Jessica Labhart

Wednesfield history commemorated in exhibition

Some of Wednesfield's most historic events, including the tragic crash of a Lancaster Bomber just days after VE Day, are to be commemorated this month.

Jessica Labhart: A week full of leaks

Jessica Labhart on Trump the terminator, Labour leaks and blue men in Birmingham.

20 jobs to be axed at 'inadequate' Wednesfield school in bid to cut costs

Around 20 jobs are set to be axed at one of the University of Wolverhampton's central academies.

'I woke in a world of pain' - IRA Hyde Park bombing victim speaks of lasting trauma - WATCH

A chance return to the scene of the IRA's notorious Hyde Park bomb attack has helped one victim open up about his trauma - and its lasting effects

Brierley Hill murder probe as woman's body found

A murder probe has been launched after the body of a woman was found in Brierley Hill.

Wolverhampton radio presenter in charity DJ marathon

A radio presenter from Wolverhampton is to be live on air for 36 hours straight to raise funds for a well-known city charity. WCR (Wolverhampton Community Radio) FM host James Levett, from Pendeford, did a 24-hour radio marathon last year, raising more than £1,000.

Bilston Town Hall to hold bake off in memory of Jo Cox

People are being invited to attend a special Bake Off event being held in memory of murdered MP Jo Cox. MP for Wolverhampton South East, Pat McFadden, has organised the event with the Jo Cox Foundation to promote community cohesion.

Miss Wolverhampton pays bridal and prom dress shop a visit - WATCH

Miss Wolverhampton has visited a new bridal and prom dress store in the city - Elizabeth Jade - as part of her ambassador work. Faye Campbell, aged 18 from Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, a was one of 15 girls out of 70 from across the country to progress to the final of the Miss England competition after the semi-finals where she given the title 'Miss Wolverhampton' in July last year.

Black Mamba and Spice crimes are on the increase

The number of reported crimes involving the use of illegal so-called 'Spice' and 'Black Mamba' has increased from one to more than 300 in the last three years.

Goodyear a "little planet" to former workers

A "little planet" showing the iconic Goodyear factory has been created by a former worker.

Black comedy coming to Wolverhampton

Secg, which began in Sedgley in 1968 but now holds rehearsals and performances at Towers Theatre, Tettenhall College, Wolverhampton, will perform The Anniversary from tomorrow until Saturday. The comedy, written by playwright Bill Macilwraith, tells the story of a mother and her three sons.

Tickets for Wolverhampton Grand Slam of Darts on sale next week

The tickets will go on priority sale on Tuesday and on general sale on Thursday. Tickets will be limited to eight per person per session for tables. The 32-player cross-code event sees stars from both the Professional Darts Corporation and British Darts Organisation systems competing across nine days at Wolverhampton Civic Hall.

Ghostly tale to haunt The Grand Theatre

A West End show based on a spine-chilling novel comes to Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre later this month.

Marathon mission for RAF Cosford Museum

The Mayor and Mayoress of Wolverhampton have officially launched a series of marathons that aim at raising £100,000 for a well-known museum.

Tributes paid as much-loved former Beacon Radio DJ dies

Tributes have been pouring in following the death of a well-known and much loved radio DJ who died last month.

Former workers visit Springfield Brewery

The former Springfield Brewery site welcomed some familiar faces as former workers visited the historic centre as part of an ongoing project with the University of Wolverhampton.

Take That, Genting Arena, Birmingham - review

It was a weird and wonderful Wonderland.

It's a right royal view as hospital reappears during former bus depot demolition

Piles of rubble, swirls of dust and looming cranes - these dramatic images reveal the ongoing work to transform Wolverhampton's former bus depot site.

Wolverhampton garage booze sales branded 'ludicrous' by councillors

Plans to give a petrol station in a residential area a licence to sell alcohol has been criticised by city councillors.

From palace to park: New Weston Park butler has royal seal of approval

It's a right royal appointment - a new head butler who once served the Queen at Buckingham Palace has been appointed at Weston Park.

Nightscape of Wolverhampton goes on display at Mayor's Parlour

This spectacular nightscape of Wolverhampton, created from the rooftop of the iconic Wolverhampton School of Art is set to hang on the walls of the mayor's parlour.

Brierley Hill death: Residents call for hostel where body found to be closed

People living close to a hostel where a 17-year-old girl was found dead last week have called for the place to be shut down.

Hundreds queue for Matilda tickets in Birmingham

'Much too good for children!' - hundreds of eager theatregoers have queued at Birmingham Hippodrome to get their hands on tickets to see Matilda the Musical.

Major transformation of Wolverhampton market given go-ahead

Council chiefs have revealed a major revamp of Wolverhampton's markets will begin in August.

AMBULANCE FINES SOAR TO £261K

Police swoop over charity shop raids

Uni will toast £100m project in Parliament

How marathon has stood the test of time

It feels fantastic! Poet gets seal of approval from Dame Vera Lynn

Event goes off with a Big Bang

Stunning shots in centre of city

Canalside vision

Show is a hit uh huh-huh!

Terrible reality of life on the streets

Fee-fi-fo-fun! Stars are back for panto

Hoot and bothered! Owls radiator rescue

Inmate was robbed and beaten in cell

Home is where the heart is as city-based rapper plays Slade

£4k for thoughtful appeal

Consider-a-bull bike ride success

The Oscars 2017: Wins, losses and mishaps mark the 89th Academy Awards ceremony

It'll be a ceremony that perhaps will be remembered for all the wrong reasons, but did the winners really deserve their titles and did the losers really deserve to walk away empty-handed? The 2017 Academy Awards crowned Moonlight as Best Picture. The film tells the life story of Chiron, a young black man growing up in Miami.

Travellers set up camp on Willenhall car park

Travellers have set up camp in another car park in Willenhall and could now receive parking tickets from the council. The latest site the travellers have pitched up on is the short stay car park based on Wolverhampton Street. The new encampment comes just days after travellers arrived on the Wakes ground car and lorry park with around nine caravans.

How safe is your child in cyberspace?

Wolverhampton taxi drivers warned not to use old rank

Hackney carriage taxi drivers in Wolverhampton will be breaking the law if they continue to park along a city centre street, council highways chiefs have said. Drivers who were told by the council to use Albion Street as a make-shift feeder taxi rank for Wolverhampton train station will now not be able to park there after the council announced where the new permanent rank will be.

DX FREIGHT PLANS SET FOR GO-AHEAD

Drake, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham - review

He may have just been named International Male Solo Artist at the Brit Awards, but last night, the Canadian artist made Birmingham, or as he now calls it, 'Brum', his second home. The gig, part of the artist's The Boy Meets World Tour and held at the second city's Barclaycard Arena, saw a packed crowd of around 14,000 people get 'turnt up' for a night of celebration.

Swiss Air Force to perform at Cosford Air Show

The Swiss Air Force will be be sending their PC-7 Team to perform in the skies on June 11 as part of the show which takes place as RAF Cosford, near Wolverhampton, every year.

Gifted young artists showcase their work at Wolverhampton Art Gallery

Gifted young artists are showcasing their work at the city centre art gallery as part of a scheme to champion the creative talents of pupils. The Lichfield Street art gallery invited the art department from Colton Hills School, in Jeremy Road, to select their students' best pieces for show, which marks the first of the 2017 schools' exhibitions.

On this spot... nothing happened - Joke blue plaque installed at Wolverhampton home

Light-hearted Tony Levy has taken matters into his own hands by installing a comedy blue metal plaque above his own home. This type of plaque usually commemorates a link between that location and a famous person or event - but Tony's, outside his home in Wednesfield, does the opposite.

Film review: Prevenge at The Lighthouse

Revenge. They say it's a dish best served cold. But in the case of Prevenge, well it was dish that was unexpectedly enjoyable to see being cooked. The film is directed by and stars Alice Lowe who plays Ruth, a seven-months' pregnant mum-to-be on a mission to kill everyone that she believes has indirectly or indeed directly caused the premature death of her boyfriend and baby daddy.

COUNCIL TAX RISE IS LOWEST AROUND

Launch of this year’s city marathon as organisers ready for 20th anniversary

Wolverhampton council tax rise is lowest across the Black Country

The 3.99 per cent increase means the city council is the only one not proposing the maximum increase allowed of five per cent. Neighbouring cash-strapped authorities in Walsall, Dudley and Sandwell are all putting council tax up by 4.99 per cent.

Anita and Me, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre - review and pictures

It's the 1970s in a Black Country mining village. The mine shuts down, a Punjabi family moves in, a new motorway is due to be built, a school is demolished. Times are changing here. Unlikely friendships are forged, broken and lost, as are marriages, jobs and livelihoods.

Burntwood actress in Anita And Me at Wolverhampton Grand

Burntwood actress Megan McCormick, left, is starring in the latest stage production of Anita and Me, based on Meera Syal's semi-autobiographical novel of the same name. The production, at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre runs until Saturday and sees Megan star as Tracey - the fiesty sister of Anita played by Laura Aramayo.

Hundreds visit mosques

Window cleaners live life on the ledge

Protesters join forces against Trump ban

Hundreds will pay respects to Rachael

Animal magic coming to Wolverhampton with rehearsals under way for puppet show

From baby orangutans to towering grey elephants, the exotic world of the jungle is to come to Wolverhampton this summer with rehearsals for the show, Running Wild, well underway. The production, which features the puppetry design and direction by Finn Caldwell and Toby Olié, who were both previous associate puppetry directors on War Horse, arrives at The Grand Theatre in the city on June 6 to 10.

Emotional day for veteran Viv’s 100th

FINES FOR LITTER ROCKET IN YEAR

Action urged over parking

Auctioneers on high alert with Star Wars bidding war due to break out

RAGING INFERNO GUTS WAREHOUSE

Train spotting at hi-tech centre

Mice infestation at city sandwich shop

Young Voices hit the high notes

Young Voices, Genting Arena, Birmingham - PICTURES and VIDEO

It's not often that you get to see young people showing off their musical talents at one of the top music venues in the UK. It's even rarer to see 6,000 of them altogether, singing and dancing and having the time of their lives.

Close-up access to Cold War aeroplanes

Popular pub eyed up as new stop for Wolverhampton cabbies

Hackney carriage taxi drivers in Wolverhampton city centre are to find themselves relocated to a new area close to a popular pub as the council is considering where to put their new rank. Council bosses had initially told the drivers to use Albion Street, a residential street close to the railway station as the 'interim' feeder rank whilst a long-term location was decided upon.

Pub eyed up as new stop for city cabbies

My madcap motors are just a bit of fun

Wheely great! Mechanic Neil shows off his crazy creations - VIDEO and PICTURES

A Midlands mechanic with an eye for the magical has displayed some of his most unusual car creations after an appeal by the Express & Star unearthed his talents. Neil Turner, aged 60, from Codsall, has been a mechanic since he was 15.

Piano is key to future of Grand’s lounge

A glorious feeling

Rents reduced while service charges rise

Health Bus is just the ticket

Celebrating unsung heroes

Driver trapped in van after smash

Stars in world of comedy will bring laughter to charity gala

Top security firm to move its HQ to i54

Market wall collapses ‘wrong way’

Top security firm to move its HQ to i54

A leading security firm is to take up a new unit at Wolverhampton's i54 business park as part of a new multi-million pound deal. The i54 will house a state-of-the-art HQ for security specialists ERA after securing around £10 million of funding from Aberdeen Asset Management PLC.

