The RSPCA is releasing a heartwarming video to mark the 26th anniversary of the Dangerous Dogs Act and controversial breed specific legislation - and one year since the charity launched its high-profile #EndBSL campaign.

Saturday (12 August) marked 26 years since the Dangerous Dogs Act (DDA) was introduced to the UK, including Section 1 which applies breed specific legislation (BSL) and bans four types of dog - the pit bull terrier, the Fila Brasiliero, the Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Tosa.

Last year, the RSPCA published a report into BSL and how it has failed to protect public safety since its introduction (hospital admissions due to dog bites has increased year on year) and how it seriously compromises dog welfare. The charity - the UK’s oldest and largest animal welfare organisation - also launched its #EndBSL campaign calling for the Government to review the ineffective legislation and replace it with something that will better protect public safety and improve the welfare for all dogs affected by it.

RSPCA dog welfare expert and lead author of ‘A Dog’s Dinner’ report, Dr Samantha Gaines, said: “Almost 80,000 people have signed our petition and want to see a review of this ineffective and outdated piece of legislation.

“Our campaign has also had support from experts and organisations around the world, showing that this is an issue close to the hearts of many people from many corners of the globe.

“Many believe that, ultimately, the law should be repealed and replaced with something that is fit for purpose - something that better serves to protect the public and which doesn’t punish dogs because of how they look, irrespective of their behaviour or whether they pose any risk to the public.”

BSL makes it illegal to possess or own any of the four banned types in the UK. Dogs suspected of being of a prohibited type are typically seized from their owners and kennelled so that they can be assessed by a police dog legislation officer. This process can take several days through to weeks.

If officially identified as being of type, and the dog is not considered to pose a risk to public safety owners can apply to have their pet added to the exemption register which allows them to be lawfully kept but they must both comply with a very strict set of rules including keeping their dog muzzled at all times when out in public.

Kacey was just three-weeks-old when her mother and eight siblings were seized under Section 1 of the DDA. They were held in kennels for more than six months before being assessed.

All nine puppies were identified as prohibited types but the decision about two of the puppies - including Kacey - was, at a later point, overturned allowing them to be rehomed - the other seven were tragically put to sleep. Mum, Mercedes, was typed and later exempted which meant she could be lawfully kept under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Kacey’s owner, Nay Beard from Devon, said: “This is where an already sad story almost defies belief. Nine puppies, the same litter, from the same parents but - for the grace of a couple of centimeters, two of their lives were saved. The others weren’t so lucky.

“Although Kacey got the chance to live, her incarceration under this cruel and unfair law impacts on her daily.”

Kacey was terrified of people and the outside world.

“She was frightened of grass, a breeze, water bowls, even toys. Absolutely anything and everything frightened her, she would back away while shaking uncontrollably,” Nay explained.

“Little by little, she got there. But even now, almost five years later, she’s still very nervous and anxious.”

Peanut was born at the RSPCA’s Birmingham Animal Centre and soon rehomed by volunteer, Julie Wainwright. But, at nine months old, she was typed under BSL and Julie had to begin the long exemption process.

Peanut was later exempted but her life is impacted every day by the restrictions placed on her - simply because of the way she looks.

“Peanut is just like any other dog - she loves playing in the garden, sleeping on the sofa with her canine companion, Anna, and will follow you into the toilet if you don’t shut the door firmly behind you!” Julie said. “However, according to the law, she is dangerous. And therefore, she spends her life being restricted.”

Julie is still trying to get Peanut used to her muzzle and has to hire a private field so her pet can enjoy running off-lead.

She added: “I’ve not met one person who has been negative about Peanut when I’m out on a walk. A lot of people ask why she has a muzzle on and when I tell them that it’s because of BSL they always say say the law is ridiculous and what a lovely, lovely dog she is.”

Volunteers, staff, service users and customers past and present came together to celebrate 20 years of the Green Pepper Cafe, which has broken down barriers and helped hundreds of people to learn essential life skills.

Service users with their certificates in food handlingGreen Pepper Cafe, at Winkfield Resource Centre, Wood Green, was launched by Haringey Council in 1997 as a training project to offer people with learning disabilities the opportunity to gain catering experience, build their confidence and learn new skills to help them get paid or voluntary work.

