Birmingham Post

Top Marks for 'Failure' School

A Birmingham school has been named among the best in the country for GCSE results - despite being given a zero rating by exam boards. More than nine out of 10 courses taken by pupils at King Edward VI High School for Girls, in Edgbaston, resulted in an A or A* grade.

Mp Warns of Eu Referendum Demand

Labour dissidents could join forces with Conservatives and Liberal Democrats to demand a referendum on the European Treaty, a Birmingham MP has warned, writes Jonathan Walker. Gisela Stuart (Lab Edgbaston) said Labour must honour its 2005 General Election pledge to hold a vote, as Gordon Brown found himself under pressure from former ministers last night.

Well-Wishers Pay Respects to 'Icon' ; Diana Anniversary

Charity workers and well-wishers yesterday gathered at the estate where Diana is buried. Flowers were left at the gates of Althorp - near Northampton - from around 7am.

Shoppers at Harrods Stop to Remember ; Diana Anniversary

Harrods came to a standstill yesterday as shoppers joined Mohamed al Fayed to remember his son Dodi and Diana, Princess of Wales. His brow furrowed with grief, the multimillionaire - who was not invited to Prince William and Prince Harry's memorial service yesterday - stood behind the store's famous statue of the couple for a two-minute silence.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown ; Diana Anniversary

'She Was the Best Mother in World and We Miss Her' ; Diana Anniversary

Prince Harry paid an emotional tribute to "the best mother in the world" yesterday and called for Diana, Princess of Wales to be remembered as someone who made people happy. At the memorial service held in Diana's honour on the 10th anniversary of her death, Harry delivered a touching address which he had written himself.

New Era As Ceremony Marks Military Reforms

A new era of military history will begin today with a ceremony marking the merger of two historic West Midlands regiments. Prince Charles will be the guest of honour today at the celebrations marking the merger of the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment, known as the Woofers, with the Staffordshire Regiment.

Row Could Have Been Reason Behind Murder

A 17-year-old who was stabbed to death in the street may have lost his life after a row, police said last night. Officers are hunting a group of youths seen fleeing the scene in Chesterford Road, New-ham, east London.

Four More Held Over Rhys Jones Murder

A further four people were yesterday detained on suspicion of the murder of 11-year-old Rhys Jones, police said. The youngster was shot in the neck last week as he walked home from football practice in Croxteth, Liverpool.

Bright Colours for Funeral

The devastated parents of Rhys Jones yesterday said they wanted mourners to wear bright colours and football shirts at his funeral next week. Thousands are expected to line the streets and attend the funeral on Thursday - which parents Stephen and Melanie (above) intend to be a celebration of the 11-year-old's life.

Protection for Vulnerable Wildlife but Barrier Still On Agenda

The Government yesterday moved to protect vulnerable wildlife and habitats in the Severn Dee and Humber estuaries by seeking to designate them Special Areas of Conservation. But it has not ruled out controversial proposals for a tidal barrage across the River Severn which critics warn could have a serious environmental impact.

Phone Deal Doesn't Ring True for Customers

Hundreds of angry customers have bombarded Birmingham's consumer watchdog with complaints after a mobile phone company announced it couldn't honour its offer of free handset and line rental. Hundreds of customers bought up to half-a-dozen phones each from Mobile Connections on Bordesley Green.

Boy Joyrider Jailed for Killing Child

A schoolboy joyrider who killed a 19-month-old toddler after losing control of a stolen car was today jailed for three-and-a- half years. Billy Donnelly was crushed by the Jeep Wrangler as he and his baby brother Luke were pushed in a buggy by their mother in south London last October.

Ottakar's Mp to Investigate High Street 'Clone Towns'

The West Midlands MP who co-founded a successful bookshop chain is to sit on an inquiry into the state of Britain's high streets. Philip Dunne (Con Ludlow) is to help find ways of supporting small retailers and reversing the trend towards "clone towns" with identical shops in every town and city centre.

Straw Holds 'Constructive' Talks with Prison Officers

Prison officers' leaders held "constructive" talks with the Government yesterday in a bid to resolve the bitter row over pay which led to a wildcat strike in jails across England and Wales. Leaders of the Prison Officers' Association met with Justice Secretary Jack Straw and prison service officials for several hours in London to try to break the deadlocked row.

Scheme Adds 48 Criminal Offences

Criminals released early from prison because of the overcrowding crisis have committed a further 48 offences since the controversial scheme was introduced, it was revealed yesterday. When added to the eight committed by those released in the first few days of the scheme, it brings the total number of new offences to 56.

Vaz Calls for Brown to Hold Referendum On Eu Treaty

Former Labour Europe Minister Keith Vaz yesterday joined calls for the Government to hold a referendum on the new EU Treaty. He urged Prime Minister Gordon Brown to allow a vote on the treaty, which critics claim is a replica of the old EU Constitution.

Nothing so Permanent As a Temporary Compromise ; Iron Angle

The 21st century, in the shape of the electronic wizardry of the BBC TV Big Screen, will be coming to Birmingham's Victoria Square however much the conservationists complain about civic vandalism. Of that, you can be certain. The project, which will cost taxpayers about pounds 360,000, is being championed by city council leader Mike Whitby, who for some strange reason regards the siting of a television set as a major policy issue. His thinking, it is said, is shaped by the fact that shots of ...

New Era for Gambling

Casinos, bookmakers and online betting sites today entered a new era. The Gambling Act 2005 comes fully into force today, overhauling pieces of legislation dating back as far as 1845.

'Calm Down Cameron'

A senior police officer has hit back over Tory leader David Cameron's description of "anarchy" on Britain's streets. Mr Cameron has highlighted high-profile gun and knife crimes as part of his attack on the Government over social breakdown.