Concern over child safety on the rise in Wolverhampton

The number of children being referred to Wolverhampton safeguarding services through their GP is on the increase, according to new figures. In the last four years, the number of children that have been referred by their GP to the council's safeguarding department was 203. From April 2015 to April 2016 the number of referrals was 28.

Rents down but service charges go up in Wolverhampton

The one per cent reduction in rents for tenants of council-owned homes is to come into force from April this year and will run for the next four years. The reduction is a mandatory one which was unveiled by the then Chancellor George Osborne as part of his budget statement in July 2015.

Debris spills into road during Wolverhampton Market demolition

Work to demolish Wolverhampton's former market took an unexpected turn as a wall collapsed, spilling debris on to the road. A group of five construction workers were spotted trying to deal with the collapsed wall along at the former Westside Wolverhampton Retail Market at Peel Street.

Campaigners win bus service battle

Campaigners in Wednesfield win bus service stops battle - WATCH

Campaigners who battled to get a bus service to make stops in Wednesfield have won their fight against transport chiefs. They battled for the elderly and disabled to continue to use services in the Wood End area that had been disrupted due to repair work to Pinfold Bridge.

£120k work will see canal locking good

Wolverhampton canal to get £120,000 revamp

The Birmingham Canal Old Main Line runs through the city as well as other parts of the Black Country. Now, a new programme of work will see the canal's lock gates replaced and historic brickwork restored.

I named teddy Justin so I can cuddle him

We didn't want our drive dug up! Wolverhampton nurse comes home to muddy patch of land and £2.5k...

Traders pulled up a family's driveway in Wolverhampton - then put a note through the door with a £2,500 bill. Nurse Tracey Jones was horrified to find a muddy patch of land where her drive used to be on returning to her home in Finchfield.

Panto staff help to sprinkle the stardust

Crashes and delays as the snow arrives

Wolverhampton cabbies asked to use residential street near station as taxi rank

Hackney carriage taxi drivers in Wolverhampton have been told by the council to use a residential street near the railway station as a make-shift taxi rank. The advice to use it while an additional rank is created has come from the council after improvements to the railway station saw a new entrance open for motorists on January 8.

La La Land, Light House Cinema, Wolverhampton - review

La La Land is not what I expected it to be. I have never sat through a film that has made me want to laugh, dance , sing and sob all at the same time. But watching this, made me all those things.

Delight after field is saved

La La Land, Light House Cinema, Wolverhampton - review

La La Land is not what I expected it to be. I have never sat through a film that has made me want to laugh, dance , sing and sob all at the same time. But watching this, made me all those things.

Sea scared swimming star Ellie

Pub saved from axe as licence renewed

£340k boost to train aerospace engineers

Work on £10.1 million centre taking shape

BOOZE BAN PLAN FOR CITY STREETS

The whirlwind life of our 999 lifesavers

Trouble on the buses is caught on camera

Top role is filled for university’s new hub

Bus changes ‘will leave us stranded’

Beverley checks into The Halcyon for debut

Number of attacks on firefighters rises

An act of cod? Firefighters put out fish on fire after 999 call

Fire crews have responded to an unusual call after a huge carp was placed on a fire in open grassland. The common carp, which weighed at least 10kg, was found burning on Wednesday night.

Warning is issued over abduction fear close to schools in Codsall

The man, who was driving a silver grey Transit van, was spotted twice in Codsall yesterday. He first tried to entice Codsall Middle School pupil into his van near to the Co-op in the village yesterday.

Find out about the whirlwind life of our 999 lifesavers

Most of us would consider eight hours a day sat behind a desk more than enough, thank you very much, writes Express & Star reporter Jessica Labhart. I include myself in this, of course.

La La Land opens at Wolverhampton's Light House

Film fans will be able to catch two of this year's Golden Globe winners at a city cinema from today. Musical La La Land, which stars Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, claimed a total of seven awards at this week's Golden Globe ceremony.

Police plan to ban drinking on the streets of Wolverhampton city centre

It would make the Park and St Peter's wards alcohol-free zones in a move to stop anti-social behaviour. The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) would see police given the power to seize alcohol from people and make them stop drinking where anti-social behaviour is occurring or likely to occur.

Now drinking could be banned on the streets of Wolverhampton city centre

It would make the Park and St Peter's wards alcohol-free zones in a move to stop anti-social behaviour. The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) would see police given the power to seize alcohol from people and make them stop drinking where anti-social behaviour is occurring or likely to occur.

Mixed bag as train passengers react to fares going up by a third

Mixed bag as train passengers react to fares going up by a third

Mother raises £2k for neonatal unit to thank them over baby Remi’s care

Blast from the past as old ticket offers glimpse into bygone era

Marathon fundraising effort

Oh Santa Baby! Daughter’s birth delivers perfect Christmas for family

Bid for workers as car giant takes over

Who’s Next please? Bargain hunters are up early to bag best discounts and Crowds out for annual...

Theatre blockbusters coming to the Grand

Boxing Day hunt: Hundreds of people turn out for start of event from Hagley - PICTURES

It's a Christmas tradition dating back centuries. But the annual Boxing Day hunt was a popular as ever as hundreds flocked to see the hounds off in Hagley. The Albrighton and Woodland Hunt, which started off from the grounds of Hagley Hall, near Stourbridge, saw generations of families come together to cheer on the riders, their horses and the dogs.

Number of homeless children hits 3,600

Residential move for offices near Molineux

Emotional farewell to the end of an era

Goodyear timeline: The highs and lows of tyre-making from 1898 to 2017

From opening in Ohio in 1898 to heading across the Atlantic in 1927 to the dawn of downsizing at the end of the 20th century. It's been up and down for Goodyear and Wolverhampton. 1898 - Goodyear was founded in Akron, Ohio, USA by Frank A Seibeding and developed steadily, building up its tyre-making reputation in the USA and Canada.

Goodyear closure: Workers left deeply sad at end of an era

Former Goodyear workers have expressed their 'deep sadness' that the plant has closed its doors for the final time today. The closure marks almost 90 years since the iconic company opened its doors and is the end of the era for the firm which first set up and produced a tyre in the city in 1927.

Anger as wheel spinning yobs rip up freshly laid turf leaving eyesore

Hello Bully, remember me?

Santa gets on two wheels to deliver presents as bikers help with charity event

Hundreds of bikers took to the streets of Halesowen and Birmingham in their festive finery to donate toys and essential items to seriously ill youngsters and their families. A total of 300 bikers from across the West Midlands and Shropshire came together on Sunday to present children at Birmingham Children's Hospital with Christmas presents.

Supermarket sweeps in with £11k gift

Welcome mat for services

Putting art back on the map

Book gives glimpse of 19th century life

Explore an Aladdin’s cave of panto gems

Phil bangs drum for Collins tribute band

New arrivals at centre

Care home praised for ‘spicing up’ lives and A touch of frost for festive shoppers

Help to progress on career ladder

Dream turnout for star-studded event

United front against violence to women

One in five tenants have rogue landlords

Club rises phoenix-like from the ashes

GAS BLAST FAMILY STILL KEPT WAITING

Why we want name up in lights

Nursery hit in raid gets £44k boost

Cambridge? Pah! It’s time to get hands-on

City shows seasonal sparkle

Hundreds join in protest to fight for future of under threat art gallery

Beth: They called me on Go West gig

A five star landlord

Treasure trove of stolen items need claiming

Hairdressers do it in style

Birmingham's Roundhouse to become activity hub

An historic building in Birmingham is to be transformed into an activity and enterprise hub after Birmingham City Council approved the plans. The Roundhouse, based on St Vincent Street in Birmingham is a Grade II listed building, built in 1874. Designed by architect W.H.

Nursing home is told to improve

Tributes paid to photographer

Gangsta Granny role up for grabs as Walliams’ bestseller hits the stage

Black Friday was washout for many

Historic photograph shows Molineux before it became home to Wolves

TV sensation shows Black Country link

Nick clinging on for LA movie’s success

Heavy hound now a super slim spaniel

Work starts on converting former Victorian school into 17 homes

Care home residents made to wait for food

Seeking nurses for reunion

Photo project helps bring the past to life

The heroes who risk life and limb to help us

Bomb squad is called out to city girls’ school over chemical explosion risk

Doreen comes up Trumps with video tekking the mick out of Donald

More vandalism at play area a ‘sickener’

Nathan’s Formula for success

Ex-nursing home sells for £300k

Fans give verdict on new boss at Wolves

Memorial plaque gains new home

Busy Bonfire Night sparks 350 fire calls

Is it something we said?

Voice of Strictly to host award ceremony

We’re holding out for a hero

City’s former indoor market is flattened

Bear pens a tribute to Scouts

University first with demolition degree

Car wash lined up at ex-pub parking site and bridge piece

Backing young sports stars

Graham goes out of his way to help connect long-lost families by research

200 bikers go on a Halloween rampage

Hopefuls flaunt their talent and style in front of BGT judges

Wolves shirt book is honoured by beer

Who needs an even bigger Heathrow when you can come to Brum instead?

180 homes are given go-ahead at village

Selfless work is rewarded pdf

Spooky spirit helps to clean town pub

Five parks win award nomination

Councils prepared for child refugees

Steak knives are sold to boy, 16, in undercover sting at shopping centre

Convoy of 300 taxis in go-slow city protest

Historic pub one of UK’s cosiest

Beautician to royalty and stars of showbiz world insures her hands for £15 million

CCTV of bank robbery suspect is released in police appeal

Light shines on panto cast

Florence still hitting the right notes at 102

Charity offers 2K reward to find cat killer

Take a leaf out of dinner lady's book

Shock over second cat killing

University hub work under way

Killer clown craze is no laughing matter

Judo coach's Lion award

Don't 'like' killer clowns on Facebook say police as they crack down on craze

TV’s Jacqui: I was trolled by boy online

Student celebrating learning prize

Glasses raid to pub with new lease of life

I must thank men who found wallet

Keep calm and carry on working in war

Vampire comedy musical coming to Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre

Vampires are set to arrive in Wolverhampton as a brand new production with bite is to take to the stage. Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre, Lichfield Street, is to host the all new Vampires Rock Saga called 'Vampires Rock - The Ghost Train' on October 29.

Ellie Simmonds turns pack leader as swimming star meets Brownies and Cubs

She always does her best for Team GB in the Paralympics, but now Ellie Simmonds has shown her support for a Cubs and Brownie group. Five times gold medallist Ellie, who was born in Walsall and grew up in Aldridge, joined the 3rd Pelsall Cubs.

Ellie turns pack leader for day

Woman punched and robbed in horrific attack

Celebrations at last for veterans of war

Nursery ordered to improve by Ofsted

More than £630,000 is paid out by council for private interpreters

Sculptor goes back to school for project

Joel defies odds to star in film

Marking 150 years of the 'man on the 'oss''

Rainbow day as Pride hits the streets

City ties up partner deal with Chinese

Home care company ordered to improve

Boots will shut its doors for final time

Launch for Samaritans’ day

Work delays school start date

800 head out for celebration

We’ve won! Family’s shock at £100k prize

Smart move starts with cashless travel on Green Bus school services

Retail park to get new lease of life

Why did the frog cross the road?