During the past 20 years, hundreds of people have benefited from support and training at Green Pepper and thousands of hungry diners have enjoyed delicious home cooked meals.

The birthday party last month saw guests come together for a presentation to six of the users who each gained a certificate in food handling. Plenty of food was dished out including lamb cutlets, jerk chicken and Jamaican rice and peas. A special green pepper Café cake was made for the occasion.

Green Pepper first opened in Philip Lane, Tottenham and enjoyed a period at Wolves Lane Garden Centre before moving to the Winkfield in 2015. Team Leader Jenny Smith, who has been at the helm since day one, said: “It was good to see the clients and their parents who have supported us over the years. I’m very proud that some of them have been able to gain voluntary work with the skills they have developed at the café.”

Cllr Bernice Vanier, Haringey Council Cabinet Member for Adults, said:

It’s an honour to be able to celebrate this milestone in the Green Pepper Cafe’s history. For 20 years, the cafe has offered a vital service to local people with learning disabilities, equipping them with practical skills to help them live more independent lives, and building up a loyal customer base in the process. I want to pay thanks to the dedication and commitment of staff, volunteers and customers, whose efforts have made a real difference in the local community.”

Nearly 200 free breakfasts were served by volunteers at two local libraries in the first week of Sandwell’s Cereal Readers project.

The breakfast clubs are running at Glebefields Library and Smethwick Library for six weeks over the school summer holidays.

They run every weekday from 10-11.30am and are open to all children aged four to 11.

In the first week, 117 children together with 64 adults attended the Cereal Readers sessions, which offer cereal, fruit and juice as well as stories, activities and guided reading.

Councillor Richard Marshall, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for leisure, said: “We know that times are really difficult financially for many families and school holiday time increases that burden.

"With Cereal Readers, families can have a healthy breakfast at the same time as enjoying reading and fun activities. This also ties in with the very popular Summer Reading Challenge, which helps to avoid children having a 'dip' in reading over the summer.

"It's fantastic that volunteers have served nearly 200 breakfasts in the first week – what a great start! I encourage other families to come along to Glebefields Library and Smethwick Library so their children can become Cereal Readers too.

"While visiting the library, they can also join the hundreds of other children who have already signed up to the Summer Reading Challenge."

The Cereal Readers project is funded entirely through donations from businesses and run by volunteers. To volunteer or donate to this project please call Glebefields Library on 0121 557 8641 or Smethwick Library on 0121 558 0497.

Wolverhampton Art Gallery bosses are urging Midlands wildlife lovers to make the most of an international photography show - on their own doorstep.

The Natural History Museum’s 52nd World Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition opened at the Lichfield Street gallery in July – and runs until October 1.

Within weeks, hundreds of visitors have already made the most of the show and enjoyed the chance to see stunning wildlife photography.

It is the second year Wolverhampton Art Gallery has hosted the show, which last year won the thumbs up from visitors.

“A much nicer space than London. Beautifully curated. I like the atmosphere soundtrack.”

Glittering lights, exquisite jewels and cheery live spectaculars are all part of the festive celebrations in Norwich this year, which will feature: more Christmas lights than ever before, stunning Fabergé sculptures, a 4-day Christmas Fair to launch the season's shopping frenzy, and great family shows featuring live music keeping the atmosphere authentic.

In 2016 thousands flocked to Norwich to experience the UK's first Tunnel of Light when it was unveiled in the heart of the city centre. The 45-meters long, 4 meters high and 6 meters wide tunnel, made from 50,000 pulsating LEDs with sequenced lights that reflected the patterns and colours of the Northern Lights, proved an instant Instagram sensation.

All ages marvelled at the tunnel, which became even more magical as day turned into dusk and dusk turned into night. But how do you improve on perfection? Well, you crown it, and so in 2017 the Tunnel of Light will be back once again, but this year with a new animation sequence and a glittering tiara.

At the world-class Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts a sumptuous exhibition awaits: Royal Fabergé. The world famous jeweller has an amazing local story to tell. See over 70 loans from the Royal Collection – King Edward VII's commissions from the Sandringham Estate - as well as vintage films and photographs; there'll be over 150 loans from private and public collectors across Britain, Russia and America.