Community News

With our lives getting busier and having more and more things to juggle daily, stress is something that can affects all of us, this can even include our pets. Feelings of anxiety or stress can occur in both cats and dogs. Stress as an immediate response to threats is healthy for our cats as it enables their ‘flight or fight’ response to get them away from danger quickly. However, ongoing stress can be harmful to their overall health and wellbeing.

Most cats tend to mask their inner turmoil, so it’s important to monitor their behaviour and look at ways to maintain their health and wellbeing. With over 25 per cent of UK’s population owning cats* and as part of their “Don’t Fret Pet” campaign Lintbells, manufacturers of natural premium pet supplements has looked at some useful tips that can help your cat get through trying days, and maybe help you in the process.

Understanding body language

As with most things in life, to start to create a solution you need to identify what the cause of the stress is. This will keep your cat’s best interests at heart and you can set the stage for small successes.

Cats have poker faces and may express signs of stress in a subtle way. Some of the most common ones are toileting around the house, sleeping under the bed, hair loss or excessive self-grooming, aggression, dietary changes and excessive vocalisation (growling, hissing or spitting). It’s important to remember that if you notice any behaviour that is out of the ordinary, consult your vet to rule out any underlying conditions.

The power of touch

Most of us already know that hugging someone, be it our friends, pets or partners makes us feel cosy, safe and warm - the same applies to our feline friends. Why else do they purr when petted? Simply spending some quality time with your cats giving them the kind of affection they like best, can go a long way in easing their tension. Reassurance that things are okay can-do wonders to their behaviour. Plus, who doesn’t love a cosy cuddle after a long day?

Refresh their facilities

If you’ve bought your feline companion a scratchpad when he/she was a kitten, its probably time for an upgrade. Follow the same principles as you would with children and their clothes. It’s also important to note that your pets litter tray should be at least one-and-a-half times the length of your cat, from nose to tip of its tail. In multiple cat households allow each cat to have their own litter tray and their own area/space.

Supplement their diet

Calming supplements are created to help your cat relax, stay calm, and to reduce anxiety in stressful situations. Lintbells new YuCALM Cat is designed to do exactly this, it helps reduce stress, support calm behaviour and ease anxiety. It is a natural solution that will not sedate your furry friend. The natural unique triple-action formula is made with scientifically proven ingredients for a calmer and happier cat. It’s important to double check with your vet before introducing a supplement to your cat’s diet.

Veterinary advice

If you do spot any unusual changes in their behaviour or anything out of character always remember to speak to your vet to rule out any underlying conditions

It is important to remember that a little bit of stress every now and again is completely normal. What you should focus on is making sure that your cat’s stress level is controlled and that it never climbs to a level where it impacts their overall behaviour and health..

Employees at A Perry & Co Ltd, a leading independent, family-owned, British manufacturer and supplier based in Cradley Heath, will climb Snowdon on 9 June 2018 to raise money for Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity, its annual chosen charity. The trek is supporting the charity’s ongoing mission to raise vital funds for new ways to treat and cure childhood diseases and make the hospital feel just like home.

The climb will be undertaken by 10 staff members, including Will Dougan; Grant Esp; Ashley Armstrong; Patrick Corcoran; Chris Chater; James Dale; Chris Rowley; Lee Crosby; Phil Harvey; Martin Hinton, who’ll be picked up at 3am to begin the adventure. To date, the mission has generated £912 out of the £1,000 target. To support the fundraising efforts, people are invited to visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/perrys-snowdon-challenge and get involved with the hashtag #PerrysSnowdonChallenge2018.

This initiative is part of an ongoing series of activities for A Perry’s Charity of the Year. Company members are currently taking part in an internal challenge called ‘Perry’s Biggest Loser’ to donate the equivalent weight loss i.e. pound (lbs) for pound (£) by the end of the second quarter.

Guy Perry, managing director at A Perry & Co Ltd, says “We don’t miss any opportunity to be involved in raising money for local causes and charities that are close to our hearts. Our employees are local to the area and go the extra mile for the causes they believe in. The Snowdon Challenge for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity is a great teambuilding opportunity while staying active and lending a helping hand. We hope to win the support of our local community as well to reach our fundraising targets.”