HELP US SOLVE THIS TERRIBLE MYSTERY

Museum goes back in time to 1940s

Hundreds flock to ‘Mega Mela’ event

Hundreds of children removed from school

Number of deaths caused by fire is up/War memorial

Nurses shine light on end of studies

60k for Diane’s 60th

How dance teacher Lindsey's Disney princesses dream came true

A dance teacher has had a dream come true after her pupils raised money for her to dine with Disney princesses. Lindsey Grant, aged 24, of Wolverhampton, runs Linzi G School of Dance, based in Wednesfield, and has always been a fan of Disney films. She is currently at Disneyland Florida for a family holiday.

Little Briton to make great price of £20k at a Wolverhampton auction

A rare car built in Wolverhampton more than 100 years ago is set to fetch between £16,000 and £20,000 at auction. The car, which cost only 175 guineas, or £183.75p in modern money, when it was delivered new in 1909, was one of the first cars built by the trail-blazing Briton Motor Company at its Stewart Street Works in Wolverhampton.

Pothole claims bill costs council £130k

Dance teacher has her dream come true

Wolves fan sees his final wish come true

Nursing home still in need of improving/Fun days for war veterans

Little Briton to make great price of £20k

Jury retraces last steps of attack victim

A Great Big Thank You for sending us hundreds of awards nominations/Tributes to ‘bubbly’ care...

VIDEO: Surge in numbers signing up for Wolverhampton 20k cycle event

Budding cyclists will be in good company next weekend as the Carver's Marathon has seen a surge in the number of runners and cyclists taking part this year. The race event, which is in its 18th year, will include a 20k Cycle Event, which this year is sponsored by furniture firm Cousins.

Support for tiny Amber

Restaurants get taste of success

Respected education leader backs our Great Big Thank You Awards

On yer bike for city fundraiser

Olympic gold means winner could be you

Residents’ anger over recycling bins at flats uncollected for three weeks

Liam fans worldwide club together to help support The Way youth zone and Comedian piece

Couple on island trip caught up in blaze

Parrots worth £15k stolen from widow

Meeting on 200 homes plan for Essington

A public meeting is set to be held over plans to build more than 200 new homes on green belt land in South Staffordshire. A planning application has been submitted to build 210 homes a new shop and parking to serve St John's School and allotments at Hobnock Road.

Girlfriend of man who died after attack tells court about relationship

Bunny brings patient joy

Harry is above parr

Another gig in Paradise

Gallery shines light on wildlife photos and Newsreader Nick backs E&S awards

Award legend Bully is latest to urge readers to make awards nominations

Three injured in smash near Wolverhampton Grammar School

West Midlands ambulance service confirmed that they were called at 9.39am this morning to a crash on Compton Road. The smash between an Audi A3 and a Vauxhall Astra at the junction with Merridale Lane, has closed the road between Larches Lane and Wolverhampton Grammar School.

Motorcyclist injured in Willenhall Road smash

A man his twenties has been treated for his injuries at the roadside after a crash between a car and a motorcycle.

Beacons of light to celebrate a very special Royal birthday

'The bullies used to call me ugly, but now I could be a beauty queen'

A 19-year-old beauty queen hopeful has told how childhood bullies who used to tell her she was ugly had inspired her to enter the competition. Ria Badhan, of Mill Street, Bilston, is already a semi-finalist in Miss Teen Great Britain and said entering the contest has helped restore her damaged confidence after being targeted by bullies as a youngster.

Sharp rise in number of Black Country traveller camps

The number of traveller and gipsy sites in the Black country has increased dramatically in the last two years, according to a new report. The Walsall borough saw the greatest increase in sites, with 69 in 2015 in comparison to 15 sites in 2014.

Fewer homes under threat says report

Jackie Abbott murder: Deadly hammer attack triggered by 'row over Elvis tribute tickets'

The argument that led to the murder of Jackie Abbott at the hands of her husband started in a row over tickets to see an Elvis tribute band, it can be revealed today. Paul Abbott, 56, today admitted the murder of his wife, 54, who died in a hammer attack at their home in Netherton last December.

Politicians, police and preachers unite to help tackle terror threat

It's not often that you see members of the Islamic faith and party members from UKIP 'under one roof of peace', talking about launching a campaign to combat extremism. But that was the case on March 11, where around 50 people from different faiths and backgrounds packed into Baitul Atta Mosque, Willenhall Road, Wolverhampton, alongside UKIP West Midlands MEP Bill Etheridge.

Nominate your Angel of the Year for award

Graiseley Primary School floods after thieves steal part of the roof

The vandals struck at Graiseley Primary School, Graiseley Hill, taking material from around the chimneys. They damaged tiles and skylights in the process and heavy rain the following day saw water pouring through the damaged roof and into the entrance hall and one of the corridors.

Pirate Dj ends up with £2k court bill

One injured and road closed in Wolverhampton smash

A major road in Wolverhampton was partly closed after a car crash resulted in one person being sent to hospital. The two car collision took place at around 12.30pm this afternoon on the Dudley Road in the Blakenhall area of the city.

Mother who hid stolen goods in pram jailed

A mother of four who tried to hide shoplifted goods inside her child's pram has been jailed for 10 weeks. Leanne Price, of Foster Road, Wolverhampton, stole fragrance worth £137 from TK Maxx, at Bentley Bridge, on February 9 then frying pans and deodorant worth £23 from B&M on the same day.

Firefighters tackle Bewdley railway embankment blaze

The fire, which took place at around 6.30pm on March 19 at Droppings Well Farm, Stourport Road, Bewdley is believed to have started accidentally. Hereford and Worcester fire service confirmed they received a call at 6.43pm alerting them to the blaze, and upon arrival saw that it was actually on the railway embankment.

Glitz and glamour for a night at the proms

Rules on allergy labels for food

Brussels terror attack: Staffordshire businessman describes horror scenes at airport

A Staffordshire man witnessed the Brussels terror attack, describing it as 'a cacophony of noise, of sirens and people in distress'. Paul Tilsley, aged 46, of Stowe Lane, Stafford, was in a meeting at Ideal Standard head office in Zaventem, opposite the airport, when he saw smoke coming from the terminal.

Taking Black Mamba stopped my heart

Wolverhampton gun battle man fails to overturn 'unarguable' conviction

A man facing a 15-year sentence for his part in a shocking gunfight in Wolverhampton city centre has failed in an appeal court bid to clear his name. Aaron Ezeikel Brown, 33, of Julian Close, Deansfield, was jailed in November 2014 after he was convicted of involvement in the battle.

Is Kanye West going to 'fix' Wolves?

Could this be the end of all Wolves' woes? Is Kanye West about to turn the club into a winning machine? According to Twitter, possibly... Kanye West tweeted that he was 'fixing Wolves' in reference to one of the tracks on his latest album, accidentally alluding to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the process.

Airshow displays will not go over the M54

Mental health crisis centre is hit by cuts

Do or dough guide to hot cross buns

Tribute to Led Zepplin is Dazed and Confused with wrong information

Chippy couple wrap it up after 30 years

Wolverhampton gas blast: 'It's a bit of a blur' admits survivor

The words of the pensioner who miraculously survived a gas blast which flattened her Black Country home. Wendy Ayoub has spoken for the first time about her ordeal - and remembers the floor opening up, but admits the aftermath of the explosion at her home in Wolverhampton was 'a bit of a blur'.

New timetables after complaints on Wolverhampton buses

The number 32 and 33 buses travel to Wolverhampton via Bushbury, Northwood Park, and Fordhouse Road. They will both have new timetables introduced from April 10. It follows the work of Labour councillor for Bushbury North, who attended Birmingham's National Express control centre earlier this month, meeting with officials from the tracking and management systems team.

Four injured as smash closes busy Walsall road

Four people were taken to hospital following a crash that saw a busy road blocked off late on Friday night. The two car collision took place at around 21.40pm in Bloxwich Road, Walsall. The crash involved a Citroen Saxo and an other unknown car, resulting in four people being treated for minor injuries.

Teen football hooligan is banned from Wolves games

The defendant, aged 17, pleaded guilty at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court to causing or contributing to violence or disorder in the UK on seven occasions since December 2012. Magistrate Brian Wallis issued the youngster with a three year ban from all home and away Wolves games.

Son choked to death on chip after family meal

Michael Fellows, aged 34, was found dead by his mother Julie at the bottom of the stairs at their home on Walsall's Yew Tree Estate. His death was described as 'tragic' and 'desperately sad' by Black Country coroner Zafar Siddique.

Children kept off school in SATS protest/'Intoxicated' man fell off scaffolding/Residents left...

Mother's face doubles in size after eyebrow tinting treatment

A new mother's face almost doubled in size after staff failed to conduct the required skin test before tinting her eyebrows. Rebecca Jukes, aged 21, of Blackhalve Lane in Wednesfield, attended the Define Art and Beauty Salon, Mill Lane, Wolverhampton, on April 1.

Rethink at New Cross Hospital after Sikh patient served beef

A Sikh patient was served a meal containing beef at a Black Country hospital, prompting the managing health trust to review the way it provides food. The patient, whose identity has not been revealed, was given the meat at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton after being taken in over a cardiac-related illness.

Wolverhampton father's anger as toddler son diagnosed days before death despite 30 trips to medics

A heartbroken father has told an inquest health bosses should have done more to diagnose his 20-month-old son, who died from leukaemia just days after finally being diagnosed. Kulvinder Singh Bhogal, aged 42, of Lambert Road, Fallings Park, Wolverhampton, told the inquest he believes chances were missed to save his previously 'healthy and happy' son Ryan.

400 council homes on the way to Wolverhampton

The £56 million plan will be launched as soon as the cash becomes available. The council is already looking to identify potential locations so that land is 'site-ready.' Councillor Peter Bilson, deputy leader and cabinet member for city assets, said that savings achieved on the review of the council's business plan and other changes had released sufficient money to make the building initiative possible.

VIDEO: 'Nothing will bring our Ryan back' - Wolverhampton parents considering legal action after...

The family of a boy who died of leukaemia days after being diagnosed despite taking him to see doctors up to 30 times are considering legal action. It comes as a verdict of natural causes was recorded at the inquest on 20-month-old Ryan Bhogal, from Wolverhampton, yesterday.

The Guardian Live Alternative Party Conference - politics, pints and a bit of a party - in pictures

What's the future of British politics? Guardian Live teamed up with Soho Theatre to exchange ideas about 'Corbynomics', the role of the media, climate change, activism in the digital age and the lack of women in Westminster

Kyan: 'I write emotional songs - what else is there to write about?'

Kyan Kuatois is a busy man. The young musician has just dropped his latest EP, Remote View, following a series of collaborations with the likes of Duke Dumont, Madeon, Benga and Knox Brown. He's not long been signed with Virgin EMI.

