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The Frankfurt Christmas Market is in popular UK city will be back this weekend and will run for just over seven weeks, offering amazing shopping, twinkling lights and Christmas trees

A UK Christmas market rivalling Germany’s festive celebrations is set to make a comeback this weekend, running for just over seven weeks. Kicking off this Saturday, November 1, Birmingham’s yuletide market promises fantastic shopping, sparkling lights and Christmas trees, along with mouth-watering Frankfurt-style meats.

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market, held in the city’s Victoria Square, will feature over 100 stalls for visitors to explore as the entire area buzzes with “something for everyone”. A hit with locals and tourists alike, the festive market will “tempt your tastebuds” with schnitzels, bratwursts, pretzels, and roasted almonds.

Live music and fabulous Christmas shopping opportunities, with stalls spilling from the square into New Street, are guaranteed to get anyone visiting into the holiday spirit this winter, reports the Express.

The Visit Birmingham website painted a vivid picture of the festive event : “Birmingham comes alive every winter with the arrival of the market, a clear sign that Christmas is just around the corner. The stalls on Victoria Square and along New Street offer something for everyone.

“The largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria, Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market offers a wide range of traditional goods and gifts and a selection of tempting food and drink.”

“Pretzels, schnitzels, bratwursts, and roasted almonds will tempt your tastebuds, all of which can be washed down with gluhwein, weissbier (wheat beer), or tasty hot chocolate.”

Visit Birmingham described the Frankfurt Christmas Market as the ideal spot to gather with loved ones and “enjoy the live music programme on Victoria Square”.

Shoppers are bound to find “presents for your family and friends” in a festive winter setting, with stalls offering “everything from handcrafted wooden decorations and delicate glass baubles to in the form of the ever-favourite crystal lamps, Sounds of Nature, hand-crafted leatherwork, toys, jewellery” and more besides.

During 2024, guests hailed the market as a “joyful winter wonderland” that turns Birmingham into a hub of “festive magic”.

A couple who visited in December 2024 shared their experience on TripAdvisor, noting: “From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by the cosy scent of bratwurst, roasted nuts, and mulled wine. The market stalls are full of festive charm, offering handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and traditional treats that make for perfect stocking fillers or souvenirs.”

They continued: “The food and drink options are a real highlight – expect hearty German fare, rich hot chocolate, sweet churros, and of course, classic glühwein served in collectable mugs.

“Whether you’re visiting with friends, on a romantic winter date, or enjoying a family day out, there’s a warm, communal atmosphere that makes it all the more special.

“The lights, music, and joyful energy throughout the city centre make this more than just a market – it’s a full festive experience. While it can get very busy at peak times, it’s well worth braving the crowds for the atmosphere alone.”

The Frankfurt Birmingham Christmas Market is renowned for its enchanting ambience – and as the “largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria”, previous visitors describe it as a “must-visit” destination.

The venue buzzes with festive cheer and a traditional magical atmosphere that’s “not to be missed”, bringing the “spirit of Christmas to life in the heart of the Midlands”.

THE government has finally revealed the new operator that could run train services to Europe alongside Eurostar.

The Office for Rail and Road has announced that Virgin Trains will be allowed to access Temple Mills International depot in East London.

This means Virgin will eventually join Eurostar to operate train services via the Channel Tunnel from the UK to Europe – and will be the first train service to rival Eurostar since it launched more than 30 years ago.

Virgin first announced plans to launch services rivalling Eurostar in January 2025, and could start running trains from 2030.

This means direct routes to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, with future plans for France, Germany and Switzerland.

Virgin also announced plans to restart trains from both Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International in Kent as well – which had Eurostar trains until the pandemic.

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Earlier this month, the company even said that it if it won the bid, it could to run services from Manchester and Birmingham.

Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson said: “The ORR’s decision is the right one for consumers – it’s time to end this 30-year monopoly and bring some Virgin magic to the cross-Channel route.

“Virgin is no stranger to delivering award-winning rail services, and just as we have successfully challenged incumbents in air, cruise and rail, we’re ready to do it again.

“We’re going to shake-up the cross-Channel route for good and give consumers the choice they deserve.” 

Martin Jones, deputy director, access and international, said that Virgin’s plans were “more financially and operationally robust than those of other applicants”.

He added: “With this decision we are backing customer choice and competition in international rail, unlocking up to £700million in private sector investment and stimulating growth.

“While there is still some way to go before the first new services can run, we stand ready to work with Virgin Trains as their plans develop.”

Signing an agreement with Alstom, Virgin will buy 12 Avelia Stream trains, and have secured funding from Equitix, a leading European investor.

This is alongside private equity firm Azzurra.

While the access to the Temples Mills depot is a step forward, it will be a while until trains can launch.

This is because Virgin must also secure access to the tracks.

But it is good news for a competitor on the HS1 line, as this could even mean cheaper fares in the future.

Virgin’s Phil Whittingham said: “Temple Mills has been a critical bottle neck in the process to launching a new cross-Channel service, so today’s news is a significant milestone for Virgin and a pivotal turning point for international rail.

“Building on the great success of Virgin Trains, Virgin will deliver a first-class cross-Channel service that will create hundreds of jobs and support the modal shift of short-haul journeys from air to rail.” 

Eurostar has had monopoly of the Channel Tunnel since it first launched back in 1994.

And over the past months, a number of companies have stepped forward in bid to run services through the Channel Tunnel to Europe.

This includes Italy‘s state-owned FS Italiane Group and Gemini Trains (recently partnering with Uber), as well as start up Evolyn.

Currently, the only destinations Brits can get to via direct train from the UK are Paris, Lille, Brussels Rotterdam and Amsterdam.

Previous routes that have since been scrapped included Disneyland Paris, as well as Marseille and Lyon.

Eurostar recently revealed it’s £1.7billion plans to launch double decker trains for the first time.

This would mean 540 seats onboard – a 20 per cent increase.

