Meet the human CCTV: a PCSO with a memory for faces so sharp he has apprehended more than 130 suspects in the last year alone with his eagle eyed talents. Community officer Andy Pope has been dubbed West Midlands Police's 'Memory Man' for his astonishing ability to spot criminals simply by memorising their faces. He spends hours every week poring over stills taken from CCTV and images from police briefing systems before hitting the streets of Birmingham to seek out troublemakers. So far, Andy's unique crime-tackling technique has led to the arrest and conviction of thieves, sex offenders and people wanted for violent crimes. In one remarkable case he even recognised a serial robber who walked past him in the city centre a whole year after his image had appeared on BBC's Crimewatch programme. The 34-year-old, who works with the Safer Travel team policing public transport routes, is now to be honoured with an award for police staff member of the year. Andy said: "With Safer Travel I spend a lot of time in Birmingham and on arterial routes into the centre. A lot of offenders do pass through city at some point and, when they do, I want to be able to recognise them.
A TAXIDERMY truck spotted in America’s Deep South could be the most gruesome wagon on the road .
A makeup artist from the West Midlands magically transforms herself into famous cartoon characters using body paint .
A brave leopard kicks back and relaxes in the sunshine - just inches from an enormous crocodile .
WITH the phosphorescent blobs and mesmerising patterns, these spectacular images may look like the hall marks of an enchanted forest but it is in fact the scene of thousands of dancing FIREFLIES .
COURAGEOUS climbers descend 400 metres as they manoeuvre their way through thick walls of ice .
STARING intently into the camera, a polar bear appears to be lost in thought while relaxing in the snow .
Kevin Silva, 52 from Indiana in the USA, has spent an estimated £65K ($100K) on Batman trinkets over the years, and even keeps his 2,500-item haul in his very own basement 'Bat Cave' .
Beautiful turquoise waves rise and fall in a series of stunning images taken along the coastline of south-eastern Australia .
BREATHING life back into old photographs, these black and white images are transformed by colour .
SURROUNDED by divers, a hungry green sea turtle enjoys being the centre of attention .
A BABY-faced burglar is starting a seven year stretch in custody after being nabbed by a Jaffa Cake .