In bed with everyone: photographers pick their most intimate shots - in pictures

Death between the sheets, a preacher exorcising a child, a prostitute and her client, and a smile from Blanchon the beluga whale ... Magnum photographers share the stories and secrets behind their most private pictures Buy these shots from 9-13 November at store.magnumphotos.com

12-year-old go-kart champion after £25k to kick start career

A young go-karting champion has launched an appeal to raise £25,000 to kick start his career with the company who first trained Lewis Hamilton. Twelve-year-old Conner Prosser, first caught the go-karting bug at the tender age of five during a family holiday to Turkey in 2012.

Dad of four who suffered and survived invites people to Hillingdon's Tumour Awareness Day

A FATHER of four, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour after a routine hearing test is encouraging the public to join him and his family for Tumour Awareness Day on July 3. Richard Taylor, 41, had just started work as a driving instructor when he began experiencing hearing loss.

Votes for women! Female MPs have biggest ever win but still only make up a third of Parliament -...

One of the biggest results of the election - the number of women in Parliament is now at its highest ever level, with at least 166 women making up a third of the House of Commons. This is up from 2010 when a mere 148 female MPs out of a total 650 were elected, with women making up only 23% of the House.

Heathrow advert deemed misleading by Standards Authority

Adverts to rally support for expansion of Heathrow currently feature throughout the London Undergound, including bilboard and interior tube posters Comments are closed on this article.

Hillingdon Choral Society sings us into Spring

A CHOIR of more than 100 members, aged from 20-80, will sing us into Spring as the Hillingdon Choral Society makes its return.

Ealing shoppers join police in action day against crime

A COMMUNITY Action Day by Ealing police last week led to several arrests for serious drug-related, violence, robbery and anti-social behaviour...

Budding entrepreneurs to take over Ealing Broadway shopping centre

STUDENTS from across Ealing will showcase their business acumen this weekend, as part of the Young Enterprise Trade Fair at Ealing Broadway...

Mother-of-three stole perfume for Wolverhampton Boots branch

A mother-of-three from Wolverhampton caught shoplifting has been given a curfew and told to pay compensation to the shops she stole from. Tina Cherrington, 48, of Gordon Place, appeared at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court this week. She pleaded guilty to two counts of theft from Boots in Wolverhampton across two days in early January this year.

Five weird and wacky ways councils are cracking down on litter

Keeping streets clean matters. According to the Local Government Association, councils spend almost £1 bn a year on tackling litter and fly-tipping, at a time when they face difficult choices due to budget cuts. Incidents of fly-tipping have increased by 20% in 2014 - last year there were 852,000 cases - while funding for street cleaning has fallen for the past four years.

The professionals paying the price of public sector wage restraint

"I can't even afford to get my gutters fixed or replace the rotten back door on my house. Does society really want its professional public servants feeling like this?" That's the question posed by John, a government worker who, like many other staff in the public sector, is feeling the pinch of pay restraint.

Veterinary nurse attacked by eight-stone Japanese Akita dog

A veterinary nurse was attacked by an eight-stone Japanese Akita dog as she helped put the pet in the back of a car, suffering cuts to her forearms, wrists and back, a court heard. Vet Susan Lunn lifted the four-year-old dog's hind legs after being asked for help by Amarjit Dosangh in putting the animal in the vehicle in the car park of Vets4Pets in Cannock.

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Husband-to-be bowls his girl over with unusual proposal

A groom-to-be proposed to his bride in a very creative way when he popped the question in a pottery class. Theology student Becki Brown thought boyfriend Mark Bunger, from Walsall, would not propose this year having expected him to do so before New Year's Eve.

Wolverhampton gas explosion: Home nextdoor wrecked in blast and burgled twice

The explosion destroyed one home and today neighbour Daljit Uppal revealed part of his house was also left badly damaged. He also told how raiders burgled his home after the blast. Mr Uppal lives on Penn Road next door to Wendy Ayoub, who was saved by her washing machine in the gas blast that destroyed her home in December.

Wolverhampton gas explosion: Home nextdoor wrecked in blast and burgled twice

A father has revealed the shocking extent of the damage to his family home which was damaged during a house explosion in Wolverhampton - as it emerged callous burglars have ransacked the property. Daljit Uppal, lives on Penn Road, next door to Wendy Ayoub, who was saved by her washing machine in the gas blast that destroyed her home in December.

Junior doctors strike: Medics walk out in the West Midlands

Junior doctors - all medics below consultant level - will provide emergency care only from 8am in the 24-hour walkout. At New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton, eight operations and 188 appointments have been cancelled, while 40 outpatients appointments have been cancelled at University Hospital of the North Midlands.

'Dear Burglers, you've made me feel so sad': Read the heartbreaking letter of crime victim aged...

'Please don't be a burgler - you have a high chance of making people not feel safe,' - the simple yet poignant message from a heartbroken little girl to raiders who ransacked her home. They may be the words of a six-year-old, but Holly Crabtree's emotional message is certainly all grown up.

Pensioner dies after fall at home

A verdict of accidental death was reached at the inquest of a man who refused to go to hospital after bumping his head during a fall at his home. Donald Peverell, aged 77, of Woods Crescent, Brierley Hill, who had a history of falls, died at Russells Hall hospital on November 26 2015.

Mother died from head injuries as husband charged with murder

Jacqueline Abbott, aged 54, of Lodge Crescent, died of 'extensive and severe head injuries' on December 11 last year, the inquest at Smethwick Council House was told yesterday. She was pronounced dead at the scene and Mrs Abbott's body was formally identified by her son Martyn.

New Wolverhampton taxi drivers 'don't know what they are doing', say cabbies

Passenger safety is at risk in Wolverhampton, according to cabbies who are concerned about an alleged lack of training given to new drivers. According to members of the Wolverhampton Hackney Carriage Association, new drivers are not receiving proper training prior to being given their licence and taxi plates.

Wolverhampton 'death trap' former factory boarded up to protect walkers from falling glass

A derelict Wolverhampton building labelled a 'death trap' has had its windows boarded up after residents were told not to walk by the site for fear of falling glass. The Old Niphon Works, in Lower Villiers Street, Blakenhall, has fallen into a state of disrepair, with all the windows at the front and rear of the building smashed.

Bettina Rheims's best photograph: trans sex worker Erica

She was very feminine, very tall, wearing a mink coat. She looked like a superwoman, a Helmut Newton icon or something. I said: "You look beautiful, but I'm casting androgynous people and you're much too feminine for my series." She stayed in my studio and stared at me without talking and after a few seconds I was embarrassed.

Britain's manufacturers back plans to expand Heathrow

Options for expansion at Heathrow A NUMBER of Britain's leading firms are backing the proposed expansion of Heathrow, believing it to be the best way to secure the economy. The news comes on the back of a survey published yesterday by the manufacturers' organisation (EEF), ahead of the Airport Commission's final consultation on expansion, taking place next Tuesday.

Vandalism to blame for more rail delays

Imagination running wild at Art Gallery

Shakespeare anniversary honoured by Willard Wigan

'To see or not to see' is the ironic title of a microscopic model of Shakespeare created by Wolverhampton-born artist Willard Wiggan to celebrate 400 years since the death of the Bard. 'To see or not to see' is the ironic title of a microscopic model of Shakespeare created by Wolverhampton-born artist Willard Wiggan to celebrate 400 years since the death of the Bard.

Cat-astrophe averted as kitten rescued from children's toy

A cat-astrophe has been averted by firefighters in Dudley who managed to free a four-week-old cat after he got himself trapped in a children's toy. Frosty, who is currently being cared for by Ravens Rescue UK, based in Kingswingford, got himself stuck at around 7pm this evening, with fire crews from Dudley fire station immediately called to the scene.

Vulnerable woman helped down from Wolverhampton bridge by police

A woman seen on a bridge over a busy Wolverhampton road is being assessed by health professionals after police were called to help get her down today. The woman was seen on the Gorsebrook Road Bridge, Oxley, over the A449 Stafford Road, near McDonalds. Police were called to assist the woman at around 2pm.

Banned from Wulfrun Centre: Thief who stole £48 chocolate from Wolverhampton Poundland

A man who stole £48 worth of caramel chocolate from Poundland in Wolverhampton has been told not to enter the Wulfrun Centre as part of his bail conditions. Peter Smith, aged 26, of Hart Road, Wednesfield, pleaded guilty to one charge of theft of the confectionary which took place on March 30 this year at Poundland, Wulfrun Square.

£280 court bill for thief who asked for jail

Students create model of street

Cosford Air Show displays will not go over M54 - and landowners warned against unauthorised...

A crackdown on unauthorised viewing areas will take place at this year's RAF Cosford Air Show in the wake of the Shoreham air disaster. Organisers of the event say they are working with Staffordshire Police and the Military Aviation Authority to drive down the number of pop-up sites.

Pc forced to jump out of car's way

Major fire breaks out in Stafford

A major fire has broken out in Stafford today.

Police officer in hoax kidnap case 'believed threats were genuine'

The phone records of a police officer who allegedly made hoax 999 calls to implicate a man in a fictional terror plot to kidnap a colleague have been revealed in court. Pc Amar Tasaddiq Hussain, of Yardley, Birmingham, who is suspended from duty, appeared at Stafford Crown court and maintained that he genuinely believed the threats to kidnap one of his fellow officers were real.

Family of woman who died days after being diagnosed with tonsillitis make fundraising pledge

The family of a 20-year-old woman from Bilston who was diagnosed with tonsillitis 19 days before she died of a rare condition have set up a donation page in her memory. Chelsea Jackson, of Pace Crescent, a student who was rarely ill, suffered with a sore throat on December 28 last year and was given antibiotics to treat tonsillitis by her doctor.

Arranged marriage woman, 20, died in Smethwick canal

Shareen Liaqat of Legge Street, West Bromwich, was found by contractors working on the Smethwick canal on January 27 this year. The court heard how Miss Liaqat had called her brother Nadeem at around 7.10pm on the evening before her body was discovered.

Wolverhampton gas blast survivor is back on her feet

"I was delivered into a hole in the kitchen floor and I was delivered out of the hole in the kitchen floor. "But I don't believe in being miserable, it's a fault of the will." Those were the words of Wendy Ayoub, who survived a huge explosion which totally destroyed her home on December 28 last year.

Owners asked to tidy 'drugs haunt'

20 firefighters battle major blaze near Merry Hill shopping centre

The blaze ripped through Woodstock Timber Supplies Ltd near the Merry Hill shopping centre from around 3.15pm. Four fire engines and 20 fire fighters attended the scene in Old Bush Street and were still fighting the flames an hour later.

Remains of man's body found on Wolverhampton street

Residents of a quiet residential street in Wolverhampton made a grim early morning discovery when the remains of a man were discovered in Finchfield. The remains, believed to be that of a male in his 40s, were discovered on Woodland Road, Finchfield, at around 6.30am on Sunday.

Dangerous dog that attacked woman will not be destroyed

A dangerous dog that mauled a woman's hand as she went to stroke it will not be destroyed, a court heard. The eight-year-old American bulldog and Staffordshire bull terrier cross, named Geezer, was off the lead with owner Maurice Hutchinson when the attack on Wendy Young happened in Dudley.

Glammed up and ready to party? Send your prom pictures to us

Anti-extremism film to be used in schools

Major roads shut for gas main work

Fly-tippers turn old pub into an eyesore

Wolverhampton site is 'haunt for drinkers and drug addicts'

Unsecured land in Wolverhampton has become a 'haunt for drinkers and drug addicts' according to a councillor who has called for the police to intervene. The land, in Church Road, linking Stafford Road and Three Tuns Lane, has become a site of anti-social behaviour, according to councillor Ian Angus, Labour councillor for Bushbury North.