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And the train operator previously revealed future plans of new destinations across Europe including Switzerland, Germany and Italy.

Cities could include Zurich, Geneva, Milan, Frankfurt and Cologne.

‘The people’s champion” is how Benjamin Zephaniah is fondly remembered in his home town of Handsworth, Birmingham. The words, spray-painted in fiery-red ballooned letters, leap out of a colourful mural that wraps around one side of a local Sons of Rest building, a place where retired war veterans once met and socialised. To the side looms an image of the late poet and writer, his face full of expression and thought. For a moment, it feels as if he’s there with you.

A couple of years earlier, and he may well have been. “Seriously, you could come into Handsworth Park and he’d just be walking through, just leisurely. Benjamin, he’d sit with you, he had time for you,” says Marcia Dunkley, one of the founders of the organisation Black Heritage Walks Network, which commissioned the mural.

It’s a chalky blue-skied August day in Birmingham, and while many of the city’s residents have flocked to the centre for the annual Caribbean music and food festival, I’m on a walking tour in Handsworth, the neighbourhood where much of the creative legacy of Birmingham’s Caribbean population was first felt.

The tour, launched in 2018 by the Black Heritage Walks Network, explores the history and legacy of the influx of Caribbean migrants who settled in Handsworth after the second world war.

The walk largely takes place along Handsworth’s Soho Road, a bustling high street north-west of the city centre where elaborate saris and glistening wedding jewellery spill out of shops and on to pavements. Fifty years ago, the high street, now dominated by south Asian traders, wore a different face.

“Black-owned, Black-owned, Black-owned,” says Dunkley, pointing at an array of mismatched buildings that were once the nightclubs, restaurants, law firms and banks that made up the Black economy in Birmingham, after thousands migrated to the neighbourhood from the Caribbean in the 1950s and 60s.

On any given day, they are buildings that might not warrant a second glance. Take Garvey House – a neglected and disused Victorian house, with a faded white painted front and boarded-up windows. Named after Jamaica’s national hero Marcus Garvey, the space once brimmed with life, offering temporary accommodation to waves of migrants arriving for the first time in the city. The only remnant of its past life is a faint sign above the door.

Black Heritage Walking Network was born out of the ambition of three history buffs, frustrated by Birmingham’s lack of recognition as a city steeped in Black history and heritage. Since creating the Madiba tour in Handsworth, named after Nelson Mandela’s famous visit to the area (Madiba was his Xhosa clan name) the company has developed a plethora of walks, exhibitions, and educational workshops that highlight the history and legacy of the African-Caribbean community in Birmingham.

“People who want to know about Bob Marley and Malcolm X and so on, if you don’t tell them, then they’ll just go to London to find it … People are used to the culture in London and having access to all of that at their fingertips, which means they don’t want to come to Birmingham,” says Dawn Carr, who co-founded the network.

Along Soho Road, unkempt and derelict buildings are contrasted with an array of colourful murals, commissioned over the years, to highlight the neighbourhood’s diverse and evolving identity. On Soho Bridge, a hand-painted mural shows Strikers in Saris to commemorate a group of south Asian women who famously protested poor working conditions at the Grunwick film processing factory in the late 1970s.

Close to the mural of Benjamin Zephaniah in Handsworth Park, is a brightly painted tribute of 13 Birmingham-born reggae artists that Dunkley brings to life by playing Steel Pulse’s Handsworth Revolution and UB40’s Food for Thought out of a portable speaker.

Where the rich cultural history of Handsworth escapes its outward appearance, Dunkley’s evocative storytelling brings it to life. Her passion for uncovering the lost history of Birmingham streets pours out in theatrical re-enactments and poised reflections on the ways we are taught the past.

While narrating the rich cultural and economic life of old Handsworth, Dunkley is careful not to gloss over the more painful realities of the racism and brutality that marked many residents’ lives.

Remembering that the Black and Irish communities ran 24-hour blues parties hosted in the interlinked cellars of houses along Soho Road known as shebeens, she’s quick to remind us that this was often the only nightlife available to residents, who risked returning “blue and beaten” if they ventured into the city centre.

In the same vein, we are frequently reminded of the strength and resilience of the community. “What you had were elders of the community … who would literally stand vigilante along here,” says Marcia at the edge of a road leading to the city centre.

“They stopped the youths from going down there. But they also stopped the neo-Nazis, the skinheads, coming up here, because that’s what was happening. Big clashes there. It was murderous. It was brutal.”

Some of the most painful accounts of the difficult reality for Handsworth residents are discussed outside the austere redbrick building with tall, narrow windows and stone lintels that was once the local police station. Then called Thornhill Road police station, Dunkley recalls a passage from Benjamin Zephaniah’s autobiography, where he describes a room with dreadlocks pinned to the wall, kept by police as trophies after alleged brutality.

Walking tours can at times feel like lectures, only with heavier legs and a burgeoning craving to sit down. On this tour, Marcia keeps us alert by making us work. At every twist and turn in the narrative, she interrogates the group for answers, sparking debate and conversation.

The tour ends at Handsworth leisure centre, the unexpected site of a visit from Nelson Mandela in October 1993. When news spread of his visit, residents of Handsworth flocked in droves to the sports hall– some even camping out the night before – to hear him speak. According to Dunkley, it was a visit city leaders fervently tried to block, fearing it might spark unrest in the part of Birmingham they referred to as the “ghetto”.

“But where’s the statue? Where’s the narration board?” says Dunkley, voicing her frustration at the lack of any physical commemoration to mark the event, a theme she reflects on throughout the tour. “Where’s the celebration?”

Black Heritage Walks Network offers guided tours all year round, weather permitting. Tickets can be bought through its website and start from £17 for adults and £5 for children under 12

THREE people have been arrested for murder after a woman’s body was tragically found in a canal.

The body was discovered before two waterways were drained by police in a canal in the Black Country on Tuesday, October 7.

