Dec 09 2008 | Birmingham News
The managers of regional shopping centres are celebrating after a bumper weekend, which saw stores crammed with present-buying shoppers who sent cash tills jingling. Birmingham’s Bullring was packed, Solihull’s Mell Square shopping centre said business was “brisk” while the Mander Centre in Wolverhampton said shopper numbers were 25 per cent up on last year. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Birmingham News
Administrators Zolfo Cooper said “a small number” of redundancies were expected at the company’s head office in Birmingham. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Birmingham News
SIX JLS fans needed medical treatment after being injured before the boyband were due to perform at a concert hall. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Birmingham News
The managers of regional shopping centres are celebrating after a bumper weekend, which saw stores crammed with present-buying shoppers who sent cash tills jingling. Birmingham’s Bullring was packed, Solihull’s Mell Square shopping centre said business was “brisk” while the Mander Centre in Wolverhampton said shopper numbers were 25 per cent up on last year. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Birmingham News
A US fighter jet returning to a Marine base made famous by the film Top Gun crashed in flames, killing three people on the ground, leaving one missing and destroying two homes. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National News
A coroner has said he will make a series of recommendations to improve the RAF Puma helicopter fleet after hearing of the deaths of two British servicemen in a collision in Iraq. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National News
The Government faces growing concern from backbench Labour MPs about the scale of welfare reform ahead of moves to get more claimants off benefits and into work, it was warned. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National News
Alistair Darling has accused David Cameron of "unbelievable complacency" on the economy as the Tory leader pledged to curb Government spending plans from 2010. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National News
Christian campaigners have lost their High Court challenge over university researchers being allowed to create human-animal embryos for research purposes. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National News
An influential committee of MPs is to investigate the controversial arrest of Tory MP Damian Green, including the involvement of politicians. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National News
No charges are to be brought against the family of a paralysed rugby player for helping him travel to Switzerland to commit suicide, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National News
David Cameron has promised to reduce planned Government spending from 2010 to avert future tax rises. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National News
The coroner at the inquest of Jean Charles de Menezes has said he would accept a majority verdict. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National News
The rate at which house prices are falling continued to accelerate during October, Government figures show. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National News
Nearly 50 people have been charged with aggravated trespass after protesters caused chaos at one of Britain's busiest airports. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National News
A former England cricketer is due to appear in court charged with drug smuggling after nearly 9lb (4kg) of cocaine was seized at Gatwick Airport. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National News
Health Secretary Alan Johnson has unveiled plans to force cigarette sales "under the counter" in a bid to cut smoking by children. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National News
A mother has been charged with the murder of her 11-year-old son who was found dead at their home. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National News
David Cameron has called for an immediate general election to allow voters to choose between the radically contrasting economic programmes offered by Labour and the Conservatives. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National News
More than 40 people have been charged with criminal offences after protesters caused chaos at one of Britain's busiest airports. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National News
Two RAF pilots will not be cleared of blame for the Chinook helicopter crash on the Mull of Kintyre 14 years ago, it has been reported. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National News
David Cameron is set to renew his attack on the Government's "reckless" handling of the economy, accusing ministers of undermining public confidence. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National News
Retailers were braced for a "nerve-wracking" Christmas after figures revealed the first successive monthly fall in overall sales for nearly 14 years. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National News
Ministers are to press ahead with moves to force cigarette sales "under the counter", Health Secretary Alan Johnson will signal, despite fears of the impact on small businesses. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National News
Universities should use a £120 million VAT "windfall" to help well-paid professionals who lose their jobs in the recession, Skills Secretary John Denham said. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National News
Retailers were braced for a "nerve-wracking" Christmas after figures revealed the first successive monthly fall in overall sales for nearly 14 years. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National News