Woody's Music Bar and motel put up for sale for £250,000

A much-loved music venue has been put up for sale for a quarter of a million pounds despite only being completely renovated around five years ago. Woody's Music Bar in Hednesford is described by those selling the property as 'an iconic venue locally, with a reputation for attracting some of the best live performers the area has to offer.'

Wolverhampton's Queen Square closes for six weeks for gas works

The work is being carried out in the square and Victoria Street. Queen Street will be closed to traffic in both directions between Exchange Street to the junction of North Street, Victoria Street and Darlington Street. Traffic will be able to exit Dudley Street via Lichfield Street.

Pipe bridge restoration works in the running for regional prize

Old shots reveal the history beer-hind pub

Mother's disgust at dash cam swearing

Wolverhampton surgery extension deferred over traffic

Plans to extend a doctors surgery in Wolverhampton have been deferred for further consideration, despite the originals plans being recommended for refusal. Owners of the Caerleon Surgery, Dover Street, Wolverhampton, submitted plans to build a single storey rear extension to accommodate a staff room and an additional consulting room on the existing site.

FACES NIGHTCLUB SHUTS ITS DOORS

Queen's 90th birthday: Beacons of light to celebrate milestone

More than 1,000 beacons will be lit across the UK after Her Majesty, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall light the principal beacon at Windsor Castle to celebrate the momentous occasion. A beacon will be lit on Rowley Hills, near East Avenue, by Sandwell mayor, Councillor Barbara Price, on 21 April at 8.30pm.

Wolverhampton Faces nightclub shuts as costs rise

Faces Nightclub, formerly known as Oceana, has closed with bosses saying they have been left with no alternative because of the costs of running the huge venue in Bilston Street. Dozens of workers, including bar staff, managers, cleaners and security were told that the closure was going ahead.

Boy, 12, airlifted to hospital after collision with car in Cannock

A 12-year-old boy has been airlifted to hospital with suspected life threatening injuries after a collision with a car on Hemlock Way. The boy was taken to Queen Elizabeth's Children Hospital after the collision involving Ford Fiesta just before 8.30am this morning. The collision took place on Hemlock Way at the junction of Sindon Hill Way.

Student sped along motorway at 123mph

£95,000 fine for New Cross

Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital fined £95k for A&E wait times

The fine for March relates to the Wolverhampton hospital not meeting the national targets over four hour waiting times. It was revealed in the Trusts's quality and performance report, which showed there had been an additional 1,742 people going to A&E in March. This was an increase of 14.6 per cent on the previous month.

Rise in bed sores at Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital due to staff shortage

An increased number of patients are suffering from bed sores at New Cross Hospital due to staffing shortages, a new report has revealed. The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust has seen an increase of reported pressure ulcer incidents for two months according to their quality and performance report.

Route to work blocked as bin bags filled with rubbish dumped on steps

University of Wolverhampton omitted from league tables after refusing to release performance data

The University of Wolverhampton was the only university in the UK which refused to release data on its performance, meaning that they could not be included in the league tables. The data, which relates to entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality and graduate prospects, is combined to deliver an overall score for 2017.

Robyn banks on beauty pageant crown

13-year-old victim of revenge porn

Many clueless when it comes to asthma attacks

English, maths and lessons in happiness

Sharp rise in travellers setting up camp on car parks and beauty spots

Driveway blaze destroys caravan and car in Dudley

An early-hours blaze completely destroyed a caravan and a car in Dudley on Saturday, but was was prevented from spreading to the house thanks to the quick work of fire crews. The fire started in a caravan parked outside a house in Norton at around 4am today and quickly spread to the owner's nearby car.

'You're going to have to pull over - he's coming!': Baby born on hard shoulder of the M42

A mum was forced to give birth on a motorway hard shoulder after getting stuck in a 15-mile traffic jam. Sam Walker was travelling with partner Terry Kemp and their two sons Luke, 4, and Ollie, 3, on the M42 yesterday evening when traffic ground to a halt due to a fuel spillage.

Arson not ruled out at blaze at gym

MP Austin apologises for tweeting 'joke' about Livingstone and Hitler

Online fraud on rise amid alert on eBay sales rip-off/Four cars in smash

How Sheila became the Queen of the dance (page 8 feature)

Dentists' £75K payout to gum disease patient

Travellers pitch up on green space

Prejudice in pregnancy is suffered less

Cheers! All smiles as pub back in business

IN PICTURES: National Dwarf Games are a hit as 200 take part and Paralympic star Ellie Simmonds...

More than 200 competitors from across the UK and Europe visited the Black Country and Staffordshire to take part in the National Dwarf Games - with a surprise visit by Paralympic superstar Ellie Simmonds. Many of the events were held at Aldersley Leisure Village in Wolverhampton on Sunday, with Ellie making an unexpected appearance at yesterday's swimming gala in Cheslyn Hay.

Fewer dying at weekends

Sheep theft suspects make baad getaway

137 operations cancelled this year

Soiled mattress among fly-tipped heap

City's graffiti art is streets ahead

PICTURES: Wolverhampton graffiti art is streets ahead

From the colourful flight of a hummingbird, to the monochrome close-up of a chimpanzee - the graffiti work of a Wolverhampton artist is helping to re-define street art. Steve Edwards, a so-called 'Graffoflarge' artist has been commissioned by community organisations around Wolverhampton to transform derelict and unsightly walls and buildings into works of art.

Hospitals failing to meet vital targets

Tanveer Iqbal death: Three in court charged with murder of music shop boss whose body was found...

Three people have appeared in court charged with the murder of Tanveer Iqbal, whose body was found in his car boot. Unemployed Zatoon Bibi, aged 36, wept in the dock as she appeared before Birmingham Crown Court today alongside 44-year-old Gul Nawaz and a 16-year-old male.

Dickens originals to go under the hammer in Wolverhampton

Cuttlestones Auctioneers and Valuers, of Clarence Street, Wolverhampton, will auction off 20 Charles Dickens novels including a number of rare first editions, in its Specialist Collectors' Sale on Friday. The collection was put together in the early 20th century and has been inherited by its current owners.

'We won't let thieves beat us' say couple

Grandmother inspires Wolverhampton beauty queen dream

A beauty queen from Wolverhampton is looking forward to taking part in the finals of Miss Black Country after being inspired to enter the competition by her nan. Gabrielle Purchase, aged 23 of Lichfield Road, Wednesfield, Wolverhampton, is to take part in the finals of the competition on Sunday.

VE Day: Wolverhampton pays its respects

A service of remembrance is today being held in Wolverhampton city centre to mark the 71st anniversary of VE Day.

New Wolverhampton burger restaurant opens - creating 25 jobs

The first UK restaurant of a new chain of burger bars was opening in Wolverhampton today, creating 25 new jobs. Burger Priest was opening in Victoria Street, opposite Beatties. Bosses have teamed up with Jobcentre plus and the adult education service to recruit its 25 members of staff.

New Staffordshire crematorium will cater for more Hindu and Sikh funerals, inquiry told

A new crematorium that could be built within green belt land in South Staffordshire will cater for more Hindu and Sikh funerals, a public inquiry heard. Proposals for a new crematorium in Essington are currently subject an ongoing inquiry after the developers appealed the initial rejection from the council.

Historic park gem destroyed

Standards too low at secondary schools

Cadets join the fight against exploitation

Video: Tune in to Wolverhampton's musical history with music wall

Music lovers can enjoy a cacophony of much-loved tunes from classic Slade rock hits to the soulful melodies of Beverley Knight within a special musical wall. Hidden within the wall, located on the vacant Royal London buildings, on Princes Square, is a variety of hit tracks released by some of the most famous musicians to call the city their home.

Care home told to make improvements

Artwork brings the industrial past to life

Neil helps out as new chef arrives

Star Witness winner picks up £100 prize

The Great Big Thank You Awards: X Factor's Joe Whelan serenades unsung heroes

Best known for his time on the X Factor, musician Joe Whelan has become the latest celebrity to endorse the Express & Star's Great Big Thank You Awards. Joe, who comes from The Scotlands area of the city, shot to fame in 2012 when he wowed the judges on the hit ITV show with his rendition of Led Zeppelin's Whole Lotta Love.

The Great Big Thank You Awards: Let's hear it for unsung heroes, says Sir Lenny

Sir Lenny Henry CBE has become the latest celebrity to endorse the Express & Star's Great Big Thank You Awards which are designed to honour the diverse range of skills and talents on offer in the Black Country.

Pokémon Go comes to Wolverhampton Art Gallery

Head to the digital emporium to help catch Pokémon characters like Drowzee, Nidoran, Poliwag, Jynx, and Squirtle. With different Pokémon appearing each day it is making it easier for gamers in Wolverhampton to catch them all. A new lure will be added to the site to entice more characters.

Lorry blaze shuts M6 in both directions during rush hour

A major lorry blaze has led to the M6 being closed in both directions at Great Barr in the middle of the morning rush hour.

Wombourne Carnival: 6,000 visitors celebrate seaside-themed event

We may be in the land-locked Midlands but that didn't stop more than 6,000 carnival-goers celebrating the great British seaside. Donkey rides, sandcastles and fish and chips were the order of the day for Wombourne Carnival.

Wolverhampton's Liam Payne has said he is "really happy" after signing a solo record deal with...

The Bushbury born One Direction star will shortly head into the studio to work on his first album as a vocalist in his own right. Payne, 22, has assembled a new management team around him. He said: "I'm really happy to have signed to such a prestigious label as Capitol Records UK.

The Great Big Thank You Awards: Help your child's teacher get top marks

They may have encouraged you to reach your potential, to pass your exams with flying colours, to go to university. Whatever they've done, however they're helped, the Express & Star would like to hear from you. The Express & Star's Great Big Thank You Awards is open for nominations for the prestigious category of Teacher of the Year.

WATCH: Work under way on £1 million Wolverhampton Grand Theatre revamp

Are you seating comfortably? Well, if you're part of the audience at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre you're in for an upgrade - as all 1,200 seats in the auditorium are being replaced as part of a £1 million revamp.

Drivers face two hour delays

Voice star Megan Reece sings praises of our Great Big Thank You Awards

Sunbed a ray of light for condition

Great Big Thank You Awards: Voice star Megan sings praise

BBC The Voice star Megan Reece has become the latest musician to endorse the Express & Star's Great Big Thank You Awards. The Wolverhampton-born singer and mother-of-four was catapulted to fame earlier this year when she delivered knock-out performances including her version of Lianne La Havas' What You Don't Do as part of judge Paloma Faith's team.

WATCH: Bilston Yarn Stars brighten up the town

It may be too hot for a knitted hat and scarf, but members of a Black Country knitting group have put their talents to a new project, knitting flowers and ribbons for display in Bilston town centre. The Bilston Yarn Stars have created an array of colourful streamers, floral rosettes and even knitted owls.