Cops have now arrested two men and one woman in relation to the incident.

The trio, who are aged in their 20s, 40s, and 60s, currently remain in custody.

This comes after police responded to calls from Ryders Green Road in West Bromwich just before 11am on Tuesday.

Locals reported that part of the canal was drained while police worked in the area.

A large stretch of Walsall Canal was cordoned off and a blue forensic tent was also erected.

Two sections of the canal were drained while officers investigated the scene.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: “Three people are in custody today after a woman’s body was found in water near Ryders Green Road, West Bromwich yesterday morning.

“Two men and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of murder as detectives continue with investigations into her death.

“Door-to-door enquiries are ongoing along with CCTV being retrieved and reviewed as we work to establish the exact circumstances.

“There will also be a more visible police presence in the area over the coming days as the investigation continues.

“The two men, one in his 60s and the second in his 20s, and a woman in her 40s, remain in police custody this afternoon.

“A forensic post mortem is being carried out to help establish the cause of death.”

Residents have been quick to share their devastation over this tragic discovery.

Taking to Facebook, one saddened local wrote: “R.I.P. and condolences to the family.”

Another added: “So sad rest in peace.”

The police statement continued: “Anyone with information can contact us on 101 or by messaging us on Live Chat on our website, quoting log 1587 of 7 October.

“If you’d prefer to remain anonymous please speak to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

ROBERT Jenrick should stop lecturing the public on integration, Sir Keir Starmer has blasted.

The PM hit out at the Shadow Justice Secretary after he claimed he “didn’t see another white face” during a visit to Birmingham.

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Sir Keir slammed the comment on Thursday night, saying “it’s quite hard to take anything that Robert Jenrick says seriously.”

He accused the senior Tory of “running a leadership campaign” instead of making serious political arguments.

Speaking on a flight to Mumbai, where he will meet Indian President Narendra Modi, Sir Keir said: “We’re working hard on questions of integration, but we need no lessons or lectures from Robert Jenrick on any of this.

“He’s clearly just engaging in a leadership campaign.”

The row erupted after senior Conservatives rallied behind Mr Jenrick’s claim that Britain must confront “ghettoised communities” and a “dangerous” lack of social cohesion.

Labour figures branded the comments “racist”, but Tory leader Kemi Badenoch defended her colleague, saying there was “nothing wrong with making observations.”

Shadow Cabinet Minister Claire Coutinho also backed him, saying: “If you walk through an area and don’t see a single white face, it is a sign that integration has failed.”

The controversy broke out during the Tory party conference in Manchester after The Guardian obtained a secret recording of Mr Jenrick describing a 90-minute visit to Handsworth earlier this year.

He told members at an Aldridge-Brownhills dinner: “I went to Handsworth in Birmingham the other day to do a video on Twitter and it was absolutely appalling.

“It’s as close as I’ve come to a slum in this country.

“But the other thing I noticed there was that it was one of the worst integrated places I’ve ever been to.

“In fact, in the hour and a half I was filming news there I didn’t see another white face.”

Just nine per cent of Handsworth’s population is white, with most residents of Pakistani, Indian, and Bangladeshi heritage, official data shows.

Asked if he regretted his comments, Mr Jenrick told the BBC: “No, not at all and I won’t shy away from these issues.”

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He said he mentioned skin colour “because it’s incredibly important that we have a fully integrated society regardless of the colour of their skin or the faith that they abide by.”

He also linked the terror attack in north Manchester last week to a lack of integration.

Ms Badenoch again backed her shadow minister, saying she would take The Guardian report “with a pinch of salt.”

The Tory leader said: “What he and I both agree with is that there are not enough people integrating.

“There are many people who are creating separate communities.”

Labour last night pounced on the remarks, saying Mr Jenrick had “crossed a red line.”

Although still seeking their first home league win of the season, Wrexham have only lost one of their last six games in the Championship.

Moore’s fellow Wales international Nathan Broadhead secured a point for Wrexham in a 1-1 on Tuesday away at Leicester City, who were a Premier League side last season.

“Leicester are a great side,” Moore added.

“For a team that has just been relegated and for us to go there and impose ourselves.

“We could have come away with three points, which is a credit to us and what we’re trying to do here.”

The result at the King Power Stadium was a second successive Championship draw for Wrexham, following a 3-2 win at Norwich.

“I think we can really see some momentum in not just our results, but in the way we play and the way we’re moving the ball,” Moore continued.

“It’s come a long way and hopefully we continue that.

“I’m only judging from my personal experience – It’s just momentum, really.

“You need a string of results together, you need a group that’s hard work and all on board, really.”

For now at least Moore’s full focus is on Wrexham but then the attention will turn to two big games for Wales – the friendly against Thomas Tuchel’s side England and a potentially decisive World Cup qualifier in Cardiff.

Moore scored his 15th goal for Wales on his 50th appearance in September’s 1-0 qualifying win in Kazahkstan.

“There’s no greater honour playing for your country. You know, it’s everything you ever want,” Moore added.

“International football is amazing and to be a part of it and to play a part in it is incredible.”

MYLEENE Klass today told a court she felt “sheer terror” after allegedly being targeted by a stalker who sent her gifts.

Peter Windsor is accused of hounding the former popstar and her Classic FM colleague Katie Breathwick over a four-year period.

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The 61-year-old allegedly sent Myleene items with “sexual overtones” – including a Catwoman outfit and set of handcuffs.

He also called her a “naughty vixen” and sent a police uniform to the Classic FM studio, Birmingham Crown Court heard.

Giving evidence today, Myleene said she was informed in an email in August last year that an “accumulation” of items had been sent to her.

The 47-year-old became upset when she was asked about being told how Royal Mail had “intercepted” an air pistol addressed to her.

She said “it just felt extreme on every front” after she was shown a list of items and photographs of letters Windsor allegedly sent.

Myleene added: “It was very clear very quickly that it was a highly volatile selection of items.