Five people charged with aggravated trespass were among more than 40 being held by police after protesters caused major disruption to flights at Stansted Airport. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National News
Recruitment plans for the next few months are at their weakest for 15 years, a survey of employers has revealed. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National News
The number of househunters rose for the first time in two years last month as steep interest rate cuts tempted potential buyers back to the market, figures have showed. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National News
Five teenage girls were injured at a free gig performed by X Factor boyband finalists JLS, ambulance staff said. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National News
The Government loses more than £2 billion a year through tax evasion but the chance of fraudsters getting caught is "minimal", an influential group of MPs said. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National News
Some patients could be put at risk because they attend NHS Urgent Care Centres instead of A&E departments, experts said. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Aston Villa FC news
Your reaction to Cllr Mike Whitby's call for Villa to have Birmingham in the club's name to help raise the profile of the city Read
Dec 09 2008 | Aston Villa FC news
MARTIN O’Neill is ready to roll out his Villa understudies again – including a second choice strike-force – for Thursday night’s UEFA Cup clash with MSK Zilina. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Aston Villa FC news
JOHN Carew’s continued absence from the Villa team has got his team-mates wishing for his swift return. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Aston Villa FC news
MARTIN O’Neill wants his side to get a psychological edge on their rivals by remaining in the top five into the New Year. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Aston Villa FC news
STAND-in full-backs Luke Young and Carlos Cuellar can improve their all-round games by continuing to be deployed out of position, according to Martin O’Neill. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Aston Villa FC news
THE closeness of the Premier League this season has given the competition an attractiveness which it has not had for years, according to Martin O’Neill. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Birmingham City News
Lee Carsley`s first goal for Birmingham handed them a barely-deserved victory over battling Plymouth to keep Alex McLeish`s side in touch with Coca-Cola Championship leaders Wolves. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Birmingham City News
BLUES have taken the unprecedented step of offering free admission to all season ticket holders for the FA Cup third-round tie against Wolves at St Andrew’s in January. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Birmingham City News
IN A three-way battle for the Championship spoils between Blues, Wolves and Reading, Alex McLeish is concerned about one team – his own. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Birmingham City News
DAMIEN Johnson has shown the kind of commitment to the cause Blues have come to expect from their captain by volunteering for duty at Plymouth Argyle tonight – despite not having played a single minute of football since May. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Birmingham City News
QUINCY admits he is desperate to secure a permanent move to St Andrew’s but believes he needs to start more games to prove himself. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Birmingham City News
ALEX McLeish has called for Blues to tighten it up defensively. Read
Dec 09 2008 | West Brom News
TONY Mowbray will step up plans for next month’s transfer window as he prepares to inject new blood into Albion’s flagging Premier League campaign. Read
Dec 09 2008 | West Brom News
ALBION will today learn the full extent of Ishmael Miller’s knee injury. Read
Dec 09 2008 | West Brom News
ISHMAEL Miller is set for a lengthy lay-off, with his knee injury worse than first feared. Read
Dec 09 2008 | West Brom News
ALBION’s survival hopes have been dealt a shattering blow after Ishmael Miller was ruled out for the rest of the season. Read
Dec 09 2008 | West Brom News
JONATHAN Greening has conceded that the timing of Albion’s trip to Sunderland is hardly ideal. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Wolves Match Reports
Championship leaders Wolves made light of top scorer Chris Iwelumo’s absence by returning to winning ways with a comprehensive victory over midlands rivals Derby at Molineux. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Non-League
TAMWORTH have lost a second full-back inside a week after learning Des Lyttle will not play again until February. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Non-League
MARK YATES says Kidderminster Harriers will be fired up to avenge the worst display of the season when they face Mansfield Town in the Blues Square Premier tonight. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Non-League
BROMSGROVE Rovers are forced to change a winning team as they seek to secure a fourth league win in a row. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Non-League
TAMWORTH have lost a second full-back inside a week after learning Des Lyttle will not play again until February. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Non-League
MARK YATES says Kidderminster Harriers will be fired up to avenge the worst display of the season when they face Mansfield Town in the Blues Square Premier tonight. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Non-League
BROMSGROVE Rovers are forced to change a winning team as they seek to secure a fourth league win in a row. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Non-League
