’s owner, Albert, who is on a mission to find his beloved horse and bring him home to England.

At its heart are ground-breaking puppets by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, who bring breathing, galloping and charging horses to life on stage.

Lewis Howard will join the production on its upcoming national tour, beginning in Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury on Friday 15 September this year. The play will then visit various UK cities such as Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Nottingham and Plymouth, before closing in Glasgow in February 2019.

‘War Horse’ author Michael Morpurgo said:

“After a few months’ rest, out at pasture, Joey, the ‘War Horse’ and his great team from the National Theatre, will be touring the UK again, taking their show all over the country, to towns and cities, many of them places ‘War Horse’ has not been seen before.

“I am so pleased this is happening; that so many more people will have the chance to enjoy this unique theatrical event. Steady boy, steady Joey. Trot on.”

Lewis Howard graduated from Birmingham’s School of Acting, part of Birmingham City University in 2012 with a BA honours degree.

Since then he has performed as Callum in ‘Swivelhead’ at Pleasance Courtyard during last year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe and has featured as Jesse alongside Adeel Akhtar in the 2016 film ‘The Big Return of Ray Lamere’.

Lewis was born in Birmingham but grew up in Falmouth, and has continued to work with Cornish theatre companies over the past few years.

Discussing his latest role, Lewis Howard said:

“I’m puppeteering the heart of Joey for this tour of ‘War Horse’ and it's my first job for the National Theatre, so I am very excited and humbled to be part of this production, which coincides with the centenary commemorations of the end of the First World War.”

‘War Horse’ completed a record-breaking eight year London run last year and has been seen by over seven million people in 97 cities and 10 countries around the world. It has won 25 awards, including the Tony Award for Best Play on Broadway, and is the most successful play in the National Theatre’s history.

As well as featuring Thomas Dennis as Albert, ‘War Horse’ also features Jo Castleton as his mother, Rose Narracott, and celebrated folk musician Bob Fox returns as Song Man. ‘War Horse’ is directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, with Katie Henry being the revival director for this new production.

Speaking of his time at Birmingham City University, Lewis Howard said:

“I had a brilliant three years at Birmingham School of Acting, honing skills on how to better my performances but also, and somewhat more crucially, how to work with many different people and enjoy teamwork – something vital on a show like ‘War Horse’.”

Rehearsals for ‘War Horse’ began last week in a 470 square metre rehearsal space, custom built by MDM Props in London to accommodate the large company, which includes a 34-strong cast.

Daniele Sanderson, Deputy Head of Birmingham’s School of Acting, said:

“We are thrilled that Lewis has secured a role in this wonderful production and look forward to seeing him in action when the tour lands at Birmingham Hippodrome next year.”

City of Wolverhampton is to hold what is hoped will be the biggest ever Wolves Pride event to celebrate its community diversity.

The newly-formed Wolverhampton LGBT Alliance is hosting the event on Saturday, September 30, with support from City of Wolverhampton Council, University of Wolverhampton and Wolverhampton Homes.

It will take place from noon to 9pm on Wulfruna Street, the Civic Centre Ceremonial car park, St Peter’s car park and the pedestrian area outside the University of Wolverhampton’s Ambika Paul building.

William Power of E11EVEN Group, who has staged LGBT+ events across the country, will deliver the event.

It will feature a broad range of music, live entertainment and performers, as well as a fantastic range of street food, bars, information stands, merchandise stalls, and a family area with fun activities for the children.

City of Wolverhampton Council’s Member Champion for Equalities, Councillor Paula Brookfield, said: “We are delighted to be supporting what we hope will be the biggest Pride event the city has ever seen. The rich diversity of the City of Wolverhampton is a real strength and it is important we celebrate it through this event in the calendar. Not only does it raise awareness of LGBT+ equality messages – but it provides the platform for a great family day out in the city centre.”

Professor Geoff Layer, Vice Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, said: “As the ‘University of Opportunity’ we are always keen to work with our partners and neighbours for the betterment of the local community.  We believe that by supporting Wolves Pride we can ensure that everyone enjoys a fun event, which also affirms the importance that the City and the University places on LGBT Equality.  We are especially pleased that this event will fall within our Welcome to Wolves induction programme, and so it will be a unique opportunity to bring together students from across our campuses to celebrate the diversity of our community.”

Lesley Roberts, Wolverhampton Homes Chief Executive, said: “Wolverhampton Homes has supported Wolverhampton Pride since the first event five years ago and this year we are proud to support it as part of the newly formed Wolverhampton LGBT Alliance. Pride gives us a wonderful opportunity to show how organisations can work together to improve services to the LGBT+ community in Wolverhampton.”

William added: “Working alongside city partners we aim to bring over 3,000 people into the city centre to celebrate diversity and provide a great day out for all the family.”

Brenda Franke, 56, from Bromsgrove is taking part in Alzheimer’s Society’s Memory Walk in Sutton Park, Birmingham, to remember her mother, raise awareness about dementia and money to combat the condition.

She will  join a current total of 4,000 supporters already registered to take part in the Birmingham Memory Walk, which will be on 16 September. People can register for Memory Walk as individuals or as a team. The walk will take place over two distances with options as to undertaking a 3.5 km or 5.5 km route.