“It was a huge shock, especially the extent to which it had escalated.

“It was pretty overwhelming when you have the accumulation of a bundle of this information. It’s pretty terrifying.”

The ex-Hear’Say star described the overall context of all the items as “pretty bleak”.

She added: “It’s a huge violation. It’s sheer terror really.”

Myleene told the court how she was informed by police in September last year that an air gun had been intercepted by the Royal Mail.

She continued: “He said to me that whilst the gun wasn’t necessary for a licence in this country, at such close proximity right up to 6ft it could prove fatal and police took it very seriously.

“I was extremely shocked because suddenly it felt extremely real.

“This was very clear what the intention was. There was no grey area here.

“It’s a gun in a box with my name on it.”

The court was told Windsor also stalked Myleene’s Classic FM co-presenter Katie Breathwick.

She is said to have received a stamp collection, bottle of champagne, a will-writing kit and running shoes with spikes on among other bizarre letters and parcels.

Police later arrested Windsor at his home in Birmingham and found a number of items that caused them concern.

They included a map of London where the women worked, a pair of black leather gloves, ladies stockings and a pair of binoculars.

Windsor later told police he sent Klass items as a joke after seeing her in “provocative underwear” in a newspaper.

He denies two counts of stalking and the trial continues.

A VAST “mini-city” of 5,500 homes, schools and green space is set to rise on the edge of Birmingham.

Council chiefs gave given the go-ahead for the first stage of works.

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The Langley development, near Walmley in Sutton Coldfield, will eventually see around 5,500 homes.

There will also be schools, community facilities and green spaces, built across a huge swathe of land.

Described by developers as an “unparalleled opportunity to establish a new sustainable community”, the scheme promises to transform the area.

Ahead of the latest council planning meeting, permission was sought to begin “strategic infrastructure” works on the site.

These include demolishing Langley Park House, creating open space and play areas, carrying out major earthworks, and building new highway, cycle and pedestrian networks.

But concerns were raised over how future residents will travel.

Conservative councillor Gareth Moore argued that Labour’s transport policy risks being “outdated” and could turn the new neighbourhood into a “heavy car-use area.”

“Despite the best will in the world, the council is not going to change that,” he said.

“I’m really concerned that long-term this is going to build up problems because we’re going to try and discourage people from owning cars.

“We’re going to try and encourage everyone to walk, cycle and get the bus – but they’re not.

“They’re going to own cars and they’ll be parked all over the place. Yes, in 50 years’ time that might be different but the important thing is the here and now.”

A council report defended the plans, pointing to an “extensive network” of new walking and cycling routes across the site.

This is including segregated cycle paths, bus-only connections and a traffic-free bridge linking eastwards over the A38.

It said: “The intention is to not give equal priority to all modes through the road space allocation, instead encouraging sustainable travel which adheres to the objectives of the Birmingham Transport Plan.”

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Officials have previously stressed that prioritising active travel and public transport will help cut road danger, connect communities and tackle the climate emergency.

According to the scheme’s official website, the new development will also bring schools, leisure facilities and large areas of “well-connected green spaces.”

“We are committed to working with the local community to deliver a beautifully designed scheme that puts placemaking at its heart and provides long-term benefits for both new and existing residents,” it said.

With the application now approved, work can begin on laying the groundwork for one of the biggest housing projects Birmingham has ever seen.

This follows after reports of a huge new town with up to 25,000 homes is set to be built in the UK, as part of a government scheme.

The ambitious plans are set to ease Britain’s housing crisis, and the project is expected to create 30,000 jobs.

The Brabazon development, in South Gloucestershire, is set to become a “thriving new town, designed around people, nature and opportunity: the best place in the UK to live, work and play”, according to YTL, the group facilitating its construction.

Proposals for the project include 6,500 homes (which could rise to 25,000), and student accommodation big enough to house 2,000 people.

The new town will also have a 20,000 capacity arena, three new schools and community facilities, and is predicted to add £5 billion to the GVA.

A new train station, Metrobus links, cycle routes and walking paths will ensure the town is well connected to Bristol and over 3.6 million square feet of commercial space will house shops, businesses and offices.

Brabazon will also have an abundance of parks and green spaces, including a 15 acre park and lake, which will be the largest in the South West for 50 years.

The government has thrown its backing behind the development, as part of a £48 billion scheme to build 12 new homes across the nation.

Work has already begun on Brabazon, with 500 homes completed, and £400 million invested by YTL.

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COPS have released CCTV footage of a man they are hunting in connection with an alleged sexual assault.

A man is alleged to have attacked a woman as she sat next to him on a busy train from Birmingham to London.

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British Transport Police confirmed a probe had been launched into the shocking assault.

The force said: “Detectives investigating a sexual assault on board a train from Birmingham New Street to London Euston have released this CCTV image in connection.

“On Wednesday 30 July at around 6.36pm a man sexually assaulted a woman as she sat next to him on the train.

“Detectives believe the man in this CCTV image may have information that could help with their investigation.

“Anyone who recognises him is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016, or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 674 of 30 July.

“Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

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A UK airport is reportedly in talks to increase its number of flights, with hopes to become a “major hub” for holidaymaker around Europe.

Huge upgrades are included in the plans which hopes to have the airport better connected to more destinations.

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East Midlands Airport is having talks “already underway” with airlines about plans for more cargo and passenger flights.

Currently, passengers can fly to and from 70 destinations through East Midlands Airport.

These include countries in Europe and North Africa.

But new commerical director, Adam Andrews, revealed the airport wants to provide more one-stop connections for passengers.

He said: “We will build relationships with key decision makers and businesses from our region and its large three big cities to understand how we can work together to maximise the airports potential what they want from their local airport.

“This includes looking to increase the mix of leisure destinations, introduce business routes and enable year-round connectivity to the world.”

Increasing flight options during peak seasons, such as summer holidays, is in the works.

