Readers of the Express & Star had donated toys, games and books to the newspaper offices in Cannock, Stafford and Lichfield, which were distributed to local hospitals for children who had to spend Christmas there. Julie Marks and Cannock Chase Hospital ar

Ravi had received 9 A grades in his GCSEs at Stafford Independent Grammar School and moving on to his A-Levels, planning to study science at Cambridge.

Evelyn had lived in the same Staffordshire Council house for 50 years, and she was invited to a special reception at the Mayor’s parlour where Mayor Councillor Matt Guymer presented her with a Royal Doulton dish and bouquet to mark the occasion. Her husba

Jade joined a line-up of live entertainment focussed around America at Bingley Hall in Stafford. Mr Blobby is mentioned. The photograph shows Jade with cowgirls Jill Appleton (left) and Heather Cooke.

Members of the group planted a tree in memory of the people who died in the Tiananmen Square massacre in Peking, China. Li Hitao and Human Rights Day are mentioned. The photograph shows John O’Leary of Staffordshire County Council (right) with others.

Dozens of students paid for the chance to abseil 50 foot down the building to raise money as part of the Rag Day event. The photograph shows Helen Darlington collecting the fee from Martyn Howes.

Protestors handed in a petition to Lichfield District Council demanding travellers be allowed to stay on an illegal site, owned by Joe Jenkins. Alan Birch is mentioned. The photograph shows families with placards outside the Council offices.

Brian and his colleague, Harry Skelton (left) of Meyrick Road in Stafford, were both retiring after notching up nearly 60 years between them for Stafford Borough Council.

Better known for his record-breaking abseiling, Phil had opened a shop focussed on scuba diving and snorkelling equipment. The photograph shows Justina Brough with Phil.

Members of the Circle were working hard to get the narrow gauge locomotive Isabel back running at Amerton Farm. W G Bagnalls in Stafford and Victoria Park are mentioned. The photograph shows Roger Greatrex, Alan Civil and Lawrence Hodgkinson.