BROMSGROVE Rovers are forced to change a winning team as they seek to secure a fourth league win in a row. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Non-League
TAMWORTH have lost a second full-back inside a week after learning Des Lyttle will not play again until February. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Non-League
MARK YATES says Kidderminster Harriers will be fired up to avenge the worst display of the season when they face Mansfield Town in the Blues Square Premier tonight. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National Sport
Seve Ballesteros has vowed to "keep on fighting with patience and determination" in his recovery from brain surgery after being discharged from hospital in Madrid on Tuesday. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National Sport
Two goals in less than 10 first-half minutes from Andy Barcham on Tuesday booked Gillingham an FA Cup third-round tie at home to Barclays Premier League Aston Villa. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National Sport
Wolves coasted to a 3-0 victory at home to Derby to maintain their three-point lead at the top of the Coca-Cola Championship. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National Sport
Liverpool clinched top spot in Champions League group D with a confident 3-1 victory over PSV in the Philips Stadion. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National Sport
Didier Drogba returned to action and fired Chelsea into the Champions League knockout stages with the winner in a 2-1 victory over CFR Cluj at Stamford Bridge. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National Sport
Arsene Wenger will give Emmanuel Eboue the chance to silence the Arsenal boo-boys in Wednesday's final Champions League Group G clash. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National Sport
Newcastle's All Black prop Carl Hayman could return to New Zealand a year ahead of schedule, according to Hurricanes chief executive Greg Peters. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National Sport
Ledley King wants to ensure Dimitar Berbatov suffers a miserable return to White Hart Lane, despite boss Harry Redknapp giving his skipper little chance of facing Manchester United on Saturday. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National Sport
Kevin Pietersen has issued strict "no excuses" instructions to England as they attempt to move on from security issues and focus on the major task of winning a Test series in India. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National Sport
Blackburn manager Paul Ince knows only a return to winning ways can ease the pressure which is growing over his short tenure at Ewood Park. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National Sport
Competition sessions at the London 2012 Olympics will be shorter than in Beijing Games to try to ensure fans can get hold of coveted tickets, MPs were told on Tuesday. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National Sport
Police are investigating the mugging of Manchester City striker Darius Vassell as he stepped out of a taxi. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National Sport
Ryan Babel's agent claims the Liverpool winger has failed in a bid to engineer a loan move back to Ajax. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National Sport
Sir Alex Ferguson insists he is not frustrated at the length of time taken for Carlos Tevez to sign a permanent contract with Manchester United. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National Sport
Sam Allardyce has made a pitch for the vacant Sunderland manager's job claiming he "knows what it needs" to be Roy Keane's successor. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National Sport
Juande Ramos admitted he had realised a "dream" after being named the new coach of Real Madrid following the departure of Bernd Schuster. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National Sport
Seve Ballesteros has been discharged from hospital after undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumour. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National Sport
Former England cricketer Chris Lewis was remanded in custody charged with attempting to smuggle cocaine with an estimated street value of £200,000 through Gatwick Airport. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National Sport
Mohali will host the second Test between India and England, the Board of Control for Cricket in India have said. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National Sport
England's cricketers will be protected by an unprecedented security force following their return to India. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National Sport
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp hailed Ledley King's bravery in his never-ending fight against chronic knee problems after the Spurs captain scored his first goal in three years at Upton Park. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National Sport
Roy Keane has admitted he intends to return to management in the future while Sunderland continue their search for his replacement. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National Sport
Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear is now facing two Football Association charges after being sent to the stands at the weekend. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National Sport
Rafael Benitez's ongoing contract talks have overshadowed Liverpool's final Champions League Group D game against PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday night. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National Sport
Padraig Harrington has won the European Tour Golfer of the Year award for a second successive time - but has no intention of resting on his laurels. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National Sport
