North Ayrshire’s operation revealed consumer malpractice which involved not only non-hallmarking of articles but manufacture of under-carat products. Like most parts of the UK, North Ayrshire has seen an explosion in the trading of scrap gold in recent years, driven by the high price of gold and the consumer squeeze. Trading Standards set out to monitor the local market place to ensure a fair trading environment for buyers and sellers alike. Their close scrutiny and “mystery sho…

Kay Alexander presents the Queen with Andy Macgowan's silverbowl to mark the Diamond Jubilee in 2012[/caption] Kay joined the BBC at its Pebble Mill studios immediately after graduating and was initially a reporter on Radio 4, working on ‘You & Yours’, ‘Checkpoint’ and ‘Woman’s Hour’. She moved on to the Midlands Today television team where she remained throughout her career, a familiar face and voice to all those in the West Midlands.In addition to mak…