Brenda said: “My beloved Mum had Alzheimer’s. Sadly she died in 2013, after becoming ill following a short time in a Care Home where her condition was managed badly. Mum was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s about 4 years prior to her death. She became very forgetful and kept repeating herself. She suffered mood swings and became agitated at times.  As the condition worsened over time so did her memory and mood swings. One morning, whilst Dad was asleep, Mum left the house wearing two skirts two blouses slippers but no tights (she always wore her tights) and walked into town with the dog (not on a lead) crossing a number of busy roads on the way. We were all out searching for her in a panic and the Police were involved.  A neighbour spotted her and brought her home to our enormous relief. That was an awful time.

“I do hope and pray that more money is put into research to try and find a cure for this awful disease.  Staff in Care Homes, Nursing Homes and hospitals so need to be better trained to deal with dementia patients and to give them the dignity and respect they deserve. Tighter regulation of Care Homes and Carers is needed to ensure they are providing the best care possible to people with dementia.

“I will be supporting Alzheimer’s Society in its efforts to raise awareness and funds.  I am signed up for the Memory Walk at Sutton Park in September and am walking with my sisters (we are called Sister Act) in memory of our lovely Mum who we miss every day more and more.  I hope to carry on fundraising in the future.”

More than 26,000 people over-65 in Birmingham and the Black Country are estimated to be living with dementia and last year’s event at the smaller location of Cannon Hill Park was attended by 5000 people, raising more than £322,000 to help people living with the condition.

Janice Le Tellier, Alzheimer’s Society Operations Manager for Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry and Warwickshire said: “Dementia is set to be the 21st century’s biggest killer. We are calling on family, friends – and furry four-legged supporters – to unite against dementia this autumn. Dementia devastates lives. Walk with us at Memory Walk and dementia won’t win. Every pound raised will help Alzheimer’s Society provide information and support, improve care, fund research and create lasting change for people affected by dementia. Alzheimer’s Society is urgently calling on people to register now at memorywalk.org.uk and unite against dementia.”

Love was in the air at Wolverhampton’s beautiful Bantock House Museum and Park when it hosted its first ever wedding on Saturday – for a couple who live right next to the popular attraction.

Corrinne Wilde and Steven Carpenter are the first to use the house, situated off Finchfield Road, as a wedding venue.

The couple, who have five children and seven grandchildren between them, married in the Arts and Crafts-inspired Drawing Room in front of 35 guests.

Corrinne’s proud daughter, Sarah May, said: “We couldn’t believe this was the first wedding at Bantock House, it is such a lovely place, we assumed other people would have already used it as a wedding venue.

“Mum and Steve live in Broad Lane, right by the house, it’s almost a home from home for them. They walk on the park most days and are always taking their grandchildren there so it was an obvious choice for their wedding day.”

Bantock House Museum is a Grade II listed building, set in 48 acres of lovely parkland. It was the home of Thomas and Mary Bantock first and then their son and his wife, Baldwin and Kitty Bantock, who generously gave it to the people of Wolverhampton in 1938.

Much of the Edwardian house interior is influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement.

Sarah added: “After mum was widowed 12 years ago she met Steve, who was divorced, and they moved to their apartment overlooking Bantock Park, so it is a very special place. Following the ceremony, they travelled to the Mount Tavern, in Penn Road, where they first met, to celebrate with more friends and family.”

City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy, Councillor John Reynolds, said: “Congratulations to Corrinne and Steve, we wish them lots of happiness. Bantock House is a lovely place and the perfect venue for an intimate family wedding.”

Thousands of people are today being called on to unite against dementia by signing up for Alzheimer’s Society’s Birmingham Memory Walk in Sutton Park.

A total of 3,417 supporters have already registered to take part in the Birmingham Memory Walk, which will be on 16 September. People can register for Memory Walk as individuals or as a team. The walk will take place over two distances with options as to undertaking a 3.5 km or 5.5 km route.

More than 26,000 people over-65 in Birmingham and the Black Country are estimated to be living with dementia and last year’s event at the smaller location of Cannon Hill Park was attended by 5000 people, raising more than £322,000 to help people living with the condition.

Janice Le Tellier, Alzheimer’s Society Operations Manager for Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry and Warwickshire said: “Dementia is set to be the 21st century’s biggest killer. We are calling on family, friends – and furry four-legged supporters – to unite against dementia this autumn. Dementia devastates lives. Walk with us at Memory Walk and dementia won’t win. Every pound raised will help Alzheimer’s Society provide information and support, improve care, fund research and create lasting change for people affected by dementia. Alzheimer’s Society is urgently calling on people to register now at memorywalk.org.uk and unite against dementia.”

The majority of adults in the West Midlands are leaving their financial and health-related affairs to chance according to Co-op Legal Services, as four in five people (82%) don’t have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place*.

A Lasting Power Attorney is the legal document that allows a trusted person to manage an individual’s affairs in the event they lose mental capacity. Yet almost a third of adults living in the region (27%) don’t know what an LPA is and a further 58% were unaware that there are two different types: one covering property and financial affairs and one to cover health and welfare wishes, including where you’d like to live and any personal medical wishes.