Shefki Kuqi continued his remarkable Crystal Palace renaissance with another goal as Neil Warnock's side climbed to fifth in the Coca-Cola Championship by beating Southampton 3-0. Read
Dec 09 2008 | National Sport
Ledley King scored his first goal in three years as Tottenham continued their revival under Harry Redknapp with a victory 2-0 over West Ham. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Wolves FC News
Striker Iwelumo scores award Read
Dec 09 2008 | Wolves FC News
WOLVES manager Mick McCarthy insists Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Queens Park Rangers was not the end of the world even though it brought an abrupt end to the Wanderers’ impressive nine-match run without defeat. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Wolves FC News
Striker Iwelumo scores award Read
Dec 09 2008 | Wolves FC News
WOLVES manager Mick McCarthy insists Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Queens Park Rangers was not the end of the world even though it brought an abrupt end to the Wanderers’ impressive nine-match run without defeat. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Education
WEDNESDAY is Mary Smith’s favourite school day because she goes swimming – an activity she loves. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Education
HUNDREDS of youngsters in Brownhills have been scaling Everest in a campaign to improve fitness. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Education
CHILDREN at a Birmingham primary school are going creative – in a bid to learn and support their local community. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Education
SchoolOfTheWeek Read
Dec 09 2008 | Education
Dec 09 2008 | Education
HUNDREDS of youngsters in Brownhills have been scaling Everest in a campaign to improve fitness. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Keep Fit
FOR someone surrounded by food all day, you’d think Birmingham chef Glynn Purnell would be chubby. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Keep Fit
FOR someone surrounded by food all day, you’d think Birmingham chef Glynn Purnell would be chubby. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Karren Brady
LIVING in the past is a waste of time but I’m glad to say that with a piercing whistle and a blast of steam, a piece of old England was put back on the rails in Darlington a few weeks ago. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
HUNDREDS of youths smashed, burned and looted their way through Greek cities in a third day of mayhem after the shooting of a teenager by police sparked the worst riots in decades. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
A US fighter jet returning to a Marine base made famous by the film Top Gun crashed in flames, killing three people on the ground, leaving one missing and destroying two homes. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
SUPERMARKET Morrisons has slashed the cost of diesel to below the £1- a-litre mark in a move likely to intensify the forecourt price war. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
The 54-year-old was in collision with a car as she crossed Bell Lane in Tile Cross at 5.15pm yesterday. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
Debt hotline has 60 vacancies Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
THE last piece of funding has been secured for the £28 million refurbishment of Birmingham’s LG Arena. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
THE M6 Toll has been a “spectacular failure”, it was claimed today. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
OLIVER Postgate, the creator of Bagpuss, The Clangers and a series of other classic children’s television programmes, has died at the age of 83, his partner said today. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
HUNDREDS of youths smashed, burned and looted their way through Greek cities in a third day of mayhem after the shooting of a teenager by police sparked the worst riots in decades. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
SUPERMARKET Morrisons has slashed the cost of diesel to below the £1- a-litre mark in a move likely to intensify the forecourt price war. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
POLICE were today investigating the mugging of Premier League footballer Darius Vassell as he stepped out of a taxi. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
OZZY the cat has put on so much weight in the past 12 months that vets have now told his owners he needs professional help – from Weight Watchers. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
SUPERMARKET Morrisons has slashed the cost of diesel to below the £1- a-litre mark in a move likely to intensify the forecourt price war. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
HUNDREDS of youths smashed, burned and looted their way through Greek cities in a third day of mayhem after the shooting of a teenager by police sparked the worst riots in decades. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
A US fighter jet returning to a Marine base made famous by the film Top Gun crashed in flames, killing three people on the ground, leaving one missing and destroying two homes. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
CHRISTMAS shoppers in the West Midlands are defying the credit crunch to hit the high street in their thousands in a buying bonanza which has delighted retailers. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
A 22-YEAR-old man is in critical condition in hospital after suffering 65 per cent burns in a blaze at his Birmingham flat. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
HUNDREDS of workers at car parts firm Wagon face an uncertain future after the group confirmed the appointment of administrators for its UK business. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