Wolverhampton Music Service's Youth Orchestras holding warm up concerts for Italy shows

School pupils from Wolverhampton are tuning up for a musical tour of Italy, holding a special concert in city before they jet off. A total of 77 members of Wolverhampton Music Service's Youth Orchestra and Youth Wind Orchestra will take part in a series of prestigious concerts in the Umbria region of Italy at the end of July.

Poet pensioner would welcome transplant

Iris celebrates 100th birthday

Saying thanks to champions of community

JLR creating jobs at new dealership

Reward top class teachers with Great Big Thank You nomination

Molineux family and former-slave George Africanus play staged in Georgian Rococo room at...

How can you encapsulate the history of the Molineux family as well as the life of their former slave, George Africanus in the space of 30 minutes? Well, it turns out, it is in fact possible, by staging a short play in the very house that both the Molineux family and George himself lived in for many years.

Steve’s joy at foundation support

Time to thank heroes of our communities

Tribute act secures Another day in Paradise with Tour of France/Car history goes under the hammer

Veterans remember VJ Day/Remains found

Under the sea for swimmer Ellie

Lots of buildings up for grabs in bumper sale

Youngsters race to sports day

Carer to run up cash

Result! GCSE pupils make grade

Grand stage bow for Cuffs star

80,000 fines for city's bad drivers

80,000 fines for Wolverhampton's bad drivers

Almost 80,000 parking and bus lane fines have been issued by Wolverhampton council since 2015 according to a new report. The council outsources its parking and bus lane control to global parking giants APCOA, which issues tickets on its behalf. In 2015/16 the company issued a staggering 79,860 tickets, including both parking and bus lane fines in the city.

Sarah's grizzly bear creations

The Way Youth Zone in Wolverhampton's staff win top award

Volunteers at The Way Youth Zone have collectively won a prestigious award in recognition of all their hard work. The 126 volunteers that work at the venue, which opened in January, bagged the Wolverhampton City Council Volunteer Award at a ceremony at The Grand Theatre on June 28.

Group proves age is no barrier

Tuning into city's musical history

WATCH: Police smash down suspected paedophile's door in Wolverhampton raid

The dawn raid, filmed in March this year, ended in the arrest of a man suspected of downloading indecent images of children. The man has since been bailed while forensics specialists examine computer equipment and mobile devices seized from the address.

Gunshots are fired at house and Blast victim's fight to walk

Arranged marriage woman died in canal

JAILED: Sonia Witton gets 14 years after stabbing dad 22 times on his own doorstep

A daughter who carried out a 'frenzied' knife attack on her father on his own doorstep has been sentenced to 14 years in prison. Sonia Witton, 48, turned up at Jeffrey Witton's home on Chorley Road, Burntwood, on November 8 last year, Stafford Crown Court heard.

Clean living is Tilly's secret

Exhibit opens to humans

Play inspired by Molineux slave to be performed in Wolverhampton

A play inspired by the life of a slave, owned by the Molineux family, is the topic of a new play being performed in the very place he lived in during the 1700s The production entitled 'Surnamed Africanus' is to be performed within Wolverhampton Archives, Molineux Hotel Building, Whitmore Hill, from July 19 to 21.

Driver wins appeal over bus lane fine

A driver who appealed after he was issued with a bus lane fine will not have to pay up after the official adjudicator found in his favour. David Evans, 53 of Stowheath Lane, Wolverhampton, was caught in the bus lane on Willenhall Road on September 12.

Arsonists raze primary school sheds in latest shocking attack

Parents have expressed their disgust at a 'despicable' act of suspected arson after two sheds containing hundreds of toys were set alight at a school in Willenhall. The sheds, which contained outdoor play equipment, wellies and toys belonging to nursery children at Lodge Farm Primary School in Furzebank Way, were believed to have been set alight on Friday after a series of acts of vandalism at the school.

Body found in search for missing engineer Martin Cadman

Police have called off the search for missing engineer Martin Cadman after a man's body was found in a wooded area of West Bromwich. Mr Cadman was last seen on Tuesday morning when he left the Travelodge Hotel on Wolverhampton Road in Oldbury.

The Great Big Thank You Awards 2016: Nominate your unsung heroes

Do you know someone who deserves a Great Big Thank You? Is it about time that they received recognition for all their hard work, in a glittering ceremony attended by celebrities from across the region? Perhaps they are the person you always turn to for advice in your community, someone who supports you and always goes the extra mile to help?

JAILED: 97mph driver who left friend paralysed after ploughing into tree

A man who caused 'catastrophic injuries' to his 19-year-old friend after the car he was driving collided with a tree has been sentenced to more than two years in prison. Tobias Dell, aged 24, of Inkerman Street, Heathtown, was sentenced to two years and four months in prison for causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Protesters vent anger at plans for new primary school for Wolverhampton Grammar

Protesters were out in force to object to plans for a new primary school to be built as part of Wolverhampton Grammar school. Concerned parents and residents who live near to where the proposed development would be made their voices heard both outside the Wolverhampton council building and during a planning committee meeting on Tuesday.

Junior doctors' strike: We will not be ignored, vow campaigners on picket lines

'The government thinks they can just ignore us and we'll go away' - the words of junior doctors in the Black Country who haven taken strike action again over the proposed contracts to be introduced by health secretary Jeremy Hunt.

Wolverhampton summer school fantasy film fun

Central Youth Theatre will screen How to Train Your Dragon, Monsters Inc and The Jungle Book as part of its Fantasy Film summer school. The school will be an opportunity for children aged between seven and 13 to make a play, which will be showcased to an invited audience of family and friends at the end of the five-day scheme.

Freight protest group will fight on

Crook's boyfriend told to sell his £22k Porsche

Fallings Park Primary School expansion hailed a success

Fallings Park Primary School, Old Fallings Lane, Wolverhampton, was part of the council's project to increase pupil admissions by developing the existing site. Work on the site began in 2014 and was completed on Friday as contractors put the finishing touches to landscaping the three new play areas.

Watch the moment a Halfords mechanic was caught swearing at a driver as he took a woman's car for...

The worker was caught swearing and verbally abusing other road users on a dashboard camera of Farina Best's car. Mrs Best said she was 'disgusted' by the footage. The 30-year-old of Grosvenor Close, Bushbury, had taken her car, an Audi Q7 vehicle, to Halfords Auto Centre, in Foxes Lane, Wolverhampton on March 30 to be serviced.

Blast survivor Wendy is back on her feet

Charity aims to keep support in the family after heartbreak

Pc in hoax 999 call over 'terror plot' accused of inventing source

Council is hooked on plans for lakes

Survey reveals what people in the West Midlands like for a grand summer day out

A new survey has revealed what makes a great summer day out in the West Midlands just in time for the school summer holidays. The survey carried out by the National Trust, in conjunction with YouGov Plc, asked people in the West Midlands what they felt were the elements of a great British summer day out.

Burglars take £5,000 of designer glasses in raid on Wolverhampton opticians

Penn Eyecare, based on the Penn Road, is believed to have been broken into at around 4.15am yesterday, with thieves causing damage to the front door and lock as they entered. But the offenders were unable to access the main glass cabinet containing the exclusive Ray Bans at the front of the shop.

Springfield Brewery latest: Education centre work at Wolverhampton site brewing up nicely

Springfield Brewery, based on Grimstone Street, has been bought by the University of Wolverhampton to become a 'centre of excellence' in the city, it aims to encourage more people to get involved in the construction trade.

Looking for hockey stars of the future

Drink driving student sped along M6 at 123mph

A 20-year old student from Wolverhampton is to spend three months in prison after he was caught speeding at 123 miles per hour on the M6. Ravi Semic of Wolverhampton Street, Bilston, appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court on April 21 charged with dangerous driving, driving without insurance and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Ex-Wolves star Richard Stearman marries after unusual Paris proposal

Former Wolves skipper Richard Stearman has tied the knot in fairytale fashion after an unusual proposal involving the ex-wife of a previous teammate. The Wolverhampton-born defender, who made 234 appearances for Wolves before joining Fulham in 2015, married Beth Lay last month.

Natwest bank in Wednesfield high street hit by car leaving couple injured

A man and woman in their 60s are being checked over in hospital after the car they were travelling in hit the wall of a bank in Wednesfield. The pair crashed into the wall of the Natwest bank on Wednesfield High Street at around 10am on Wednesday.

Rise in bed sores due to staff shortages

Terror Teds proving a hit for Staffordshire businesswoman

They're certainly not your average bears, but one woman from South Staffordshire has made her love of terrifying teddies a popular new business. Sarah Holmes, aged 25, of Saredon Lane, Great Saredon, near Wolverhampton, decided to start making the Terror Teds after her partner was unable to find one to buy for her in the UK.

Traffic chaos after woman hurt in crash

No data given by university

Protesters hit out at plan for school

May bank holiday weekend: Train disruptions planned

Major disruption is expected to train travel over the Bank Holiday weekend as engineers carry out the final phase of repair and upgrade work. Services to and from Stafford will be affected due to Network Rail's final phase of the £250 million Norton Bridge scheme.

Take your seats for Grand revamp

Severe delays after M5 smash

A crash on the M5 is blocking two lanes and causing delays of around half an hour.

Three arrested after Class A drugs thrown from car in police chase

Class A drugs were thrown from a car during a police chase as the driver and passengers raced to escape arrest this morning. The chase, which started in the Penn Fields area of the city, started at 1am and finished in Tettenhall, just off Danescourt Road.

Seriously ill patients at Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital moved about at 3am

Seriously-ill patients are being moved around wards at 3am at a Black Country hospital to make space for more admissions. The open door policy at Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital means no-one who attends is turned away, but this leads to existing patients being moved into different wards, often in the middle of the night, to make space.

Bagful of cash and cannabis seized at Wolverhampton train station

In addition to the bagful of drugs, around £1,000 in cash was seized by British Transport Police at around 9.45pm. The officers made an arrest and seized the money and marijuana after receiving a text message tip-off from a member of the public.

Play on my Xbox? No thanks mum, I'd rather do more charity work!

Rail passengers forced to stand on overcrowded trains, report claims

13-year-old a victim of revenge porn attack

A 13-year-old was a victim of revenge porn in the West Midlands last year, according to new figures released by police. The statistics show that from April to December 2015, 12 people were charged with offences relating to the sharing of revenge porn, involving victims aged from 13 to 23 years old.

I’ve been fighting to survive my entire life

17th century coins fetch £33,000 at auction

Labour anti-semitism row: Ian Austin slammed for Hitler/Ken Livingstone 'joke'

Dudley MP Ian Austin has been labelled a 'disgrace' after he sent out a controversial tweet about Ken Livingstone's Hitler comments. The Labour MP for Dudley North sent a tweet out yesterday which said: "This row about Ken Livingstone & Hitler is so unfair. One was a horrible extremist obsessed with Jews.

Teenager died after tests were missed

Head: The best have to change and adapt

Labour anti-semitism row: Ian Austin slammed for Hitler/Ken Livingstone 'joke'

Dudley MP Ian Austin has been labelled a 'disgrace' after he sent out a controversial tweet about Ken Livingstone's Hitler comments. The Labour MP for Dudley North sent a tweet out yesterday which said: "This row about Ken Livingstone & Hitler is so unfair. One was a horrible extremist obsessed with Jews.