In addition to supporting Birmingham Children’s Hospital, staff also raised £2,765 on a successful Pink Day in aid of Breast Cancer. This was achieved through raffles and other fundraising activities, as well as Steven Perry, son of owner Guy Perry, running from his home in Romsley to the firm's premises in Doulton Road.

Patients from the Teenage Cancer Trust Young Person’s Unit (YPU) at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) enjoyed an exciting morning at Escape Live, Birmingham’s number one escape room venue that sees participants enter a themed room with a series of clues and puzzles that they must crack in order to ‘escape’ within the time limit.

YPU is a dedicated ward for young people aged between 16 and 24 who are being treated for cancer. QEHB Charity is proud to support the ward by providing ‘added extras’ such as music lessons and pizza nights that allow the young people on the ward to maintain a sense of normal life throughout their treatment.

Thanks to the generosity of Escape Live, which is based in Henrietta Street in the Jewellery Quarter, young people from the ward were able to experience the fun of solving themed puzzles as a team, and escaping the rooms before the time ran out.

Split into two teams, young people tackled the challenges of The Lab and Time Machine. They were given an hour to escape and both successfully completed the fun task with minutes to spare.

In The Lab, players enter a scientific research facility where a toxic gas leak could spread and be a danger. Teams work together to isolate the affected areas, make the facility safe save the world.

In Time Machine, teams have been lost in time travel loop hole that takes them to different moments through history, they have to discover clues to find their way back to the present day or risk being lost in the past forever.

One of the successful escapees was Luke, who said: “It was a great day out. It was nice to work as a team with others who have had similar experiences to me. We all really enjoyed our time at Escape Live, I’d love to come back in the future!”

Will Amott, Venue Manager at Escape Live Birmingham, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome the teams from YPU, QEHB and the young people to take on the challenge of our rooms at Escape Live Birmingham.

“We are very pleased they had a great time. The two teams did extremely well working together to solve the clues and get out of the rooms with minutes still on the clock.

“Escape Live has become one of the most popular escape games room venues in the UK and is earning rave reviews on TripAdvisor. Our escape rooms are for between two and six people and we currently have four rooms in Birmingham which include The Lab and Time Machine.”

Senior Fundraiser at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity, Rachel Learmonth, said: “QEHB Charity is incredibly grateful to Will and everyone at Escape Live Birmingham for their generosity in inviting the young people along for a really fun morning. It was great to see the young people enjoying themselves and taking on the brilliant challenges.

“The hospital charity works to make the hospital experience as easy as possible for young people who are receiving cancer treatment. Thanks to the generous donations it receives, the Charity has funded ‘added extras’ such as DVDs and games, pizza nights and ‘grab bags’ filled with essential items, all of which have meant that we can be there every step of the way to support young patients with cancer.”

If you would like to learn more about how QEHB Charity supports young people with cancer , please visit hospitalcharity.org/teenagecancer.

Businesses in West Bromwich are to put some colour into the cheeks of the High Street – by putting in 40 hanging baskets through the shopping centre.

The organisers of the West Bromwich BID team are to arrange for the baskets to be erected down the busy High Street, from Birmingham Road down to Carters Green.

The project has been back by the BID board, which represents all sectors of the town centre, including the private sector and Sandwell Council.

Councillor Paul Moore, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “This is an excellent gesture which will help to brighten up the town centre area.

“I am sure that traders and shoppers will appreciate a brighter, more colourful town centre through the summer months.”

Rebecca Jenkins, chair of the West Bromwich BID said: “We’re really excited about getting the new hanging baskets in and around West Bromwich, from the High Street through to Carters Green.

“We are sure that the baskets will add a lot of colour and make a significant improvement to the look and feel of West Bromwich Town Centre, with a view to making them a permanent fixture.

“We have consulted BID businesses and listened carefully to what they wanted. Improvement to the look of the High Street was high on the agenda."

Citizens Advice and Trading Standards are joining forces to give people in Sandwell the knowledge to spot scams.

The two organisations will be providing information as part of Scams Awareness Month, a national campaign encouraging people to report and talk about scams.

Scammers can strike at any time, from cold-calling people with a fake investment opportunity to posting online adverts for products which don’t exist.