ALMOST £50 million will be poured into the poorest parts of east Birmingham in an attempt to cut soaring unemployment. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
MEMBERS of the RAF made a flying visit to Birmingham Children’s Hospital bringing some festive cheer to poorly youngsters. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
THE amount every Birmingham council house tenant shells out to improve homes in Manchester, Liverpool and Sheffield will rise to £17 a week it has been claimed. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
BRAVE Sandwell schoolboy Luke Harrison is getting on his bike for the road to recovery from leukaemia. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
THE West Midlands should join forces with the East Midlands to form one giant economic region in a bid to stop the wealth gap with London growing even larger, a new study suggests. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
A TINY Birmingham sausage maker is sizzling with fury as its bangers were axed by House of Fraser after a quarter of a century of loyal service – in favour of television’s Jimmy’s Farm. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
OH baby! Birmingham soldier Tom Williams flew home all the way from Basra in a bid to be back for the birth of his first child. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
BIRMINGHAM was hailed as “one of the jewels in the crown” in the sporting world by legendary athlete and head of Britain’s next Olympic Games, Seb Coe. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
SHOPPING will never be the same – once you join the Mail’s amazing new Cashback club. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
BUILDING work has begun on a £215 million student village in Birmingham. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
The duo are among five local politicians to back residents’ objections to an Indian takeaway in Northfield Road, Harborne. But despite the complaints, including a petition with 60 names, opposing the proposal over fears it could lead to anti-social behaviour, litter and cooking smells, members of the City Council’s planning committee have decided to take a look for themselves. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
MIDLAND allotment holders are holding a Christmas fair. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
A BURGLAR who helped steal a safe containing more than £2,000 in a betting shop raid has been jailed for 21 months. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
SUPERSTAR footballer David Beckham gave a Black Country schoolboy a special thank you for his litter-picking efforts. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
TOUCHING memoirs of a brave soldier’s experiences of the Great War will be auctioned off by a Midland firm this week. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
THE last piece of funding has been secured for the £28million refurbishment of Birmingham’s LG Arena.. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
They said a number of thefts of purses from Walsall shoppers’ bags have been reported recently. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
THE father of 21-year-old woman who died while riverboarding in New Zealand today called for the sport to be banned. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
A SEVERELY ill Birmingham boy is to be the face of Aston Villa Football Club this Christmas after winning over footballers with his adorable smile. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Top Stories
HARBORNE is a step closer to getting a London-style residents’ parking scheme. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Health
FOR Paige Clarke-Jeffers, losing her hair was a real shock as she was just ten years old at the time. Now two years later it has started to grow back but she admits it has not been the easiest time. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Health
SYRITA Richards may be the newest group member but she has lived with alopecia for more than ten years. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Health
FINDING your ideal partner is never easy, but 31-year-old Claire Boylan has found it even harder since she lost her hair. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Health
WHEN 57-year-old Jenny Austin first developed alopecia in the 1980s, she felt utterly isolated because it was a condition people did not talk about. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Walsall FC News
WALSALL’S youth team travel to Barnsley for an FA Youth Cup third-round tie tonight. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Walsall FC News
JEFF Bonser does not expect Matt Fryatt to leave Leicester City in the near future – so is not budgeting for any windfall from the sell-on clause in the deal which took the striker from the Saddlers to the Foxes in January 2006. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Walsall FC News
WALSALL will vote in favour of a new ‘Home Grown Players’ rule at a special EGM of the Football League next week. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Chipper club
SANTA arrived at the West Midlands Safari Park to hitch up his reindeer Rudolph. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Chipper club
WE’VE teamed up with West Midland Safari Park in Bewdley, to give away 20 fabulous family tickets to their new Wild Winter Weekends. Read
Dec 09 2008 | Ask Alan
A. Our three year old has just been diagnosed with one A Nearly always not as serious as it sounds. The 'murmur' refers to the sound a doctor can hear on listening through his stethoscope placed on the child's chest or abdomen. By gauging how loud and what kind of sound it makes in different positions, the cause and likely severity of the murmur can be diagnosed with some degree of accuracy. Read