And plans for more flights during the traditional off-peak seasons are also being considered.

This would mean travellers are able to just go to their local airport for their flights rather than having to get across the country first.

Andrews hopes to draw on the airport’s success as the UK’s “number one express air freight hub” due to being central to both the country and world.

East Midlands Airport is strategically located between Africa, Europe and the US.

It has been a hub for low-budget airlines like Jet2, Ryanair and TUI Airways.

The airfield was originally built as a Royal Air Force station in 1943, before it was redeveloped as a civilian airport in 1965.

Busiest routes from East Midlands Aiport have been Alicante, Tenerife, and Mallorca.

But it has no direct access via a passenger rail network, with the nearest being East Midlands Parkway about four miles away.

Proposals have been made in the past for a dedicated railway station to be installed at the airport, but is unlikely to be completed for another decade or so.

Plans for East Midlands Airport come after it was announced over the weekend the Gatwick Airport would be getting a new full runway.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander signed off on the plan that involves a £2.2billion expansion.

The project will shift Gatwick’s emergency runway 12 metres north so it can be used alongside the main strip.

This will pave way for 100,000 extra flights a year from the second busiest airport in the UK.

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WEDNESDAY’S RESULTS

CITY SECTION

Bell 34, Foshay 20

Birmingham 44, Arleta 0

Birmingham 14, Arleta 0

Chavez 6, Reseda 6

Chavez 8, Reseda 0

Cleveland 45, Granada Hills Kennedy 12

Cleveland 49, North Hollywood 0

Diego Rivera 28, USC Hybrid 12

Eagle Rock 26, Venice 14

GALA 13, Foshay 0

GALA 24, Bell 7

Granada Hills Kennedy 20, North Hollywood 19

Hollywood 34, Rise Kohyang 24

Jefferson 26, Fremont 6

Jefferson 15, Sotomayor 0

LA Hamilton 54, Monroe 0

LA Wilson 13, Monrovia 12

Manual Arts 32, Brio College Prep

Monroe 21, LA Hamilton 0

New Designs University Park 18, USC Hybrid 0

New Designs University Park 36, Diego Rivera 6

Orthopaedic 18, Camino Nuevo 12

San Pedro 27, Mira Costa 14

Sotomayor 15, Fremont 14

Stern 19, Animo De La Hoya 6

Sun Valley Magnet 45, East Valley 18

Van Nuys 12, Chatsworth 6

SOUTHERN SECTION

Agoura 26, Thousand Oaks 6

Aliso Niguel 33, El Toro 7

Anaheim 32, Savanna 13

Anaheim Canyon 25, Cypress 14

Aquinas 33, Rio Hondo Prep 0

Banning 25, Cathedral City 21

Beckman 48, Capistrano Valley 0

Bellflower 26, Cerritos 6

Bolsa Grande 21, Rancho Alamitos 20

Brentwood 18, Shalhevet 7

California 24, Chaffey 19

Compton 13, Long Beach Jordan 6

Corona del Mar 38, Fountain Valley 0

Costa Mesa 28, Godinez 0

Covina 27, Montclair 13

Dana Hills 12, La Serna 0

Downey 38, Corona 6

Duarte 8, Baldwin Park 7

Edison 28, Marina 0

El Modena 21, Troy 6

El Rancho 14, Montebello 0

Esperanza 13, Crean Lutheran 0

Fullerton 27, Westminster 6

Gabrielino 46, Mountain View 6

Garden Grove 33, Ocean View 6

Hacienda Heights Wilson 13, Monrovia 12

Hacienda Heights Wilson 19, Ontario 12

Hart 27, Valencia 0

Huntington Beach 20, Los Alamitos 0

Irvine University 34, Laguna Beach 6

JSerra 21, Tesoro 6

Laguna Hills 19, Segerstrom 13

Lakewood St. Joseph 38, Bishop Montgomery 6

La Palma Kennedy 20, Garden Grove Pacifica 7

Linfield Christian 31, Corona Centennial 19

Loara 13, Estancia 0

Loma Linda Academy 32, Xavier Prep 0

Mission Viejo 19, San Juan Hills 0

Newbury Park 52, Hueneme 0

Norco 31, La Sierra 6

Norwalk 13, Maywood CES 0

Ontario Christian 12, Serrano 6

Orange 20, Westminster La Quinta 7

Paramount 6, St. Paul 0

Portola 7, Northwood 6

Rosemead 14, El Monte 0

Rowland 19, Whittier 13

San Dimas 13, Bishop Amat 7

San Marino 41, Ramona Convent 6

Santa Ana Foothill 7, La Habra 6

Santa Fe 67, Whitney 0

Santa Paula 50, Fillmore 0

Saugus 6, Canyon Country Canyon 0

SEED: LA 13, Hawthorne 6

Sherman Oaks Notre Dame 60, Village Christian 0

Sierra Vista 33, Garey 19

Sonora 14, Don Lugo 0

South El Monte 40, Arroyo 7

South Hills 14, West Covina 0

St. Anthony 33, St. Mary’s Academy 28

St. Lucy’s 55, Pomona 0

Sunny Hills 13, Brea Olinda 0

Vasquez 6, Golden Valley 0

West Ranch 32, Castaic 0

Westridge 32, Alhambra 8

Woodbridge 21, Irvine 0

Yorba Linda 25, El Dorado 0

Yucaipa 26, Palm Springs 7

INTERSECTIONAL

LA Marshall 24, Burbank Burroughs 12

Norwalk 13, Maywood CES 0

San Pedro 27, Mira Costa 14

THURSDAY’S RESULTS

CITY SECTION

Birmingham 25, Granada Hills Kennedy 6

Franklin 19, Crenshaw 6

Granada Hills Kennedy 14, Birmingham 6

Panorama 25, Crenshaw 0

Panorama 6, Franklin 0

South East 39, Elizabeth 0

South Gate 48, Animo De La Hoya 8

Verdugo Hills 13, Sun Valley Magnet 0

SOUTHERN SECTION

Agoura 26, Thousand Oaks 14

Antelope Valley 20, Lancaster 6

Artesia 19, Pioneer 6

Burbank Burroughs 44, Los Altos 20

Cerritos 33, Glenn 0

Channel Islands 20, Hart 12

Corona Del Mar 33, Mayfair 0

Dos Pueblos 48, Buena 6

El Toro 37, Long Beach Poly 6

Fairmont Prep 46, Bolsa Grande 6

Highland 36, Palmdale 0

Inglewood 28, Hawthorne 0

Knight 19, Eastside 0

Lawndale 30, Compton Centennial 0

Leuzinger 12, Culver City 6

Mira Costa 20, Peninsula 6

North Torrance 27, South Torrance 0

Oak Park 32, Simi Valley 12

Oaks Christian 32, Calabasas 0

Oxnard Pacifica 7, Rio Mesa 6

Quartz Hill 40, Littlerock 0

Redondo Union 20, Palos Verdes 7

Santa Ana Valley 26, Magnolia 12

San Marcos 41, Santa Barbara 0

Santa Monica 52, Beverly Hills 0

Ventura 32, Oxnard 13