'Intoxicated' man falls off Stourbridge scaffolding

The 48-year-old man, who was treated for traumatic injuries at the scene, was taken to Russells Hall Hospital at around 9.30pm on Friday. Stourbridge community paramedic Ste Hill was on shift at the time of the fall and is believed to have treated the man for his injuries before taking him to hospital.

Smoke screen fills Oldbury Matalan

Staff at a Matalan store in Oldbury had a shock when they were greeted by an unexpected smoke screen as they opened up for business this morning. The smoke, which is believed to have been prompted by the alarm system at the Portway Road store, is meant to act as a security fogging solution that reduces the likelihood of theft.

Artist brings the industrial past of Black Country to life

From the roaring furnaces of the Black Country's famous foundries to the tranquil peace of the canal - an exhibition brings some of the region's best loved scenes to life. Ken Wood, who was born in Ironbridge and later moved to Dudley, is currently displaying his latest collection of works at the Portal, in Birmingham New Road, Dudley.

SATs exams to be boycotted by many in West Midlands schools

Some parents across the West Midlands are planning to keep their children away from school tomorrow in opposition to the latest round of new SATs tests. The boycott is part of a nationwide protest against the tests, which critics say are more difficult than previous years.

Breaking news: Man's body found in Wolverhampton canal

The body of a man has been found in a Wolverhampton canal.

English, maths and happiness: City schools to trial wellbeing lessons

It's not the usual subject on a timetable - but primary school pupils in Wolverhampton are now going to learn how to be happy. The city will be the first in the UK to pilot an interactive online learning programme aimed at increasing their happiness.

Beacon Centre gets £119,000 in grants in funding boost

The centre in Wolverhampton Road, Sedgley, has been awarded the cash by the Big Lottery Fund and the European Social Fund. The money will support 100 visually impaired people over the age of 24 living in Wolverhampton. It will help them to find employment and boost social skills through IT training, cookery courses and financial workshops.

20pc of sex offences by foreign nationals

Dwarf games are big hit as 200 take part

WATCH: Wolverhampton's Compton Hospice makes mini-film to raise awareness of Lymphoedema

A new animated video has been launched by Wolverhampton's Compton Hospice to raise awareness of Lymphoedema as part of a campaign to educate people about the condition. The three-minute-long video shows how the body's lymphatic system deals with fluid build up in cells, and how this differs when someone has Lymphoedema, which is a condition that causes swelling in the body's tissues.

Hands up who's taking part in a 2016 Race for Life

Get those trainers at the ready girls - it's time to give cancer a good kicking by taking part in the region's Race for Life events. Women of all shapes and sizes are being urged to get the New Year off to a great start by signing up now to Cancer Research 2016 events.

Hundreds expected at Big Brother auditions in Wolverhampton nightclub

Big Brother is coming to Wolverhampton to audition hundreds of hopefuls from around the city for a chance to appear in the infamous reality TV show. The show is touring throughout the UK this month to find the most entertaining people to appear on our TV screens later this year.

Wolverhampton family's plea after thieves target grave

A distraught family has appealed for help in tracking down thieves who stole memorials from the grave of their father in Wolverhampton on the 18th anniversary of his death. Martin and Dawn Dobbing were disgusted to find that a large figurine of the Virgin Mary and a small can of Guinness, placed to commemorate the death of Mrs Dobbing's father, the late-Dennis Heaney, were stolen over the Christmas period.

Motorcyclist killed after losing control on his way home

Robert 'Claude' Christopher, aged 39, died on December 28 last year after 'dropping' his bike to avoid a vehicle turning left into a shop. Three vehicles were involved in the crash on Oldbury Road, Rowley Regis, when Mr Christopher came off his bike and crashed into a Land Rover.

Wimbledon charities tackle homeless crisis

Get moving for International Women's Day in Acton and Southall

WOMEN from across Ealing are being asked to take part in a range of free activities at Everyone Active for International Women's Day.

Van lands on its side in icy Wolverhampton smash

The accident, which is thought to have been caused by the sudden fall in temperatures overnight, has prompted a warning from police about driving conditions this week. The van rolled over on Bridgnorth Road in Shipley at the junction with Bennetts Lane, landing on its right side on a grass verge.

Business has designs on sales boom in US as graduate's work endorsed by Pharrell Williams and...

A clothing designer from Wolverhampton who has been endorsed by the likes of Pharrell Williams and Tinie Tempah is looking forward to business booming this year after registering his own company in the US. Richard Campbell, aka MR.CAM, graduated from the University of Wolverhampton in 2011 with a degree in Illustration.

West Midlands weather: Snow on the horizon as Arctic blast hits

Snow is on its way to the West Midlands as the milder conditions finally make way to an Arctic blast. Temperatures are set to plummet by next week, with the mercury dropping below 0C. Parts of the UK are being warned to expect snow when an Arctic air mass creates freezing overnight conditions as it sweeps across the country.

PICTURED: Firefighters battle severe Bilston shop blaze

A fire that took place in a shop's office in Bilston was so severe that it took the plaster off the walls, fire officers have revealed. Fire fighters were called to the blaze at the St Giles Shop, Church Street, Bilston at 4.50am this morning.

Nurse scoops award for mentoring skills

Vote for Young Star of the Year

Grandfather in hospital after four-car crash

He was driving his silver Vauxhall at around 6.30pm on March 19 along Tansey Green Road, near the junction with Smithy Lane when he was involved in the crash. He was taken by ambulance to Russells Hall hospital where it is believed he was treated for shock.

Lack of aspirational headteachers blamed for snub to Jaguar Land Rover offer over link with schools

Not one school in Wolverhampton has taken the opportunity to link with Jaguar Land Rover to improve their students' employability, despite the scheme being 'heavily encouraged'. The lack of take up of the educational partnership with the engineering firm which came to the city in 2011, has been blamed on a lack of 'aspirational head teachers' by city councillor Phil Bateman.

Bilston Malones Bar has licence pulled after staff failed to act on brutal attack

A bar has had its licence revoked after CCTV footage revealed how staff did not respond to the brutal assault of a man inside the premises. Malones Bar in Bilston, which had its licence suspended following the incident on November 7 last year, was unable to convince council officials that the premises should keep its licence in a meeting.

WATCH: Boyfriend caught on the hop by trampoline leap year proposal

A woman jumped at the chance to propose to her boyfriend this leap year - and picked the perfect location to pop the question. Lisa Moran, aged 37, chose the Air Space trampoline centre in Wolverhampton as the venue when she decided to ask partner Asa Greenaway, 39, to marry her.

IN PICTURES: Major fire breaks out on Stafford industrial estate

A major fire has broken out in Stafford today, with reports of one person being injured amid explosions and huge plumes of black smoke.

Pensioner dies after being run over twice - once by own car

A pensioner died in freak accident during which he was run over twice - once by his own car, a coroner heard. Kenneth Phillips, 72, was also hit by the vehicle of a man who had suffered a blackout at the wheel, his inquest was told.

Call for action over boarded-up 'eyesore' care home

NHS chiefs are being urged to make a decision on what to do with a boarded-up care home, which has been left empty since it was closed down at the end of last year.

Woman left needing stitches to face and hands after Staffordshire bull terrier attack

A woman was left needing stitches to her face and hands after being bitten by a Staffordshire bull terrier dog. The attack took place in Chillington Drive, Codsall, yesterday at around 11.30am. Police say the Staffordshire bull terrier bit the 58-year-old as she tried to protect her two Dachshunds.

Firefighters leave 50 tonnes of hay to burn itself out in barn blaze

Firefighters have left 50 tonnes of hay to burn after a barn caught fire in the early hours of the morning. Crews from Hereford and Worcester fire and rescue service were called to the barn fire at Clows Top, near Bewdley, at 2.56am.

Slimmer who ditched takeaways and beer to lose 3.5 stone to take on triathlon

He ate takeaways almost every day and 'thought nothing of drinking eight to 10 pints a night' - but now Tom Giles has lost three and a half stone and is taking on a triathlon. The 35-year-old, of Emerson Road, Wolverhampton, was inspired to lose weight after he found he was spending more time sitting down taking his inhaler, than running around with his children.

Wednesfield Police on Twitter

"For those who miss it @HTown_EParkWMP we made front page @ExpressandStar - illegal cars not welcome in Wolverhampton"

PICTURED: Stafford Road smoke delays Wolverhampton commuters

Drivers in Wolverhampton had to contend with more than congestion this morning when smoke filled a major route into the city during rush hour. Smoke from a Twente Express lorry covered a stretch of Stafford Road at around 9.20am causing disruption for drivers on the busy commuter route.

Jaguar Land Rover and National Express' help for veterans praised by Prime Minister David Cameron

Two West Midland-based employers have been praised by Prime Minister David Cameron for their work toward helping military veterans get back into work. Jaguar Land Rover and National Express were presented gold awards as part of the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme at a ceremony last Thursday.

Revealed: The million-pound doorstop

The antique has since been found to be a Chinese artefact from the 18th century. The rare blue and white vase was discovered propping a door open in a home and has been described as 'the find of a lifetime' by auctioneers.

Where you can Race for Life in 2016

It's time to kick that Christmas weight into shape for Cancer Research UK, with women throughout the Midlands invited to run, jog or walk at any one of the Race for Life Pretty Muddy events.

£3.3k fines imposed on Wolverhampton's litter-lout smokers

They were all due to appear before city magistrates, but only three appeared at the hearing. They all admitted littering. They were told to pay between £145 and £367 in fines and costs after failing to pay an initial on-the-spot £75 penalty handed out in August and September last year.

Legal highs: Poppers taken from Wolverhampton city centre shop in new police blitz

New laws will ban the sale of such substances in April and police, trading standards officers and council officials wanted to spread the message that action would be taken against those who flout the ban. Mamba, on Queen Street, Wolverhampton, a shop selling e-cigarettes, was among the premises visited.

Black Country Touring awarded lottery funds

A theatre and dance company that works with people from across the Black Country has been awarded £28,000 of lottery funding for its latest project. Black Country Touring (BCT) works with people from Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall to put on shows in schools, community centres, libraries and art galleries.

Gang fight pub with 'laissez-faire attitude towards security' closed down

A fight between two gangs at a Wolverhampton pub, that saw one member punched and another allegedly draw a knife, has prompted council bosses to shut down the venue for the second time in five months. The Harp Inn, in Walsall Street, Horseley Fields, was described by police as being 'on the gang circuit' of pubs in Wolverhampton.

Coroner shocked by Staffordshire County Council's 'excessive micromanagement' of mother who...

Mother-of-three Rosemary Corden was found by dog walkers on Cannock Chase. Her body was discovered after she had two days off sick from Staffordshire County Council, who she had worked for for 19 years, Cannock Coroners' Court heard.

Fatal Christmas Eve crash driver had been drinking and smoking cannabis

A father-of-one who died on Christmas Eve when the car he was driving hit a wall had been smoking cannabis and drinking alcohol before getting behind the wheel, an inquest heard.

Soldier turned Amazon worker steals £1,500 of goods in first week on job

An former soldier from Staffordshire stole almost £1,500 worth of goods just a week into a job working for Amazon. Neil Tuft, aged 26, of Littlewood Lane in Cheslyn Hay, admitted stealing the £1,362.50 worth of goods, including a Tom Tom smart watch, at Cannock Magistrates' Court.

