The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Glenis Slater, joined local business people and dignitaries from across Solihull to celebrate a book launch and the creation of a new National Civil Service Award.

The event saw acclaimed blind Solihull speaker and author John Flanner MBE realise his dream of seeing his latest book, Bitzaro to Buckingham, published for the first time.

The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Glenis Slater, commented: “It has been an honour and a privilege for me to meet John. He has proved that no matter what happens in life, with the right determination and encouragement, anybody can do anything. I am looking forward to reading his latest book.”