Springwatch presenter Chris Packham is calling for young people to get snapping during the school holidays and enter their photos into the RSPCA’s Young Photographer Awards.

Whether it’s a bug, a bird or a big, beautiful mammal, it’s a fun way to spend some time during the holidays, photos of any kinds of wildlife and animals are welcome.

And for the first time there will be a prize given for the best photograph taken on a mobile phone.

TV star Chris will once again be part of the judging panel. He said:  “If you’re under 19, why not head out into the countryside and snap some wildlife?  Or you could get a great shot of your pet, whether it’s your dog, cat or even your hamster.

“Photographs of any animals can be entered into the competition.  We see some incredibly beautiful images and this year I’m hoping to see fantastic pictures of animals taken with devices like mobile phones and tablets as well.

Chris added: “But make sure you send your photos in by the deadline of Friday 18 August.”

The RSPCA Young Photographer Awards are a chance for young budding photographers to win amazing prizes.  From the top prize of a weekend photography break ‘Seal Spectacular’ from Natures Images, to up to £800 of photographic vouchers from Wex Photographic.

There are 5 categories:  Under 12 years; 12-15 years and 16-18 years; Portfolio and new for 2017, mobile phone and devices.  Entrants can enter three categories with a maximum of 25 photos.

The new Mobile phone category will provide a fresh challenge, reflecting the important photographic role played by mobile devices in our lives today. Any mobile device can be used in this category, which is aimed at all skill levels, from beginners to complete pros.

Last year’s winner was Kyle Moore from Suffolk.  His photo of a fox on an urban street at nighttime particularly impressed the judges.

Kyle says: “The school summer holidays are such a great time to go out with your camera because you’ve got more time to plan your pictures.

“I would really recommend entering this competition. It’s fun taking photos and trying to find a new angle on an animal you might see regularly.  Why not see what comes through your garden or look under rocks in parks.”

The judging panel for 2017 will include long standing judge, wildlife expert and BBC Springwatch presenter Chris Packham, alongside leading wildlife photographers, Jules Cox, Andrew Forsyth and Elliott Neep.   Also in the judging line up will be aspiring professional wildlife photographers and former winners Catriona Parfitt (2005 and 2010) and Kyle Moore (2016) .

The judging panel will also include sponsors Ellie Rothnie (wildlife photographer and Natures Images representative); Mark Sisson, Natures Images and Philip Warner from Warners Printers Midlands.

Professional wildlife photographer and former RSPCA chief photographer Andrew Forsyth from Brighton, East Sussex said: “It's an honour to be on the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards judging panel again this year.  And I’m so pleased that mobile phones and other devices have also been added as a category.

"We always see so much talent when we are judging this competition. It is great to see so many young people taking pictures of animals and the new category may encourage even more to have a go.”

Young families are embracing a programme to develop the teaching skills of new parents.

The Making It REAL (Raising Early Achievement in Literacy) programme enables education professionals to help parents develop their knowledge and confidence so that they can support their children to read and write at home.

Among those taking part in the nationally-recognised literacy programme are teachers, parents and children aged between two and five at Trinity C of E Primary School in Heath Town.

Around 15 families are being supported by staff who hold events and take part in home visits to help raise children's literacy levels.

Councillor Claire Darke, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education, said: "All parents can support their child's progress by becoming educators and taking part in enjoyable activities which encourage their child’s development and thinking

"These can be anything from reading and sharing books to going to the library, playing games with letters and numbers and singing songs and rhymes.

"The Making It REAL programme is about ensuring parents have the techniques they need to be able to support their children to develop their reading and writing skills."

Alex Jones, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Assistant Director for Education, said: "Teachers and parents have said how positive the programme is, particularly the way it has helped developed relationships between the school and the families who are now coming into school and asking how they can better support their child's learning.

"They have particularly benefited from the events and activities which we have arranged with the school, such as a recent visit to one of our libraries where parents were able to share rhymes, stories and books with their children. Teachers have noted that the children involved in the project are now much keener to write and have a greater love of books and reading."