Anyone can be a victim of a scam it does not matter what age, gender or social group you are from it can happen to you.

Throughout June officers will be urging people to report scams so the authorities can chase down fraudsters. Reporting being scammed also means that people can receive advice on how to try and get their money back or any other steps they should take to protect themselves.

Councillor Elaine Costigan said: “Knowing how to spot a scam is the best line of defence against being scammed.

“While scammers will always use tactics like cut-price deals and pressure selling to draw people in, there are more ways for scammers to reach people with different bogus offers - from texts and emails to social media and online adverts.”

Bob Charnley, Sandwell's trading standards manager said: “People are also often reluctant to talk about scams so we want to highlight the issue and bring it out into the open.

People can  follow the campaign at @SandwellTS #scamaware

If anyone has been scammed or knows someone who has can contact contact officers 03454 04 05 06.

Young bookworms will be flocking to Wolverhampton's libraries during National Bookstart Week (4-9 June, 2018).

The annual event aims to raise awareness of the importance of reading and sharing books with young children, and there are a host of activities for pre-school children throughout the week.

There will be special Baby Book Time sessions with the Bookstart Bear and the Bookstart Bird Boogie at the following times:

• Ashmore Park Community Hub, Monday 4 June, 11am-noon
• Wednesfield Community Hub, Monday 4 June, 2.30pm-3pm
• Central Children's Library, Tuesday 5 June, 10.15am-11.15am
• Pendeford Library, Tuesday 5 June, 10.30am-11am
• Warstones Library, Tuesday 5 June, 2.30pm-3pm
• Bilston Library, Wednesday 6 June, 11am-noon
• Finchfield Library, Wednesday 6 June, 10.30am-11am
• Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Wednesday 6 June, 2.15pm-3pm
• Tettenhall Library, Thursday 7 June, 10.30am -11am
• East Park Library, Thursday 7 June, 2.30pm-3pm
• Springvale Library, Friday 8 June, 10.15am-11am
• Whitmore Reans Library, Friday 8 June, 2.15pm-2.45pm
• Central Children's Library, Saturday 9 June, 12.15pm-1pm.

Each event is free, and there will also be a Book Start display within the maternity unit at New Cross Hospital from Monday.

Councillor John Reynolds, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: "Getting into the habit of sharing stories, books and rhymes every day – even if only for 10 minutes – can transform a child's life, as they explore their world and make bonds, while building skills and a life-long love of reading.

“We're looking forward to welcoming families to join in the National Bookstart Week celebrations at our libraries."

To find out more about Wolverhampton’s libraries, please visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/libraries.

The theme for this year is Bookstart Bird Boogie and the chosen book is A Busy Day for Birds by Lucy Cousins, a wonderfully colourful rhyming book about being a bird for a day. A small number of free copies will be available at each National Bookstart Week event. For information about National Bookstart Week, please log on to www.bookstart.org.uk.

Birmingham and West Midlands Women Economic Forum (WEF) – All Ladies League starts with a Bang with a conference on 20 and 21 June 2018 the Theme of the conference is “Enhancing Women’s Economic Power”. Dr Julie Nugent – Director at the West Midlands Combined Authority, will open the conference.

Birmingham and West Midlands WEF will be a powerhouse for change, there will be mega peer exchange and learning with diverse women from across the globe within an interdisciplinary framework.

This is an opportunity for Birmingham and the West Midlands to show case the diversity and innovation and rich culture of the City and the region; underpinned with local women making massive connections and networking with other women across the globe.

Birmingham and West Midlands WEF welcomes All Ladies League along with 26+ Awardees inclusive of Jacqueline O’Donnovan and Beverley Nielson – Women of the Decade in Enterprise and Leadership; Tanya Abraham, Dr Arpinder Kaur, and Patricia Lorde – Iconic Women Creating a Better World for All; Jess Phillips, Jennette Arnold OBE– Women of the Decade in Public Life; Rt. Hon Sajid Javid, Andy Street CBE, Dr Paul Sabapathy CBE – Leader of the Decade in Public Life; Zina Arinze, Taha Coburn-Kutay, Parveen Hassan, Evelyn Teiko Asenih, Getrude Acheampong, Tausi Suedi, Maggie Stubbs, Waheeda Bhamani Rahim, Zoe Bennett, Melody Sakala-Makore – Exceptional Women of Excellence; Mindu Hornic – Women of the Decade in Courage and Healing; Dame Betty Kershaw; Catherine Nelson-Piercy – Women of the Decade in Healthcare; Raman Bulsara – Leader of the Decade in Community Service; Dr Elizabeth Nelson OBE, Dr Kathryn Hinchliff – Women of the Decade in Community Leadership.

