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Protestors urge UK to accept more child refugees from Calais

Protestors gathered outside Sheffield train station on Friday to call for the UK to provide more support in accepting child refugees from the Jungle camp in Calais. The peaceful demonstration was designed to raise awareness of the plight of refugee children. Children’s shoes were lined up outside the station to symbolise the young refugees in need and protestors lit candles and waved banners. A similar protest was also organised in Barnsley. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Val Huzzard from Sheffield Donations for Refugees.

Meadowhall waves goodbye to Herd of Sheffield

The Herd of Sheffield elephants say one final goodbye to the city this weekend before they are auctioned off to the highest bidder to raise funds for charity. All 58 elephants have been on display outside the Meadowhall Shopping Centre for the public to have one final glimpse at their favorites. The Herd of Sheffield initiative was created by The Children’s Hospital Charity and Wild in Art, uniting businesses, communities, artists and schools. It has proved hugely popular with the public with many people taking selfies next to their favourite elephant and following the “Herd Trail”. Also present at Meadowhall were artist Steve McKay who designed two of the elephants, Darren Pearce the Centre Director of Meadowhall and the Director of the Childrens Hospital Charity David Vernon Edwards. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!

Heeley MP joins Labour front bench with digital economy brief

Sheffield Heeley MP, Louise Haigh, has been given shadow ministerial responsibility for the digital economy in the latest reshuffle by opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn. The move comes at an important time, with the Digital Economy Bill currently progressing through Parliament. Sheffield Live! reporter Bailor Jalloh spoke to Louise Haigh about her new role.

Anti-fracking protesters campaign for a ‘Frack Free University’

Sheffield University students have launched a ‘frack free university’campaign with a series of awareness raising events. Campaigners are concerned that fracking could come to Sheffield following the recent approval of fracking licences in North Yorkshire. Speaking at the launch panel organised by Sheffield University Students Union were Simon Bowens a member of Friends of the Earth and Tina Rothery of Frack Free Nana, a group of women who have led campaigns against fracking in Lancashire. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!

Sheffield celebrates Black History Month

Events and activities for Black History Month are being organised in Sheffield as part of an international celebration. The month recognises the contribution of Black and ethnic minorities in Britain to cultural, political, social and economic life. Black History Month has been celebrated in Sheffield since 1997 though its origins date back to the United States in the 1920s. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Vena Truscoft, director of SYAC.

UKIP puts party “scuffle” under investigation

The UK Independence Party have started an inquiry into the incident that saw MEP Steven Woolfe admitted to hospital. The incident, described as a “scuffle” by UKIP’s temporary leader Nigel Farage, came after Woolfe was reported to be one of the favourites for election as the party’s next leader. Sheffield Live! reporter Shamaan Freeman-Powell spoke to UKIP councillor and former police inspector Jack Clarkson.

Man with the Pram launches fundraising autobiography

Green-haired local hero, John Burkhill, known as the Man with the Pram, has launched his autobiography to raise more money for Macmillan cancer charity. John who is 77 years old, has raised £350,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support and has completed at least 965 races including running the London Marathon 16 times. The book, which costs £9.99, tells John’s life story and explains why, in all weathers, he pushes a pram around the streets of Sheffield.

Raising awareness of M.E.

Sheffield M.E. Group are providing a public information point this week in the Winter Gardens to raise awareness about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.). Sheffield M.E. Group are a registered charity providing information, support, and a point of contact for people of all ages with M.E., as well as their families and carers. M.E., also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (C.F.S.) and Fibromyalgia, is estimated to effect around 7,000 people locally.

Cars destroyed in Parson Cross arson rampage

Police have appealed for witnesses after eleven cars were set on fire in a three-hour rampage in Parson Cross on Friday night. Thousands of pounds of damage has been caused, with some of the vehicles almost completely destroyed. The incidents happened on Herries Road, Barrie Crescent and Morgan Road between 11.30pm on Friday night and 2.00am on Saturday morning. Victims told Sheffield Live they were unsure whether insurance would cover the costs.

Musicians unite to raise money for homeless

Musicians in Sheffield are playing a special gig in support of people facing homelessness as part of a national campaign. Local band manager Neil Raymond Clarke, who has himself previously experienced homelessness in London, and Rachel Brown from Northern Exposure magasine are co-hosting the Sheffield event, one of many happening across the UK under the banner ‘Musicians against Homelessness’. The events are the brain child of former Creation Records boss Alan McGee. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!