The programme has been so successful that it will be run again in the next academic year and involve families from the Early Explorers and nursery, as well as Reception and Year 1.

The long-term future of Wildside Activity Centre is set to be secured by a ‘Community Asset Transfer’ of the premises from City of Wolverhampton Council to the organisers.

The Whitmore Reans Estate-based centre on Hordern Road provides educational and environmental outdoor activities for all ages and abilities, in a green canalside location.

A strong business case has been put forward by the organisers of the social enterprise - and both parties are now working towards signing an official agreement for a 35-year lease.

Councillor Peter Bilson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, said: “Wildside Activity Centre provides a tremendous service to the community and is run by a very dedicated team of volunteers.

“We have worked closely with the centre’s leadership team to enable this Community Asset Transfer to take place.

“The business case they have put forward means the long-term future of the centre is secure and will serve the local community to the full.

“The official agreement must now be signed by both parties – and I am looking forward to seeing the centre build on its popularity over the coming years.”

The Wildside Activity Centre was set up by the council as a local authority-run outdoor pursuits centre but has been self-funded since May 2014.

A registered charity, the company is committed to investing £75,000 worth of volunteer hours to provide activities and improve the facilities on a not-for-profit basis.

It is looking to further develop its extensive programme, which includes canoeing, cycling, narrowboat trips, conservation projects, nature and adventure activities.

This will be achieved through sessions for schools, youth groups, uniformed and voluntary organisations, and disability groups, as well as family-orientated holiday programmes.

Public open days showcasing its work, and events on key dates such as Mother’s Day, will continue to broaden the appeal of the centre.

The hire of the meeting room, with a small kitchen, wi-fi and data projection facilities, is also in place to bring in revenue.

Long-term unemployed City of Wolverhampton residents can benefit by volunteering at the centre.

Len Kruczek, Wildside Activity Centre Chair of the Board, said: “This is a huge landmark for us and we are extremely grateful for the council’s support on this transfer of the centre to the charity.

“We serve all ages and all abilities and get people reconnected with nature.

“We have a wonderful, newly decorated meeting room with canal views available for hire, an extensive range of activities, brilliant boat trips and exciting holiday programmes. “We are completely committed to the hard work ahead of keeping the centre going to serve the local community.”

Community Garden Martineau Gardens in Edgbaston, Birmingham has been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as a quality community green space, among a record-breaking 1,797 UK parks and green spaces that received the prestigious Green Flag.

This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

Martineau Gardens is a thriving independently run charity: volunteers (many of whom have mental health issues and learning disabilities) care for the wildlife friendly Gardens, hundreds of school children come to learn about the environment and Birmingham people (now in their thousands) visit the Gardens annually to enjoy its peace and tranquillity.

Caroline Hutton said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for the eighth year running from Keep Britain Tidy. Martineau Gardens is a community-run garden that’s open for free to the public. This award is a tribute to the dedication of our volunteers who work hard to keep the gardens a beautiful and tranquil spot for Birmingham people to come and relax in.”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme. Each flag is a celebration of the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. The success of the scheme, especially in these challenging times, demonstrates just how much parks matter to people.”

Six Sandwell apprentices are celebrating success after successfully launching their construction careers.

All six have passed qualifications while working on a housing development in West Bromwich after being recruited by Sandwell Council’s employment team – Think Sandwell.

They have been part of the team at the Harvills Hawthorn site where 230 new homes are being built by local housing developer Lovell, in partnership with the Homes and Communities Agency, Riverside Living, Compendium Regeneration and Sandwell Council.

The apprentices have been working through a two-year NVQ Level 2, Level 3 or Higher National Diploma (HNC)and continue to develop their skills as part of Lovell's dedicated apprenticeship training programme.