The conference will empower women to expand their business opportunities and increase global influence.

The two days are packed with exciting topics not to be missed. Speaker Participants at http://www.wef.org.in/speakerparticipants-wef-birmingham-uk-2018/

We wish to welcome even more women within the West Midlands Region to register and experience this historic event. Registration form for the conference follows:

http://www.wef.org.in/wef-birmingham-registration-2018/

For more information contact:

Dr Neslyn Watson-Druée CBE

Chair of Birmingham and West Midlands WEF

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Business leaders in Greater Birmingham today urged the UK and the US to avoid a “tit-for-tat” trade war following President Trump’s decision to impose massive tariffs on steel and aluminium imports.

And they called for an “open and frank” discussion at a key transatlantic conference in Birmingham next week.

The British American Business Council’s (BABC) annual conference takes place at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire on Thursday when delegates from the UK and the US will look to build trade between the countries.

Paul Faulkner, chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), of which the BABC Midlands division is part, said: “A trade war with the US should be avoided at all costs and if necessary it should bring our ‘special relationship’ into play especially with Brexit in mind.

“President Trump has imposed the tariff on EU countries so that raises all sorts of questions about what it will mean after we leave the EU – now less than one year away.”

Jean-Claude Juncker, the European Commission president and France’s trade minister, has already warned that the EU would go ahead with plans to impose its own duties on US products like motorcycles and peanut butter.

Mr Faulkner added: “The EU is well known for its aggressive actions over trade but the UK should bring the special relationship into play given that we will not be part of Europe after March 29 next year.

“The impact will be felt world-wide and this will addressed in depth at the BABC conference on Thursday when the key guest will be Robert ‘Woody’ Johnson, appointed US ambassador to London by President Trump.

“Business people with a long and wide knowledge of trading across the Atlantic will be speaking and their views will have added resonance because of that.

“The timing of the BABC conference in Birmingham could not be better, giving us the opportunity to address at first hand the issues that the tariff will bring.”

Key figures at the conference, at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire on Thursday, will include Midlands Engine chairman Sir John Peace and West Midlands Mayor Andy Street.

Top economist Joe Brusuelas, from RSM, will talk about the renewed economic challenges facing business and industry in the UK and US in the wake of President Trump’s decision.

Another speaker will be Priya Guha, of RocketSpace, is a San Francisco company that helps innovators bring their ideas to the market.

The conference’s “annual interview” will feature a panel including East Midlands Euro MP Emma McClarkin and Steven Bridges, from Grant Thornton in Chicago, who will respond to questions from the floor about the future of the relationship between the UK and the US.

Ambassador Johnson is the guest speaker at a gala dinner at Birmingham Town Hall in the evening.

UK International Trade Secretary Liam Fox, who will be addressing the conference via a video link, said the 25 per cent levy on steel was "patently absurd", adding: "It would be a great pity if we ended up in a tit-for-tat trade dispute with our closest allies."

The transatlantic economy is the world’s largest market and supports 15 million jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. Aggregate US investment in Europe totalled more than €2 trillion in 2017.

In a statement Susan Danger, chief executive of the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU), said: “American companies in Europe oppose the US government’s decision to impose tariffs on EU imports of steel and aluminium.

“We urge the US government to revisit its plans and the EU to take a balanced approach in responding to these measures. We are very concerned by the damage a tit-for-tat dispute would cause to the transatlantic economy and its impact on jobs, investment and security across the Atlantic.

“We continue to believe that the EU meets all the criteria set out for a permanent exemption. The EU does not pose a national security threat to the US and therefore should not be the target of such measures.

