Birmingham Mail

Imprezzive Looks! ; Subaru has Given Its New Impreza a Complete Makeover and the Changes Are Not Just Skin Deep

YOU don't have to be a car enthusiast to realise that Subaru's Impreza STI is not aimed at the motorist who is just looking for something to do the weekly shopping in or take the kids to school. The huge air scoop in the bonnet, the deep front valance, the large spoiler over the rear window and the side skirts let you know this is a mean machine.

Win a Classic Mini ; Restored 1960 'Mo' Car Up for Grabs Ahead of Nec Showpiece Motor Event

ALL the celebrations for Mini's 50th anniversary have gone to the head of the organisers of the Classic Motor Show, held at Birmingham's NEC from November 13 to 15. They are giving the fantastic 1960 Morris Mini restored at last year's show away in a text-to-win competition.

Are You Smooth? ; Drivers Offered Challenge to Find Out How They Could Save Pounds 500 a Year On Fuel

EFFICIENT driving tests carried out around Birmingham revealed that drivers could cut their fuel costs by as much as pounds 493.78 a year - just by learning to drive more efficiently. The local people who drove the route in the same Ford ECOnetic Focus car used on average an amazing 37 per cent more fuel than an expert driver from BP Ultimate's Great British Fuel Efficiency Challenge.

Take Control, Riders Urged

A PILOT training scheme for moped and motorcycle riders has proved so successful that it is being expanded this summer to include anyone who rides in Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire or Shropshire. The new 'Take Control' rider training courses will offer riders of any type of machine - from a first scooter to a large sports bike - the opportunity to improve their skills, confidence and temperament for no or very low cost.

Atherstone All Set to Role Once More

Suzuki Gets German Touch

SUZUKI has introduced a new range of wheels for its Hungarian- made Swift models. The new Leipzig set of alloys are of 17-inch diameter and are shod with premium quality Pirelli PZero Nero tyres, adding up to pounds 1,160 for four.

Bmw Gives Suvs the M Power

BMW has made a controversial decision to introduce one of its most powerful engines for use on its two largest so-called "Chelsea Tractors". The M badge has always been the preserve of the company's sportiest road-going cars and now it will be used to indicate the ultra-high performance of the X5 and X6 4x4s.

Boulton's Musical Memories

THE BICENTENARY celebrations of Matthew Boulton continue in the city tomorrow with a special concert celebrating the Birmingham industrialist's favourite classical music. Hark! I hear Musick! will be performed by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Baroque Ensemble at St Philip's Cathedral.

Love has a Field Day at Service ; Anniversary: Couple Still Devoted After 60 Years

JOYCE and Charlie Field proved their love is just as strong as 60 years ago when they went back down the aisle to mark their diamond wedding. The doting couple, both aged 87, renewed their vows and pledged to stick by one another through thick and thin as they passed the milestone.

It's a Wrap! Tv Danny's Chippy Visit ; Take It Away: Celebs Enjoy George and Helen's Fare

A BIRMINGHAM takeaway is fast becoming the chippy of choice for celebs. Football Factory and Human Traffic star Danny Dyer is the latest star to sample fish and chips from George and Helen's Chip Shop in Harborne.

Woman Airlifted After Crash

A WOMAN was airlifted to hospital and a man seriously injured after a two-car collision in Worcestershire. They were in two separate cars which were involved in a collision at 4.50pm on Wednesday on the A448 between Mus-toGreen and Kidderminster at Stone.

Shades of Diana As Usual Suspects Cash in On Jacko ; Insideview

I AM still in a fair amount of shock about the death of Michael Jackson. There seems to be unprecedented coverage on the strange life and the stranger death of the pop star.

Poundland Eyes Up Woolies

MIDLAND retailer Poundland has targeted eight former Woolworths stores as part of expansion plans, despite the economic gloom. The Willenhall firm - which sells everything for pounds 1 - recently opened up for business in six former Woolworths stores including in Kings Heath and Stratford-upon-Avon.

Future Safer for Metalrax ; Industry: Refinancing Deal Will Be Vital Says Firm

THE jobs of hundreds of West Midland workers looked safer today after Birmingham-based Metalrax PLC agreed in principle a crucial refinancing deal with the banks. Last month Metalrax published annual results revealing a pounds 16.2 million loss for 2008, warning that its future as a "going concern" was in potential jeopardy.

Nhs Meeting

Nail Appeal

Pupils Taken Away ; Victims: Forced Marriage

TEACHERS were today urged to be on the lookout for the tell-tale signs that pupils could be potential victims of forced marriage. Foreign Office minister Chris Bryant insisted every school should now be looking at the issue ahead of the summer break, thought to be a peak time for incidents of young people, usually girls, and forced by their families to marry.

Fatal Crash Victim Named

A PENSIONER who died in a road accident in Birmingham was named today as Dorothy Janet Davis, aged 69. She was the driver of a Suzuki Wagon R which was in collision with a Mercedes lorry in Brandwood Road, Kings Heath. Mrs Davis, who lived in Kings Norton, was pronounced dead in hospital after the accident at 12.30pm on Tuesday.

Help Birds to Feed

Jewel of a Festival Debut to Sparkle ; Leisure: Treasure Hunt and Farmers' Market at Jewellery Quarter Event

THE Jewellery Quarter will play host to a festival for the first time tomorrow to celebrate its heritage and the continuing legacy of Matthew Boulton. It has been organised by the Jewellery Quarter Regeneration Partnership and will also feature the first farmers' market to be held in the city centre district.