Westlake 38, Newbury Park 22

INTERSECTIONAL

Gardena Serra 19, Carson 12

COPS are frantically searching for a man after a 12-year-old girl, walking with her mother, was reportedly sexually assaulted twice on a train.

The despicable crime is alleged to have occurred on a train between Birmingham and Hereford on Saturday, August 16.

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As the young girl was walking to the toilets with her mother the man is said to have sexually assaulted her.

He then waited outside the toilets and sexually assaulted her again as she left, cops said.

The British Transport Police have now released an image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

Cops said the man may have valuable information that could help their investigation into the horrific crime.

Detective Sergeant Matthew Grieve said: “This is a deeply distressing incident which has shocked and impacted the family.

“We would like to speak to the man pictured, as we believe he may have valuable information that would help our investigation.”

Anyone who recognises the man or has info about the harrowing incident is asked to contact BTP as a matter of urgency.

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While some flag football teams have been playing for weeks, one of the City Section’s expected top teams, Birmingham, finally debuts on Wednesday at Arleta.

Coach Jim Rose has only two seniors on his team and has been working to get his players familiar with new rules, from punting to the defense getting to be only one yard away from the line of scrimmage before hiking the ball.

Bella Gonzalez, a second baseman on the softball team, will handle quarterbacking duties early while waiting for the No. 1 quarterback to recover from a knee injury.

Rose is particularly excited about freshman Ellie St. Hubert, a safety and receiver. “She is really good,” Rose said.

Banning is the defending City Open Division champion. Birmingham won the first title in 2023.

“We always think we’re going to be one of the top teams,” Rose said. “Athletically we’re better than last season.”

This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email [email protected].

Jack Osbourne fired back this week at the insults that Roger Waters hurled last month at his late father Ozzy Osbourne, who died in July at the age of 76.

During an interview with the Independent Ink, Waters had expressed his feelings about the “Prince of Darkness” and his music.

“Ozzy Osbourne, who just died, bless him in his whatever that state that he was in his whole life,” the 81-year-old rocker told host Dwayne Booth. “We’ll never know. The music, I have no idea, I couldn’t give a f—.”

He added: “I don’t care about Black Sabbath, I never did. Have no interest in biting the heads of chickens or whatever they do. I couldn’t care less, you know.”

Osbourne’s son, Jack, caught wind of Waters’ words and turned on the war machine. He took to his Instagram on Tuesday to defend his dad.

“Hey Roger Waters F— You,” Jack posted on his page, using white lettering on a red background. “How pathetic and out of touch you’ve become.”

Waters, who co-founded the band Pink Floyd in 1965 and has toured as a solo act since 1999, typically posts politically driven messages in a similar style on his account.

“The only way you seem to get attention these days is by vomiting out b— in the press. My father always thought you were a c— thanks for proving him right,” he added. He ended the post with a clown emoji.

The youngest of the Osbourne clan appeared alongside his father in the MTV reality series “The Osbournes” from 2002 through 2005 and the History Channel’s “Ozzy & Jack’s World Detour” from 2016 through 2018.

The Black Sabbath frontman revealed to David Letterman in an episode of “Late Night” in 1982 that he had beheaded a bat onstage by accident, a feat that had added to the considerable lore built around the heavy metal legend.

Ozzy Osbourne made his last public appearance during the band’s farewell concert, “Back to the Beginning,” on July 5 at their hometown of Birmingham, England. He died on July 22 of a heart attack.

JACK Osbourne has revealed the heartbreaking moment he was told of his father Ozzy’s death.

The rock legend died at the age of 76 on July 22, and was laid to rest next to the lake in his Buckinghamshire home.

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Ozzy’s tragic passing came just weeks after his last concert in Birmingham.

It was also the last time son Jack saw his dad, he shared in a new YouTube video.

“My dad was great. He was in a good mood he was happy,” he said.

“I woke up in Los Angeles to a knock on my house door at around 3.45 in the morning.

“Someone who has worked for my family for about 30 years now was knocking on my door and when I looked through my window and I saw it was him, I knew something bad had happened.

“I was informed that my father had passed.”

The grieving son continued: “So many thoughts, there was a level of like “okay, he’s not struggling. He’s not suffering anymore”. And that is something. 

“I wish he was still here, you know? I wish he was still with us all, but he was having a rough go and I think people saw that at the show.”

Jack rushed back to England to support his family, and prepare for the funeral, as well as a procession through Birmingham in his father’s memory.

Thousands of mourners lined the streets and left tributes at the Black Sabbath Bridge.

“I speak for the family when I saw this. We are so grateful for that and it meant so much…. it was validating because I know we weren’t alone”, Jack added.