“This move puts the global trading system at risk. We hope both parties can work together to reduce tensions immediately. The EU and the US should cooperate to solve the core issue of global overcapacity. In addition, they should collaborate to address third countries’ unfair trading practices and to improve the functioning of the World Trade Organization (WTO).”

The US Chamber of Commerce Executive vice-president and head of international affairs Myron Brilliant, said:  “Months ago, the US Chamber warned that alienating our strongest global allies by launching a tit-for-tat trade war would harm the U.S. economy and undermine American leadership.

“This is even clearer today: The U.S. must not expand tariffs or quotas on steel and aluminium imports to additional countries on June 1, as has been threatened.

“Such a move would hit American manufacturers with higher costs, slow the growth of the U.S. construction sector, and put the brakes on job creation in both of these key industries. U.S. steel prices are already nearly 50 percent higher than those in Europe or China, and aluminium prices have been extremely volatile; this move would add substantially to these challenges.

“Extending the reach of these tariffs and quotas to additional countries is certain to provoke widespread retaliation from abroad and would put at risk the economic momentum achieved through the administration’s tax and regulatory reforms. We urge the administration to take this risk seriously.”

The US Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than three million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

Its International Affairs division includes more than 80 regional and policy experts and 25 country- and region-specific business councils and initiatives. The U.S. Chamber also works closely with 117 American Chambers of Commerce abroad.

The BABC, which incorporates BritishAmerican Business, is the largest transatlantic business network, with 22 chapters and 2,000 member companies, including many of the world’s largest multinationals, based in major business centres throughout the North America and the UK.

New research by mobile current account Monese has revealed young people in the UK are calling for country borders to be banished, with 77% of those aged 24-35 believing we’d benefit from their removal. Keen to enable more freedom of movement and increased diversity, over a third (37%) of UK millennials say the removal of borders would improve work opportunities, whilst 36% say it would make for a more culturally aware workforce.

This demonstrates a generational shift in attitude, as only 41% of 45-54 year olds in the UK would opt for the removal of borders, whilst even fewer (36%) of those aged 55 and above agree.

By banishing borders, young people in the UK are hoping to transform traditional work life, in order to live with more freedom. A considerable 85% say they have considered developing transferable skills to enable them to work anytime, anywhere - in a bid to escape the 9-5 office routine. Additionally, 81% would travel up to 4,000 miles to take up a post in North America – with the promise of an improved salary enough of a draw for 42% of the young Brits polled.

The vast majority (90%) of the generation would also like to be their own boss, with 71% aiming to manage themselves within the next 5 years. This further proves the drive amongst the millennial generation, as only 37% of over-55s share the same ambition, and only 56% of those aged 45-55.

Norris Koppel is the CEO and Founder of Monese, he says: “What the research shows is a real need and want for freedom amongst young Brits. With modern day advances in technology – there is no longer a need for working life to involve being present in one place, town, or even country. Young people want to be able to travel, see the world and live independently of geographical restraints – whilst still developing as a professional and offering their brilliant expertise to businesses across the world. The ‘digital nomad’ generation is very much the future for business – companies would be well advised to be as embracing and hospitable as possible to attract the best talent!”

The independence and ambition of this generation is evident, with emerging digital industries providing young Brits with the work-life they desire - over a third (37%) would like to work with Virtual Reality or Cyber Security.

Nearly 2,000 children and young people from schools across Haringey will gather in the Royal Albert Hall to perform a concert that will showcase musical talent across the borough.

"The musical extravaganza will celebrate youth, culture, the natural world, and all the things which make Haringey our home."

It will include items from the participating ensembles including Symphony Orchestra, Big Band and Senior Guitar Groups, as well as our Haringey Young Musicians Training and Intermediate groups. The highlight of the concert will be world premieres of two new compositions commissioned from local composers Kate Stilitz and Laura Forrest-Hay which celebrate the natural environment and wildlife in Haringey.

There will also be premieres of new pieces by local composers Thomas Gregory and Ty Lowe.

Wolverhampton Art Gallery is marking the 70th anniversary of Windrush with an important new exhibition.

Windrush 70 features photographs, artwork, video and memorabilia that has been specially curated to mark 70 years since the arrival of the Empire Windrush in Tilbury Docks on 22 June 1948, bringing over 1,000 West Indian migrants to Britain.