Putting a Lasting Power of Attorney in place is often considered to be of as much importance as drawing up a Will, yet research finds that over half (52%) of adults in the West Midlands have made a Will in comparison to just 18% with an LPA in place. With one person developing dementia every three minutes in the UK it’s expected that over 1 million people will have the disease by 2025, emphasising the significant importance of an LPA**.

James Antoniou, Head of Wills at Co-op explains: “The findings highlight that vast numbers of people are unaware that there is no automatic right for a next of kin to have authority over an individual’s affairs. If an LPA is not in place and a person becomes unable to make decisions, it can lead to a long and expensive process that involves applying to Court.

‘’At Co-op Legal Services, we advise that an LPA is put into place at the same time as a Will. Both are crucial parts of later life planning and can help to alleviate stress and worry for loved ones further down the line.’’

As well as the option to solely take out a Lasting Power of Attorney, Co-op also offers a range of Estate Planning Packages as part of its #AWill2TackleCancer campaign to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. These include a professionally drafted Will and Lasting Power of Attorney for a discounted price, compared to when bought individually. With every #AWill2TackleCancer Estate Planning package sold, Co-op will pay 10% of its fee (excluding VAT) to Cancer Research UK

A Wolverhampton councillor and his wife have handed over a cheque for over £8,000 to the hospital which saved their baby son's life after completing two charity fundraisers.

Bushbury North Councillor Ian Angus completed the Stafford Half Marathon in March, while his wife Sandi tackled her first ever 10km run in Birmingham a month later.

And in doing so they have raised vital funds for the Cardiac Unit at Birmingham Children's Hospital, which performed life-saving open heart surgery on their son Joshua when he was barely 10 weeks old.

The pair presented a cheque for £8,235.89 to the hospital last month and Councillor Angus said: “We'd like to thank everyone who contributed to our fundraising efforts for Birmingham Children's Hospital – it’s a very special place which saved our little boy's life.

"The fundraising total far exceeded our expectations and we've been truly overwhelmed by people's kindness and generosity."

When Joshua was just four days old, Ian and Sandi were given the devastating news that he had a life-threating congenital heart defect that would require open heart surgery to address.

Aged just 10 weeks, he underwent a successful five-hour procedure at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Councillor Angus said: "It was the toughest day of our lives but the care he received was exceptional and we now have a beautiful, bonny, healthy little boy who has every chance – if I get my way – of playing for Wolves in the Premiership one day.”

Sandi said: “We are so fortunate to have this wonderful, world-class health service on our doorstep. We wanted to give something back and have been fundraising throughout the year for the Cardiac Unit."

Their fundraising efforts were supported by Councillor Angus' brother Jamie and colleagues from the City of Wolverhampton Council who also took part in the Stafford Half Marathon, including Head of Planning Stephen Alexander, Voluntary Sector Coordinator Martha Cummings, Head of the Healthier Place service Richard Welch and Councillor Paul Sweet, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing.

Over 85 per cent of pet owners in the West Midlands believe having a dog can help to bring stress levels down. In fact, research, conducted by leading manufacturer of premium pet supplements Lintbells, has found that on average dog owners in the West Midlands are less stressed and happier in life because of their pet.

With almost a quarter of households* in the UK now owning a dog the study found that dog owners are happier, more satisfied at work and more sociable than people without a pooch. In fact over 80 per cent of people in the West Midlands now consider their dog to be an integral part of their family.

The national study, of 1,000 dog owners and 1,000 adults without a dog, found 80 per cent with a dog are ‘very happy’ or ‘happy’ with their life overall, compared to just 70 per cent of people without a four-legged friend.

In addition the research found that people with no dog spend longer watching TV and less time outdoors. In fact, it was discovered people without a pooch watch 14 hours more TV a month, averaging an extra 3.5 hours per week, than those with a four-legged friend.

Over 87 per cent of dog owners in the West Midlands put their general health at average and above average levels than those who don’t have a dog. Unsurprisingly, nationally dog owners spend an hour and 12 minutes longer outdoors each week than those without a dog. Dog owners’ hobbies are also more likely to be active and outdoor pursuits, with dog owners being bigger fans of cycling, going for walks and gardening.

The survey also found that over a third of dog owners in the West Midlands say their dog has their own spot on the sofa.

Those without a dog are more likely to enjoy reading, listening to music and watching TV. And while non-dog owners are most likely to opt for a quiet night at home alone, dog owners prefer a more social evening in with friends or a night at the pub. Dog owners are also the biggest social media users with 80 per cent spending some time on social media each day compared to just 71 of non-dog owners.

John Davies, co-founder of Lintbells said: “The results of this survey highlight the many benefits of owning a dog, from health to happiness.  Dogs are amazing companions, offering their owners much more than just a wag of their tail in the morning. They are often the first to greet anyone arriving home, they inspire us to spend more time outdoors and offer unconditional love to their owners. That said we owe it to them to take care of their needs – even those we can’t see. Natural supplements can aid your dog with their mobility, skin irritations, digestion and anxiety, helping them to be happy for longer.”