The late rock legend’s son previously shared a heartwarming clip to Instagram and explained how hand-written letters, memorabilia, and merch were being “carefully preserved”.

Jack told how every item will be recorded on a digital database and given to the Osbourne family.

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The icon’s funeral, a private ceremony held at the family home in Buckinghamshire, took place the following day.

Jack continued: “I actually shared this at my at my father’s funeral.

“There’s an interview with Keanu Reeves. He’s on some nighttime talk show or whatever and they asked him, ‘What do you think happens when you die?’

“And Keanu Reeves answer was, ‘I don’t know what happens when you die, but what I do know is the people that love you miss you the most’.

“I felt that immensely. He wasn’t just a father to me. He was my colleague. We worked together in so many capacities.

“I had recently moved, there was a period where I was between houses and I moved back in with him.

“So, he was my housemate in my late 30s and it was awesome. Me and the kids were living here. Just a friend, a text buddy, a joke cracker.”

The dad-of-four described Ozzy as “funny, and weird and awkward and clumsy and just hilarious and so insightful”, throughout his health battles.

Concluding the interview, Jack said: “He’s exploding through the universe and we’re all seeing it. So, I’ll just end with this, you know, thank you.”

‘HE LIVED HIS LIFE FULLY’

Shortly after his father’s death, Jack took to social media to share a touching tribute.

He said: “I haven’t really wanted to post anything since the passing of my father. My heart has hurt too much. 

“I’m gonna keep this short because he certainly hated long rambling speeches.

“He was so many things to so many people, but I was so lucky and blessed to be apart of a very small group that got to call him “Dad.” 

“My heart is full of so much sadness and sorrow, but also so much love and gratitude.”

Jack continued: “I got 14,501 days with that man and I know that is such a blessing. I think this quote best describes my father.

“Hunter S. Thompson once said: “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body… but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, ‘Wow! What a ride!'” 

He added: “That was my dad. He lived and he lived his life fully. I love you dad.”

In recent years, Ozzy had been battling numerous health conditions, including Parkinson’s.

His official death certificate lists ‘acute myocardial infarction’ and ‘out of hospital cardiac arrest’ under the cause of death section.

It also listed coronary artery disease and Parkinson’s disease with autonomic dysfunction as “joint causes” of Ozzy’s death.

In his final performance, Ozzy sang five songs in his own set, with fans waving torches from their phones during Mama, I’m Coming Home.

He finished his performance with Crazy Train, before confetti rained over a packed Villa Park.

FAMILY UNITED

The Osbourne family have fiercely defended their late patriarch since his death.

Jack yesterday hit out at Pink Floyd legend Roger Waters in a sweary rant over comments about Ozzy.

Roger told The Independent Ink: “Ozzy Osbourne, who just died, bless him in whatever that state he was in his whole life.”

He added: “We’ll never know. The music, I have no idea. I couldn’t give a f**k.”

Roger finished by saying: “I don’t care about Black Sabbath, I never did.

“Have no interest in biting the heads of chickens or whatever they do. I couldn’t care less, you know.”

Taking to his Instagram Story, Jack soon fired back at these comments.

He penned: “Hey @rogerwaters. F*** You. How pathetic and out of touch you’ve become.

“The only way you seem to get attention these days is by vomiting out bulls*** in the press.

“My father always thought you were a c**t – thanks for proving him right.”

Meanwhile, sister Kelly Osbourne last month slammed WWE star  Becky Lynch for her comments.

The wrestler made a fiery promo ahead of her Intercontinental Title match with Nicki Bella this Sunday.

Addressing the crowd Lynch said: “The only good thing that came outta here died a month ago.”

She added: “But in fairness to Ozzy Osbourne, he had the good sense to move to L.A. Because if I lived in Birmingham, I’d die too.”

Kelly said in a post afterwards: “Becky Lynch you are a disrespectful dirtbag! Birmingham would not p*** on you if you were on fire.

“Shame on the WWE for allowing such things to be said about my father and his home!”

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POUNDLAND has shut another location in a “surprise move” after leaving it off the recently published list of store closures.

One of the popular budget retailer’s Birmingham branches has ceased trading for good.

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This comes after Poundland confirmed the locations of 48 store closures earlier this week.

The discount giant is currently undergoing major restructuring plans which include the shuttering of a whopping 68 shops by mid-October.

Among those to be closed in Birmingham were the Kings Heath and Sheldon branches on August 24, as well as the Erdington store on August 31.

However, the prominent Selly Oak Battery Retail Park was not featured on the list, but has since permanently closed down.

Shoppers were alerted to the news with signs on the shopfront reading “sorry, this store is now closed.”

Birmingham isn’t the only area facing Poundland closures, as 12 more stores across the UK are set to cease trading this week.

Ahead of the closures, a huge 75% off sale is well underway.

The Sun reported that the bargain retailer is preparing to close locations in Newcastle, Salford, Canterbury and Coventry, among many others by the end of this week.

As it stands, Poundland operates 800 stores nationwide, but the company hopes to significantly reduce this number to between 650 and 700.

The closures come as Polish owner Pepco Group sold Poundland to a US investment firm Gordon Brothers for £1 after a downturn in trading.

Pepco Group has owned the retail chain since 2016.

The retailer was put up for auction in March, with Homebase owner Hilco then reported among the bidders.

Major restructuring plans have since followed which include the string of store closures, and an £80million cash injection.

This restructuring will also facilitate the closure of its frozen and digital distribution centre in Darton, South Yorkshire, later this year.

The firm plans to shut its national distribution centre in Bilston, West Midlands by early 2026 as well.

Poundland will also stop selling products online and focus on expanding its womenswear and seasonal ranges.

On the closures, Darren MacDonald, retail director at Poundland, said: “While our anticipated network of around 650-700 stores remains sizeable, it is of course, sincerely regrettable that we’re closing a number of stores to allow us to get us back on track.