The exhibition will include a projected slideshow of photographs by acclaimed photographer Nick Hedges, showing Caribbean workers in Black Country industries in the 1970s, as well as previously unseen images capturing the community spirit in Caribbean churches in Wolverhampton during the same period.

Visitors will also be able to see paintings by locally-based Jamaican artist Sylbert Bolton, along with vintage video footage of Wolverhampton’s African Caribbean Achievers Awards and recorded memories of members of the Windrush Generation – those who arrived in Britain from the West Indies in the post-war period.

In addition, on Saturday 23 June there will be a special screening of A Charmed Life, followed by a question and answer session with political activist and social commentator Patrick Vernon OBE. This event is free, but places are limited to 100.

Councillor John Reynolds, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “The anniversary of Windrush is an iconic one and I am pleased that Wolverhampton Art Gallery is going to highlight an unforgettable time in our City’s – and our nation’s – history.”

Windrush 70 is at Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton, from Saturday 9 June until Sunday 29 July, 2018. Admission is free and the gallery is open Monday to Saturday from 10.30am–4.30pm and Sunday from 11am–4pm. For more details, please visit www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk.

Haringey’s new Mayor has pledged to champion the rights of young people with special needs as she launches a year of fundraising.

Cllr Gina Adamou is the borough’s new First Citizen and civic figurehead after being sworn in as Mayor of Haringey last week.

Her Mayor’s Special Fund will benefit Haringey-based charities Ambitious About Autism and John Dewey Specialist College.

Mayor Adamou said:

“I feel very privileged and humbled to be the new Mayor and I will serve the people of Haringey to the best of my abilities.

“As Mayor, I want to try to make a difference in the education and support of young people with autism, a range of learning disabilities and other complex needs, as well as helping their families. I will encourage local organisations and businesses to work together in partnership.”

Ambitious About Autism is national charity for children and young people with autism. It runs the specialist TreeHouse School in Muswell Hill and Ambitious College, which has a campus in Tottenham.

Ambitious About Autism’s Director of External Affairs, Alison Worsley, said the charity was “hugely honoured” to have the Mayor’s backing, adding:

“When we set up TreeHouse School 21 years ago, we did so with the ambition of offering children and young people with autism better opportunities to learn, thrive and achieve. Since then we have grown our education services and wider support - helping thousands of young people with autism from the start of school, right through to college.

“Sadly many children with autism still face a battle to access a good education and the right support at school - which can have hugely damaging consequences on everything from young people’s mental health to career prospects. We’re looking forward to working with the Mayor this year to raise awareness of these issues and secure change.”

John Dewey Specialist College, based in Coburg Road, Wood Green, offers continuing education for young adults from Haringey and surrounding boroughs with severe or profound intellectual disabilities and other complex needs.

Dr Matthew Griffiths, Chair of Governors, said:

“The need for our provision is growing. Currently we have more applications from potential students than we can accommodate, and we hope to be able to expand in the near future to enable more young people to benefit from our unique offer.

“We are delighted to have the Mayor’s support for our work with these very vulnerable and often marginalised young people who need such specialised support and care to enable them to gain skills which others can take for granted.”

Bella the Beagle, from Wolverhampton, whose love of scavenging from the bin has seen her balloon to around 60% overweight, has reached the finals of the UK’s largest pet slimming competition – PDSA Pet Fit Club.

Porky pooch Bella (7) has been selected to compete against 12 other fat pets from across the UK, including dogs, cats and even a rotund dumbo rat. Together they weigh 201 kg (31st 7lb) – more than the World’s Strongest Man and Game of Thrones’ ‘The Mountain’, Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson. They need to lose a combined total of 75kg (11st 12lb) to reach their ideal weights.

Bella’s story

Weighing in at a whopping 24kg (3st 11lb), Bella has scoffed her way to tipping the scales at 60% over her ideal weight (15kg/2st 5lb).

When Bella’s owner Nikki Mason (51) adopted her around four years ago she was already slightly overweight, but she’s continued to pile on the pounds.

