The Phoenix Newspaper would like to wish a very Merry Christmas to all of our readers, advertisers, supporters and friends!

During December, the cathedral will play host to over 50 special services, concerts and events. The season began with a record-breaking St Basils SleepOut, where local people slept out in Cathedral Square to raise money for the youth homelessness charity, St Basils. December will encompass events as diverse as the traditional Swedish ‘Santa Lucia’ service with Ex Cathedra Choir, ‘Carols for the Business Community’ with brass band, and a screening of the film ‘It’s a wonderful life.’

Dogs Trust – the UK’s largest dog welfare charity – has welcomed British accessories label, Radley, into its pack. Shoppers across Birmingham will be able to get their hands, and paws, on a covetable canvas tote, sales of which will go towards helping thousands of dogs across the country to find their special someone. This collaboration has been born out of the popularity of Radley’s mascot Scottie dog, which is much loved by its customers worldwide.

It’s something ambulance staff hear most weekends from the ‘friends’ of drunk patients we’re trying to treat. When you’re out this festive period, we’re urging people to look after each other by sticking together and keeping an eye on what your friends are drinking so that the skills of ambulance staff are reserved for saving lives rather than babysitting people who have simply had too much to drink.

T’is the season to be jolly but for some people Christmas will not be a silent night. Spare a thought for the new mums and dads who will spend this Christmas in the delivery room welcoming their own bundle of joy to the world. It is only fitting then that Noah and Ava (derived from Eve) top the list of names for babies due this coming festive season, as compiled by one of the world’s favourite pregnancy apps, Pregnancy+.

Unwanted, good quality toys that would otherwise be destined for the tip will be cheering up needy children this Christmas. Workers at Sandwell’s household recycling centre in Oldbury are being Santa’s little helpers by collecting unwanted toys to donate to families. The project is being run with children from Bristnall Hall Academy, former recycling centre worker Tony Martin and Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals (SWBH) NHS Health Visiting Services.