“We entirely understand how disappointing it will be for customers when a store nearby closes, but we look forward to continuing to welcome them to one of our other locations.

“Work is underway to with colleagues through a formal consultation process in stores scheduled to close, exploring any suitable alternative roles.”

Full list of Poundland August closures:

The following Poundland stores closed permanently on August 17:

• Bedford
• Bidston Moss
• Broxburn
• Craigavon
• Dartmouth
• East Dulwich
• Falmouth
• Hull St Andrews
• Newtonabbey
• Perth
• Poole
• Sunderland
• Stafford
• Thornaby
• Worcester

An additional 12 locations will shut on August 24:

• Brigg
• Canterbury
• Coventry
• Newcastle
• Kings Heath
• Peterborough
• Peterlee
• Rainham
• Salford
• Sheldon
• Wells
• Whitechapel

Finally, on August 31, the following branches will also close:

• Blackburn
• Cookstown
• Erdington
• Kimberley Kimberley Shopping Centre, Nottingham
• Horsham
• Hull Holderness
• Kettering
• Omagh
• Shepherds Bush
• Southport
• Taunton

SHOPPERS are going wild for huge bags of Popeyes chips which are currently on sale at a major chain. 

The tasty treats are retailing for less than £2 for a huge 1kg pack. 

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Heron Foods is known for supplying high-quality food for low prices and operates 343 locations across the UK. 

Now, the company has gone viral for selling delicious Popeyes chips for staggeringly low prices. 

Popeyes’ Cajun Coated Oven Fries are on sale at Heron Foods in massive 1kg packs. 

Each pack costs just £1.79 and contains fries slathered in the company’s famous seasoning. 

Popeyes’ cajun coating includes paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to give each chip a smoky flavour. 

Shoppers have gone wild for the treat, after an eagle-eyed shopper spotted the snack yesterday.

One excited fan wrote “these are delicious”, with another adding “they are so good”. 

Others praised Heron Foods for stocking the coated fries, describing the budget-friendly retailer as “underrated”. 

One customer wrote: “Heron is so underrated!! 

“You can find some amazing things!

“Heron is so underrated!! You can find some amazing things!”

The news comes after Popeyes announced plans to open 45 new restaurants across the UK this year. 

The American fast food chain has secured £43 million from Barclays Corporate Banking as it adds to its existing 80 locations in Britain. 

The chain’s UK chief finance officer Drew Taylor said: “Barclays are a highly supportive banking partner of Popeyes in the UK.

“The new finance facilities will enable us to build on our successful growth in the UK to date and execute our expansion strategy over the coming years, with more than 45 openings targeted in 2025 alone.”

Popeyes’ first UK store was opened in the Westfield Shopping Centre in Stratford, London, but now it is eyeing more locations across the country. 

Birmingham, Leeds and Bristol can all expect new Popeyes locations, with Liverpool, Manchester and London all receiving additional branches.

Popeyes’ Savin’ Menu

Popeyes is one of the biggest fast food chains in America.

Now, the company is a hit in the UK as well with many of its products now available at stores such as Heron Foods.

However, the chain’s 83 UK branches have also introduced a brand new menu which makes its food even more affordable.

The Savin’ Menu includes:

• Savin’ Wrap – £1.99
• 1-piece Bone-in-Chicken with Fries – £2.99
• 2 Wings Solo – £1.99 or with Fries – £2.99
• 1 Tender with Fries – £2.99
• 2 Tenders with Fries – £3.49
• 3 Wings with Fries – £3.49
• Regular Fries – £1.99
• Biscuit and Gravy – £2.59
• Mac and Cheese – £3.50
• Gravy Savin’ Box – £5.69
• Mini Whipz – £1.99

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It was football media day for six West Valley League teams on Saturday at Granada Hills, and as a unit, the coaches and players are convinced they have a chance to be the best league in the City Section in terms of competition.

While defending league champion Birmingham has an overall 49-game winning streak against City Section opponents, Cleveland, Granada Hills, Chatsworth, Taft and El Camino Real hope to be factors in the playoffs.

Cleveland is making strides to challenge for second place with a group of talented juniors, including two Nigerian-born players, running back Moyosoreoluwa Odebunmi and linebacker Oluwafemi Okeola.

Odebunmi, in his first varsity carry in a scrimmage against Van Nuys on Thursday, ran for a touchdown.

“When I scored, I was like, ‘Oh wow,’” he said. “But I know it’s not going to be easy.”

Birmingham has an offensive line filled with 300 pounders, and when 6-foot-5, 260-pound quarterback Kevin Hawkins plays tight end, the Patriots are truly giants up front. Coach Jim Rose said of Hawkins running the ball: “It’s like tackling a lineman. He’s a huge guy out there.”

Birmingham held a pizza eating contest this past week, and the winner was lineman Pablo Granados, who ate 10 slices in seven minutes. Hawkins was runner-up with seven.

Chatsworth offensive lineman Pablo Escobedo is known for riding his horse in his Chatsworth neighborhood. “It’s pretty cool,” he said.

Chatsworth should have one of the league’s best running backs in junior Devin Del Toro, who has been playing running back and linebacker since his freshman season. Coach Shawn Johnson said he has made “a huge jump.”

There are two players in the league who are outstanding two-sport athletes in football and baseball. That’s Taft quarterback/catcher Nathan Swinson and El Camino Real defensive back/center fielder Shane Bogacz.

Both try to find time to hit the batting cages to stay sharp during football season.

Granada Hills will continue to run the double-wing attack, focusing on running the ball, but the midseason availability of transfer quarterback Taiyo Dorio from Crescenta Valley could cause coach Bucky Brooks to try a pass or two.

Wingback Myles Cross drew laughter when he said, “I caught a pass.”

Brooks offered praise to all coaches and players in the City Section.

“I applaud all those who opted to stay in the neighborhood and play for neighborhood schools,” he said. “I want to salute everyone. I love the competitiveness.”