One of the main issues has been Bella’s scavenging, which has seen her rummaging through the kitchen bin for scraps and once led her to steal an entire beef joint which had been cooked for Sunday dinner.

Nikki, who is a carer for her mother, Janice Morgan (72) said: “Bella just loves food. She’s also a scavenger, I came home the other day to find she had got in the bin and there was food all over the kitchen floor.

“Bella has also stolen food in the past. One Sunday I left a joint of beef on the side wrapped in the foil, but she managed to get her paws on it and knock it on to the floor before wolfing it down! She also has a tendency to bury food for later in the garden.

“Bella used to get too many titbits. She had leftovers from our meals and we got a bit complacent. We also didn’t weigh out her food, but all that’s changed now. We’re determined to help her slim down.”

Nikki said her beloved dog does enjoy exercise but a previous knee ligament injury means she can struggle on longer walks. She wants to help her lose weight to ease the impact on her joints and enjoy a healthier future.

Bella’s six-month Pet Fit Club diet and exercise programme will be specially tailored and overseen by the vets and nurses at Wolverhampton PDSA Pet Hospital, located on Tuxford Close.

Sarah Banning, PDSA Vet Nurse, who will be helping to oversee Bella’s diet, said: “Pet obesity is an epidemic that is seriously impacting the lives of millions of pets across the country. As with humans, carrying excess weight has serious health implications for our four-legged friends. It can increase the chances of them suffering from life-limiting and life-threatening conditions such as arthritis, diabetes and heart diseases.”

“With the help of PDSA and Pet Fit Club, Bella and Nikki are making the necessary diet, exercise and lifestyle changes to help get Bella down to a healthier weight. We will support them every step of the way over the next six months to ensure they succeed.

“If owners are worried about their pet’s weight they should seek advice from their vet, who can also make sure pets are on the right type of diet, being fed the correct amount and work with them to help increase their pet’s exercise levels.”

PDSA Pet Fit Club

Pet Fit Club is a strict six-month diet and exercise programme. Participating pets are placed on individually tailored regime, designed for their specific needs and overseen by vets and vet nurses at their local PDSA Pet Hospital.

The national competition has been running since 2005 and is the biggest of its kind in the UK. To date it has helped 124 overweight and obese pets (79 dogs, 37 cats and 8 rabbits) lose an incredible 450kg (71 stone) - equivalent to a grand piano or 160,000 doughnuts! Last year’s winner, Alfie the Beagle, from Middlesbrough, successfully shed an astonishing 34% of his bodyweight.

Bella will be competing against 6 dogs, 5 cats and a rat, including Benji the cat from Glasgow who is so overweight that he no longer fits through the cat flap; Mr T the rat from Swansea who at nearly 1kg weighs double his ideal weight, and Borris the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, whose monstrous appetite once saw him devour a set of false teeth and who is now a colossal 80% over his ideal body weight.

A series of commemorative benches are being installed across Wolverhampton as the City marks the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

A total of nine steel benches, depicting poppies and silhouettes of soldiers on the battlefields, are currently being fitted in key locations in Wolverhampton, Bilston, Tettenhall and Wednesfield.

Three benches will sited in Wolverhampton, with two outside St Peter's Collegiate Church – one by the Cenotaph and a second by the war memorial gardens – and a third at the Interchange.

Benches will also be installed either side of the Oxford Street war memorial in Bilston, and at Upper and Lower Green in Tettenhall, while the final two will be sited in Wednesfield, with one at the St Thomas Memorial Gardens and a second on High Street.

On each bench is a plaque which reads: "Placed here on behalf of the people of the City of Wolverhampton to commemorate 100 years since the end of World War One and to remember those who served. 1918-2018."

The benches were commissioned by the City of Wolverhampton Council and produced by David Ogilvie Engineering. The benches have a 20-year life span with some replacing existing benches which will be taken away for refurbishment.

Councillor Linda Leach, chair of the City of Wolverhampton Council's Remembrance Committee, said: "It's incredibly important that we as a City remember the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives during the First World War to ensure our peace and freedom.

"We hope the benches will provide a place for people to spend time to reflect, remember and give thanks."

Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Philip Page added: "The First World War touched every family in Wolverhampton, and these benches are a poignant reminder of what the country went through during those incredibly dark days a century ago."

