Sally-Anne Youll

With almost three decades in journalism under her belt, most recently as assistant editor at Midland News Association, Sally knows a good story when she sees one. Her razor-sharp instinct and news sense is a massive asset to our team - whether in digging out exclusives for the nationals or nurturing publicity clients to maximum exposure.

Christmas ad removed after dog safety issues raised by expert

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A dog behaviour expert who raised concerns over a Christmas advert showing a young child hugging a husky has praised the company for removing it. Dog behaviourist Debby Lucken, who runs Kids Around Dogs, was concerned over the message being sent out by the ad for VistaPrint, which showed a young girl approaching a large husky and putting her arms around it. Debby said: “The dog is clearly not happy in the clip. The little girl goes toward the dog and faces the dog, but this can be seen as confrontational. The dog has his mouth closed, his eyes are […]

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Rail, Trail, Ale scheme relaunched to bring people into village

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A rail and ramble project launched this year aimed at bringing people into a Shropshire village is to be extended next year. The Albrighton project is being relaunched under the heading ‘Rail, Trail, Ale’, and promises to be bigger and better. Albrighton parish councillor and organiser Peter Illes said: “We want people to come to Albrighton by train, they can have a lovely picturesque train ride, following by an easy guided ramble through the beautiful Shropshire countryside and then enjoy a drink or a bite to eat at one of the pubs, restaurants or coffee shops that are all within a short walk

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Brum Ting is a sure thing for enterprising teens

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Four enterprising Birmingham teenagers have launched their own business selling a range of tourist merchandise promoting their beloved home city. Charisma Meehan, Decrae Simms, Alex Yang and Ethan Widgery-Powell all met at the free@last youth club, which was set up to help young people in the inner-city Nechells area. Aged just 15, 16 and 17, they created Brum Ting as a way of making some money and learning about business. It is already proving a success and they have big plans for the future with their sights set on turning the brand into a global franchise. John Street, founder and

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Business’s big ‘thank you’ to suppliers for support over lockdown

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A business launched in lockdown has said a special thank you to all the suppliers that helped it thrive during such a difficult period. Bosses at Elevate FM threw a big party for around 35 suppliers and their guests to thank them for their support and service. Dave Warren, director of the Birmingham-based facilities management company, said: “We invited all the people that have helped us over the past 12 months. We wanted them to feel appreciated and part of the team. “It’s easy for people to thank their customers, but people forget about the people who have helped you

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Chelsea Pensioners living in comfort thanks to Storm’s expert glazing

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Hundreds of military veterans at the iconic Royal Hospital Chelsea are now living in more comfortable conditions, thanks to a team of Midlands-based glazing experts. The experts at Storm Windows, based in Halesowen, were called in by architects who had the task of improving the accommodation block, without damaging the appearance or heritage of the Grade I and II listed building, that dates back to 1682. As part of the refurbishment, they had to find ways of making the windows draught-proof and noise-proof, without changing their appearance. Storm’s technical director Mitchell Reece, said: “It was a big challenge, but one

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Businesses challenged to help children in crisis this Christmas

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Businesses are being urged to get involved with an initiative to help children who face spending Christmas in emergency accommodation after fleeing domestic violence. The Buddy Bag Foundation is looking for teams to take part in the Challenge Box scheme, to help provide essentials and home comforts to children who often have to flee leaving everything behind. Firms who want to take part should find 30 team members who will be given a shopping bag and list of items to buy. This can include pens and pencils, books, pyjamas, toothbrushes and other items. A team-building exercise can then be arranged

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Young blood wanted for Round Table group

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Young men in Wolverhampton are being urged to sign up for the area’s Round Table group to ensure it can continue its vital community work. Tettenhall Round Table chairman Shiv Passap wants to double the number of people involved in the group and is appealing to young men who may not realise what the group has to offer. He said joining up offered men as young as 18 a great opportunity to gain life skills and give back to the local community. “Once our members get to 45 they move on, so it’s vital that we get new, younger members

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Lockdown heroes treated to brunch at award-winning Birmingham restaurant

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A group of lockdown heroes were treated to a slap-up meal at an award-winning Birmingham restaurant as a big thank you for their hard work during the pandemic. The winners were nominated for going above and beyond to make life easier for others during the lockdowns. They were treated to a Bottomless Brunch at Thai restaurant Zen Metro in Cornwall Street, Birmingham city centre, after being selected from dozens of nominees put forward in a competition lanuched by managing director Jaimon George. Jaimon launched the competition when the restaurant reopened after lockdown as a way of saying thank you to

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Community spirit gets a boost from railway funding

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A whole host of community projects in a West Midlands district – from restoring a rare natural amphitheatre in an area that inspired JRR Tolkien to helping youngsters read more – have been boosted thanks to funding from West Midlands Railway. Various community groups in Hall Green, Birmingham, joined forces to enhance the area for residents and visitors with litter picks, planters and a link-up between the library and the railway station. There was already a long-running poetry project, with verses posted on boards in the waiting rooms at Hall Green Railway Station for passengers to enjoy. That is now

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Station artwork reveals town’s medieval magic

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Stunning artwork panels are being installed at Ledbury Railway Station, giving visitors an insight into the history and heritage of the medieval town. The artwork will detail the history of the town and its iconic buildings and structures and explore the town’s railway connection. The work, produced by three respected local artists, will be displayed in a three-panel glazed cabinet set within an existing brick planter at the station, offering a permanent and eye-catching display for rail passengers. Gareth Davies, from public transport user group Rail and Bus for Herefordshire, is the project leader. He said he hoped the artwork,

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