Ryan Wood, 24 is now a trainee site manager. Previously working in a local supermarket, he was doing well but felt he’d reached a plateau and needed a new career path. With a wide range of skills and wanting an active role, he was successfully interviewed for the trainee site manager position.

John Shaw, 21 is now trainee quantity surveyor and taking an HNC course. Think Sandwell put him forward for a 12-month labouring position with Lovell to get his foot in the door to construction. Showing potential he was encouraged to apply for a position as a trainee quantity surveyor and secured the position in March 2014. John said: "I am really enjoying my construction career. I love my job now.”

David Beard, 21 is now an apprentice carpenter He started his apprenticeship in October 2014 after three month's work experience, he's now successfully completed his NVQ Levels 2 and 3 in carpentry and joinery and is now working towards his Level 4.

Dale Flute, 21 is now an apprentice bricklayer and also started his apprenticeship in October 2014 also after completing three months' work experience. He's successfully completed his NVQ Level 2 course and is now working towards his Level 3.

Jake Beasley, 21 is also an apprentice bricklayer and has been with Lovell since August 2015 and is completing his NVQ Level 2.

He said: "It's been brilliant getting to work with different people and learning different things and different ways of doing jobs.

"I'd gained experience in the trade with my dad since I was 14 and always enjoyed it with but knew I needed to do an apprenticeship to get qualified.

"The competition for an apprenticeship with Lovell was strong but my previous experience helped and I was also able to show that I would be committed, loyal and hard working."

Scott Kelly, 21 is a carpentry apprentice and just completing his NVQ 2 after starting with Lovell in October 2015. His supervisor says he has developed while he has been with Lovell, is keen to learn and excels at every task whether on site or at college.

Councillor Paul Moore cabinet member for regeneration and economic investment, said: “I’d like to congratulate all the apprentices on their dedication and hard work in achieving their qualifications.

“The benefit of an apprenticeship is that you earn while you learn and gain real life work experience which employers are keen to see in candidates who apply for jobs in their organisations.

He added: “Building much-needed homes in the town is a big boost to families in Sandwell and it’s great that these young people are learning the skills to develop and further their construction careers through building new homes in Sandwell.”

Stuart Penn, Lovell's managing director for the Midlands, added: "Even during the recent tough times, we have continued to take on apprentices. We give them kind of training and support that maximises their chances of success - and therefore rewards our investment with an excellent new employee trained to excellent standards.

"Our challenge as an industry is persuading people to join - or rejoin - the construction industry. Hundreds of thousands of construction and house building jobs disappeared during the recession and the industry is still suffering with the lack of skilled operatives and professionals.

"These apprentices have been exemplary and have demonstrated the qualities we are looking for - enthusiasm, commitment and a desire to work hard and achieve their goals."

Birmingham Airport has partnered with a social enterprise company called ‘The Wonder Why Society’ to help promote inspired learning and improve educational opportunities for pupils in local primary schools.

Based in Birmingham and part of the Solihull Chamber, the company aims to tackle two social problems - disengaged learning and the skills gap.

The interactive learning platform informs and engages users on issues such as the environment and community and has a Birmingham Airport zone included.

Jo Lloyd, Birmingham Airport’s Commercial Director said: “We have always believed that supporting the education of young people is one of the most effective ways in which we can invest in our region's future.

“The Wonder Why Society is an innovative way for us to take our education programme forward in an exciting and dynamic direction. We're sure the local pupils, who will be given access to the site from airport funding, are going to love exploring a whole new world of learning.”

Samantha Fisher, Chief Executive Officer of Wonder Books Ltd, said: “Birmingham Airport is our first business partner which is fantastic news. It not only gives the project a huge step up in terms of recognition and support but also brings local industry into education.

“We are really looking forward to bringing together children, schools, parents and industry experts in the local area and working as a team to engage with children and motivate them to learn independently and develop their skills.”

This project is very much in line with Birmingham Airport’s Corporate Responsibility Strategy of developing local communities and promoting health and wellbeing in the area.