Peter Murphy, President of the Bilston branch of the Royal British Legion, said: "The Royal British Legion is pleased to be supporting this important initiative which will provide a long-lasting memorial to those who fought and died in the First World War.”

The installation of the benches is one of dozens of activities taking place in Wolverhampton over the coming months to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

They are being organised by the City of Wolverhampton Council and partner organisations across the City and include events, exhibitions, displays and services of remembrance.

More information about the commemorations will be announced in the coming weeks, with a dedicated website detailing the many activities taking place locally being developed which will enable organisations and individuals to share their events.

Meanwhile, the Royal British Legion is asking organisations, groups and individuals to sponsor and display metal or polymer Silent Solider silhouettes on buildings, in gardens, offices or the home as part of a nationwide thank you campaign.

The City of Wolverhampton Council will be among those displaying a Silent Solider in memory of those who did not return home and those who did and went on to lay the foundations for the society and the freedoms people enjoy today.

BEDTIME stories are experiencing a boom in popularity amongst UK families, thanks to gadgets such as tablets and iPads according to new research.

The survey of 1,009 British parents carried out by gadgets and technology e-tailer, LaptopsDirect.co.uk, found that 69% of UK families have used gadgets and technology for bedtime stories with their children.

When quizzed on which gadgets are used at bedtime, tablets and iPads were found to be the most popular devices used for story time – as many as 77% of British parents use these for bedtime reading.

This was followed by e-readers such as Kindles (63%) and smartphones (51%).

According to the research, more than 1 in 10 (11%) of British families will snuggle up to an audio book.

As many as 43% of parents feel technology-based bedtime stories are more interactive for little ones.

38% said they choose to use gadgets for bedtime stories because it is more convenient, while 1 in 4 (25%) said their children are more engaged and interested when using gadgets for bedtime reading.

The data found that 22% of parents said their children request for their bedtime story to be read using a digital device.

Mark Kelly, marketing manager at LaptopsDirect.co.uk, said: “It’s no surprise that bedtime stories are now going digital with more and more UK families, as there are now numerous devices and apps which can be used to engage with little ones at bedtime and to help illustrate much loved bedtime stories.

“It is important to remember to limit screen time for little ones throughout the day and consider using nighttime functions on devices to limit the amount of blue light children are exposed to before bed. Controlled screen time spent together can be a very powerful tool for interacting with children and can aid their learning.”

Manchester was found to be home to the most tech savvy families with 78% using gadgets at bedtime, followed by Nottingham (75%) and Leeds (74%).

Barnardo’s new family ambassador Rebekah Vardy, of ‘I’m A Celebrity’ fame, will be putting her best foot forward at the public launch of this year’s Big Toddle at Dudley Zoo.

The annual sponsored walk sees thousands of under-fives across the UK raising money in support of the charity’s vital services.

The Dudley event, one of the biggest organised Toddles in the country, is due to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday June 12 and 13.

Admission is £7.50 for adults and over-5s, but free for toddlers, and will include free refreshments and children’s entertainment afterwards.

A fun warm-up is followed by the walk itself at 11am, with medals for all participants.

Rebekah will be joined by her children and Teletubby ‘Po’ on June 12.

Rebekah said: “I’m really looking forward to taking my little ones to the Big Toddle at Dudley Zoo.

“We are really glad to be supporting Barnardo’s and this is a really fun way to raise some money and spend time outside with your family at the same time.”

Barnardo’s regional director Hugh Sherriffe, who will also be attending the launch, said: “We are thrilled that Rebekah and her young family will be taking part in the first of the Big Toddle events at Dudley Zoo.

“It will be a really great day and we are looking forward to seeing lots of families getting outside and having fun while raising money towards our vital services.”

Last year’s nationwide Big Toddle raised more than £265,000 to support the charity’s work with vulnerable youngsters across the UK.

This year, for the second consecutive year, it is being run in partnership with the CBeebies TV show Teletubbies. The theme is ‘nature’, with opportunities to dress up as animals, insects or flowers.

Aside from the organised event at Dudley Zoo, parents, playgroups, childminders and nurseries can also organise their own sponsored walks throughout the summer.