Birmingham Post

Green Brown Budget

Chancellor Gordon Brown will seek to boost his 'green' credentials in the Budget ahead of an election battle with Conservative leader David Cameron, experts predict. Mr Brown is expected to unveil a raft of environmentally friendly initiatives in his 11th and almost certainly final Budget on Wednesday before his anticipated succession of Tony Blair in the summer.

Cricket World Mourns Bears Legend Woolmer ; Bob Woolmer 1948-2007

The world of cricket was in mourning last night after the sudden death of former Warwickshire coach Bob Woolmer. The ex-England all-rounder, who masterminded Warwickshire's treble-winning season in 1994, died a day after watching his Pakistan team lose a crucial World Cup match to underdogs Ireland.

Why University of Birmingham's New Challenge Is No Flash in Pan

Birmingham University has opened its own cleaning academy to help cleaners achieve the highest standards of hygiene. Lessons in which cleaning materials to use and how to make sure every toilet, kitchen, floor and surface is sparkling and pristine are just part of the pounds 35,000-a-year initiative at Birmingham University.

Why Desperate Generation of the Aged Succeed at Ending It All

Elderly people making the desperate decision to take their lives are more likely to succeed. They plan for it better than the young. Men in particular are more likely to chose a method from which there is no chance of coming back. "Older men who try and take their own life generally use lethal means - they will jump, throw themselves under something or, most commonly, they will hang themselves, said Derek Beeston, principal lecturer at Staffordshire University's Centre for Ageing and Mental H...

Suicidal Elderly Let Down by 'Hasty' Doctors

Age discrimination and hasty GP visits have been blamed as factors in nearly 700 suicides among people aged over 60 in the West Midlands. Last night campaigners claimed as many as two thirds of the deaths could have been avoided and called for a new strategy to deal with depression among the elderly.

Nec This Weekend

Tolkien's Cannock Great War Trench

A rare First World War training trench in Staffordshire has been given legal protection to safeguard it for future generations. English Heritage has designated the trench at Cannock Chase as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, which means it is a protected archeological site of national importance. The Forestry Commission, which is keeping the exact location of the trench secret, will now work in partnership with English Heritage to look after it.

A Fine and Enthusiastic Cricketer and Lovely Man

Bob Woolmer's former Warwickshire colleagues led the tributes last night following the shock death of the Pakistan cricket team coach. Woolmer, aged 58, was rushed to an emergency ward at Kingston University Hospital in Jamaica, after being found unconscious in his room at the Pegasus Hotel in Sabina Park yesterday morning.

Average Test Performer Who Made Mark On World Coaching Stage

Bob Woolmer played in 19 Test matches for England between 1975 and 1981, but it was in his ensuing career as a coach to Warwickshire, South Africa and later Pakistan that the former Kent all-rounder made his name. Woolmer was regarded as a modern and forward-thinking coach, and championed as a man who remained true to his ideal of playing the game in an exciting and expansive way.

Bad Boy Freddie has a History of Boozy Antics

England cricket star Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff last night was left ruing a decision to go on a late-night drinking session at the World Cup after he was sacked as vice captain. The larger-than-life player was ditched from the role, fined, and dropped from the team's match against Canada yesterday after his antics on the Caribbean island of St Lucia.

Cash for Honours Knight Speaks Out ; Politics

One of the Labour donors caught up in the cash-for-honours controversy has admitted discussing receiving a life peerage with the party's chief fundraiser. But Sir Christopher Evans insisted he was never offered anything by Lord Levy in return for financial assistance, and said the pair - who have both been arrested in connection with the inquiry - were "dispensable pawns in a bigger game".

'Sinner' Blair Accused of Betraying Public's Trust ; Politics

Britain's standards watchdog has launched a stinging attack on Tony Blair for undermining public trust in politics. Sir Alistair Graham, who is due to leave his post in April, said people felt "let down" because the Prime Minister had failed to fulfil his promises.

No Council Tax Changes Before Election, Says Kelly ; Politics

Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly yesterday flatly ruled out any changes to council tax bands before the next General Election. Speculation has been growing that Sir Michael Lyons will endorse a new higher band for homes worth over a million pounds when he publishes his report on reforming the system this week.

Coiffured Cameron Sticks to the Centre ; Politics

David Cameron yesterday pledged the health service would be a central priority of a Conservative government as he squared up to Gordon Brown on traditional Labour territory. The Tory leader accused the Government of ripping the heart out of the NHS in his strongest attack yet on Labour's handling of the health service.

Golden Age Squandered, Claims Tory Osborne ; Politics

Gordon Brown was accused yesterday of squandering a golden age for the global economy as he prepared to deliver his 11th and almost certainly final Budget. The Chancellor's Tory counterpart George Osborne said although Mr Brown liked to wallow in "self-congratulation", his economic achievements were actually the result of international forces.

Fay Defends Way of the Sword

A leading Birmingham businesswoman has called on the Government to rethink its plans to ban samurai swords in Britain. Fay Goodman, who runs a media firm and sits on the board of the regional development agency Advantage West Midlands, is one of the world's leading martial arts experts. Earlier this month Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said the sale, import and hire of samurai swords could be banned by the end of the year.

Sounds Like a Revolution

The singles chart could be set to undergo another revolution when Scottish band The Fratellis release their new single Baby Fratelli today - on a USB memory stick. The stick fits into a slot in a computer and contains not just the track, but also the video.

Wave of Teen Violence 'Not Sweeping Uk'

Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly yesterday tried to ease fears over a spate of violent attacks on teenagers following the fatal stabbing of a 15 year-old boy. The street attack on the teenager in London was the latest in a series on youngsters and came just three days after 16-year-old Kodjo Yenga was killed in another stabbing, also in the capital.

Breaking Down the Barriers to Speaking Foreign Languages ; Education Matters Never Mind the Bullock Plain Speaking From Ex- Teacher Brenda Bullock

Here we go again, wringing our hands and crying woe over the seeming inability or unwillingness of your young people to learn foreign languages and trying yet again to solve the problem with typically useless and impractical quick-fixes. The real truth is - and I speak as one who has been learning and teaching French for more than 50 years - we will never crack this particular nut until we seriously address two major problems.

Learnin Aid to Help Pupils Pass ; Education Matters Previously the Preserve of Sweaty Job Interviews, Psychometric Tests Are Now Being Used On Schoolchildren to Assess Their Attitude to Learning. They Can Also Provide Parents with a Valuable Insight Into Their Child's Mind, As Education Correspondent Shahid Naqvi Finds Out

How many parents really know what their children are like at school? They might get a bit of an idea from a brief chat with the class teacher on parents evening. Or from comments in a school report. Asking their children is no use - invariably they're dealt a monosyllabic "OK", designed to stop further questioning.