Birmingham Post

Minister to Create His Midlands a Team

The Midland's most powerful people are forming a 'super' leadership group, designed to kick-start jobs and housing across the region. Formed by Minister for the West Midlands, Liam Byrne, the new West Midlands Leadership Group will aim to improve employment and housing standards. And it will be held accountable by the Minister himself, reporting back on its progress at sessions every two months.

The Midlands' Great and Good Turned Out in Their Hundreds

Linking in to Positive Image Brings Name Change to Uce ; Birmingham City University

The University of Central England has undergone a pounds 200,000 name change in order to feature the word "Birmingham" in its title. From today the Perry Barr-based institution formerly known as UCE will become Birmingham City University.

Heseltine Calling for Elected Mayors to Help Cities Thrive

Elected mayors would give Britain's great cities "a chance to thrive", Conservative peer Michael Heseltine predicted yesterday. The former Deputy Prime Minister set out his vision for a powerful elected leader who would take responsibility for policing, health and employment, at the Conservative conference in Blackpool.

Police Gun Alert

Police responding to reports of a pensioner with a gun yesterday discovered the body of an elderly woman at an address in Stafford. The body of the woman, whose identity is known but will not be released until her family have been notified, was found by officers next to a gun in the Butt Lane area at 7.15am.

Stone Hopes for Megan Appeal ; Courts

The man convicted of the brutal killings of Lin and Megan Russell is waiting to hear whether appeal court judges will re-examine his case, it was disclosed yesterday. Michael Stone (left) is serving at least 25 years behind bars after twice being convicted of the hammer murders of Lin Russell and her daughter Megan.

Potter Books Boost Charity ; Auction

A rare set of Harry Potter books kept under lock and key in a police station sold for almost pounds 20,000 on an internet auction. The seven books, signed by JK Rowling, are believed to be one of only a few such sets in the world.

Fatal Air Crash ; Accident

One person died and a second was injured when a light aircraft they were travelling in crashed into a farm field yesterday. The aircraft was spotted coming down on land in Fridd Lane, Bethersden, near Ashford, Kent, just before 3pm.

Skint Pensioners ; Debt

The proportion of pensioners going bankrupt has more than doubled during the past five years, figures showed yesterday. Around seven per cent of all people going bankrupt in 2007 were retired, up from just three per cent in 2002, according to accountants Wilkins Kennedy.

Miss Moneypenny Loses Cancer Fight

Lois Maxwell, who starred as Miss Moneypenny in 14 James Bond movies, has died aged 80. The Canadian-born actress starred alongside Sean Connery in the first James Bond movie, Dr No, in 1962 as the secretary to M, the head of the secret service.

Another Farmer in Surrey Hit by Disease

Farmers were last night hit with a further outbreak of a disease thought to have cost the industry pounds 250 million since August. The new case of foot-and-mouth at a farm in Surrey would have further severe financial implications, the National Farmers Union said.

Murder Hunt After Body Found in Pond

Police in the Black Country have launched a murder inquiry after the body of a teenage boy was found in a pond. The body of the boy, who has not yet been named but is thought to be about 16-years-old and local, was discovered in the water-filled clay pit in Bickley Road, The Lunt, in Bilston, yesterday morning.

Specialist's Suspension Cost Hospital 'Around Pounds 4m'

When Coventry hospital bosses reinstated heart specialist Dr Raj Mattu in July, after a five-and-half-year suspension, he was eager to get his life "back on track". However, his plans to return to work have now suffered a further delay - due to a painful sports injury.

Cancer Patients Can Give Blood to National 'Biobank'

Cancer patients in Birmingham can now donate samples of their blood or tumour tissue to a national 'biobank' it was announced yesterday. Scientists, cancer specialists and patients at the National Cancer Research Institute conference, which is being held at the International Convention Centre, heard how onCore UK will now accept donations from University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.

Harmful Exposure to Smoke Drops Since Ban

Hospitality workers in bars, clubs, restaurants and cafes have seen their exposure to harmful second-hand smoke fall by 95 per cent since the smoking ban came into effect on July 1, according to Midland researchers. The findings from a study conducted by the Tobacco Control Collaborating Centre, based in Warwick, will be revealed at the National Cancer Research Institute conference, being held in Birmingham.

Protestantism 'Brings More Jobs'

Countries where the main religion is Protestant Christianity have higher employment rates, according to a British research study. Experts at the University of Bath found that employment rates in mainly Protestant countries are around six per cent higher than those where other religions are practised by the majority.

Unseen Royal Photographs

Previously unseen photographs from King George VI's family album were published today in a new book about Royals and their loyal four- legged friends. Noble Hounds And Dear Companions charts the Royal Family's love of dogs throughout history.

Thousands Line Streets to Pay Their Final Tributes to Rally Star Mcrae

Thousands of people lined the streets of Colin McRae's home town yesterday to pay tribute to the rally star. Fans from around the globe began arriving from early morning to pay respect to Mr McRae, 39, who died in a helicopter crash two weeks ago.

Town Hall Battle of Bands Set to Rival Eurovision

Rock legends are set to welcome a new generation of budding superstars to Birmingham - at Britain's biggest live music competition at the city's Town Hall. Celebrity judges such as keyboard virtuoso Rick Wakeman, Jean- Jacques Burnel of the Stranglers and top producer Louie Nicastro will be hoping to find the next Abba or the Beatles in the Global Battle of the Bands national heat on October 28. The event will be held as part of the celebrations to mark the landmark building's pounds 35 milli...

International Mobile Calls Get New Rate

A new mobile phone tariff came into force yesterday which could save UK residents money when they make and receive calls abroad. Some users may have already asked their network provider to apply the Eurotariff but call charges will be capped for everyone from today.