Review: Fame, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Fame definitely came to Wolverhampton this week, in the professional-standard performance from youngsters who danced and sang their hearts out on stage. The performance pulled out all the stops to deliver what was often gob-smacking renditions of classic hit songs that left the audience in awe.

Hundreds hit streets for Vaisakhi procession

Raised By Wolves in line for American makeover

The production company behind Caitlin Moran's hit series 'Raised by Wolves' is in talks to potentially launch an American version of the show next year. The autobiographical show was developed by the BBC and broadcast on Channel 4 three years ago.

Nun better in Wolverhampton art exhibition

Mike Massingham, aged 64, and Bill Parker, aged 63, have joined forces to create a contrasting yet complementary exhibition of artwork at the Asylum Gallery in Chapel Ash. The exhibitions, entitled Spanish Caprichos and Meditation Paintings are being displayed together at the gallery from March 18 to 27.

'I heard my mother's screams': Girl tells jury of her father's alleged attempts to kill her mum

A 12-year-old girl has described the moment she discovered her father allegedly attempting to kill her mother at their Black Country home. She was woken by the screams of her mother, Nirmal Kaur, in the early hours of October 22 last year, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.

Voice star: My battle with viral meningitis

Coldstream Guards band to play in Ealing this week

THE Band of the Coldstream Guards will perform a free concert for students of London College of Music, part of the University of West London, as...

Tributes to one of Coventry's first black bouncers

One of the first black bouncers in Coventry has died after a battle with cancer. Seymour Barnes-Bromfield worked on the doors at pubs and clubs across the city in the 1970s and 80s, including popular haunts like Tiffany's, The Three Tuns, Reflections and the Devonshire Arms. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in September and died in hospital on January 24, aged 57.

Willenhall puppy theft: Teen admits stealing seven-week-old bulldogs

Wolverhampton Magistrates Court heard how the defendant and another male broke into a house on Beccles Drive, Portobello and stole the puppies, worth £2,000 each, on January 22. CCTV cameras on a neighbouring property caught the pair breaking the rear patio lock and getting into the house. They were later spotted running away.

268 cases of fraud cost Wolverhampton City Council £1m

Council staff misusing a council purchase card and staff working on out-of-work activities during their contracted hours. Just some of the 268 cases of fraud detected by Wolverhampton council on one year, a new report can reveal. The report followed a meeting of the audit and risk committee, details how the total value of the detected cases of fraud was £1,067,168 in 2014/15.

Mother's fundraiser

Gig review: Run-DMC and Raleigh Ritchie @ Scala London - South West Londoner

The godfathers of hip-hop, Run-DMC, were joined by new kid on the block, Raleigh Ritchie, to celebrate 30 years of the Vodafone network, at Scala last night. The event celebrated 30 years since Michael Harrison, son of former Vodafone Chairman Sir Ernest Harrison, first used the network to call his father at midnight on January 1 1985.

Chelsea rules Earth

LIVE: Junior doctors strike in the West Midlands

Hospitals across the Black Country and Staffordshire are providing emergency care only after thousands of junior doctors went on strike. Despite last-ditch talks to prevent the damaging action, around 4,000 operations and procedures have been cancelled across the country, with thousands more routine appointments also postponed.

30 new midwives for Wolverhampton

The new staff were recruited as part of a drive to increase the ratio of staff to patients at New Cross Hospital. They have been in training at the hospital for up to 12 months and are now qualified to work as midwives.

West Park play area shuts down

Stafford fire: LIVE updates as the fallout from the devastating warehouse blaze continues

Express & Star journalists are back at the scene of yesterday's devastating Stafford fire today, where emergency services are warning residents it may take a week until the area returns to normality.

Tenants forced to stay in B&Bs

Uma Thurman: five best moments

Uma Thurman is best known for her grungy, cult-status work with Quentin Tarantino, first on Pulp Fiction (1994) as the defiant, chain-smoking sex symbol Mia Wallace, then the revenge-hungry Bride in 2003's Kill Bill.

Cambridge residents march against lack of affordable housing

Cambridge residents are taking to the streets on Saturday in a protest to highlight the effect of the housing crisis on the city. Hundreds of people are marching through Cambridge - the third most expensive place to live in the UK in 2014 - as part of a day of demonstrations organised by Cambridge city council and the local branch of trade union Unite.

Remembering lives lost in war

Say Great Big Thank You to grandparents

From Ikea to icon for Eddie Redmayne

Actor Eddie Redmayne's sense of style clearly isn't just limited to his choice of furniture - he has now been named the best dressed male of 2016, beating the likes of David Beckham, DJ Nick Grimshaw and singer Sam Smith to the coveted top slot.

Young watermen take on oar-some 300-year-old race down the Thames

In pictures and video: Hundreds descend on Wolverhampton Vaisakhi festival

The holy procession on Sunday took around four-hours to complete its journey around the city. It began at 9am at Guru Nanak Satsang Gurdwara on Cannock Road and continued to West Park, where it ended at around 1.30pm. The procession originated in the Punjab region of India as a harvest festival and marks the birth of the Sikh nation in 1699.

GALLERY: Wolverhampton school's class of '55 reunite

Dozens of former pupils of Wolverhampton's landmark Regis School gathered to celebrate 60 years since they first walked through its doors. The class of 1955 was the first to attend the school on Tettenhall Road, which was one of the country's first ventures into the now defunct comprehensive schools system.

Grandfather publishes his memories of wartime Greenford for VE Day anniversary

A GRANDFATHER of two, who grew up in Greenford during World War Two, has published a book of his wartime experiences of the area, to coincide...

Young Ruislip ballet dancer takes to stage in West End

A YOUNG ballet dancer from Ruislip is to perform as Snowflake in the production of Snow White in the West End next month.

Dickens originals to go under the hammer

Acton railway cottage residents seek compensation for 10 years of HS2 disruption

ELDERLY residents, who have lived in Victorian cottages at Acton for 70 years, took to the streets last week asking the Government for compensation for the 10 years of disruption they will be caused by HS2.

Tribute run is walk in the park

Fern Britton in Coven pub stop on marathon charity bike ride

TV star Fern Britton stopped off in Coven as part of her John O'Groats to Land's End charity bike ride. The former This Morning presenter visited The Rainbow Inn yesterday for a bite to eat during a break from the challenge.

Adventurous Ealing pair At the End of the Line in new e-book

A COUPLE of Ealing pensioners have published a book detailing where to travel in London to escape the regular tourist haunts.

Shopping centre's where the art is as major exhibition gets under way in Wolverhampton

"It's about giving a nod to our heritage and looking forward to the future" were the words of the head of Wolverhampton's Mander Centre at the opening of a major arts event in the city. The City Arts Experience, featuring works by graduates from the University of Wolverhampton, was launched on Wednesday after taking around three months to complete.

Nursing home fails to improve over year

Hillingdon stroke survivor urges people to act FAST

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Call for stem cell donors in Acton to support Everyone Active's Chris

AN appeal for life-saving stem cell donations has been launched by the Everyone Active Centre, Acton, which is inviting people to attend its...

'The leafy suburbs of Warwickshire were not the right place for this'

Campaigners who fought the Coventry Gateway development were delighted at the decision. Mark Symes - Chairman of the Campaign group, Against the Gateway, said: ''We are of course delighted at the news this morning. ''This is the cumulation of three years of hard work, involving many people and weeks of attending the public inquiry.

Look: Coventry now home to world's three fastest cars

New Land Speed Record exhibition opened at Coventry Transport Museum by Andy Green - fastest man on Earth Coventry Transport Museum is now home to the three fastest cars in the world. A new Land Speed Record exhibition has been opened at the attraction by the fastest man on earth Andy Green.

Hillingdon people join demo in Westminster backing Heathrow expansion

Sign of change? The demo claimed to represent 80,000 people in favour of expanding Heathrow HUNDREDS of Hillingdon residents made their voices heard outside Parliament on Tuesday, supporting the expansion of Heathrow, just as the final consultation on expanding London's runways took place.

Dog attack man told to pay £5k

Humpage

Business as usual at Crosby's despite lorry smash

Crosby's bar in the Coventry SkyDome remains open for business following a lorry crash this morning. A truck driver is believed to have reversed into the front of Crosby's at about 6:30am today. Arena Manager Chris Carpenter said: "As far as we are concerned, it is business as usual.

Jam, Jerusalem and a jolly good 60 years

Hillingdon nursery celebrates double award

HILLINGDON Mayor Catherine Dann and Mayoress Rita Kilroy help celebrate Heathrow Day Nursery's achievement of the Healthy Early Year Programme...

Ealing whisky lover is finalist in UK Blog Awards

AN Ealing man is a finalist in this year's UK Blog Awards, to be announced in April. Greg Dillon, 29, of Park View Road, North Ealing, is one of ten finalists in the lifestyle category for his whisky blog, Great Drams. The blog details a wealth of whisky facts, reviews of local whisky events, as well as readers' thoughts on their favourite tipple.

Patient died 12 hours after hospital scan

VIDEO and PICTURES: Record-breaking sculptor heads back to 'diamond' hometown

"Wolverhampton is like a diamond in a dustbin - people underestimate what the people here can do and what we can achieve." "I am testimony to the fact that people can emerge from Wolverhampton as diamonds."

Neighbour cleared of manslaughter over flat fire death

Sandra Nowocinska, aged 22, died four days after being rescued from her flat by firefighters. She was discovered unconscious in her bedroom after inhaling smoke. Her son, who was five-year-old at the time, also suffered burns but survived.

Patrick Zachmann's best photograph: an anti-mafia squad interrogate a suspect

I took this in Naples in 1982, while I was doing a project on the Camorra, the Neapolitan mafia. Nobody was really talking about the Camorra publicly so I decided to go there, following the anti-mafia police. I wanted to confront violence and I needed to understand my own limits as a photographer, to understand when to shoot and when not to shoot.

Wolverhampton NHS Trust hoping to find genetic disease links

A ground-breaking project is being launched by the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust to identify genetic links between family members who suffer from cancers and other rare diseases. The £250 million '100,000 Genomes Project' was introduced by the government in 2012, in an attempt to sequence 100,000 genomes from around 70,000 people.

Marston’s brews up plans for new pub

400 new council homes earmarked for Wolverhampton

The news comes as thousands of current tenants are welcoming a one per cent cut in rents, but it means they will face a rise in costs for heating, concierge services and garage rents as the city council looks to find the money to pay for the new homes.

Broad Street kebab shop loses licence bid over camera confusion

A Black Country kebab shop owner has been denied a licence for the premises after he failed to show he knew how to operate CCTV properly. Mohammed Ahmadei of Caspian Kebab and Pizza in Wolverhampton was unable to convince council officials of his ability to fully operate the business with due care and understanding at his licence hearing.

Marathon men's long run at short notice for charity

School worker stole £1,500 from pupils' trips fund to spend on her own children

A former clerical assistant at a primary school stole almost £1,500 from a pot of money that was supposed to pay for trips for the pupils, a court heard. Andrea Payne, who had worked at Etching Hill Primary for eight years, admitted stealing £1,416 from the school between January and July last year.

Wolves fans value club memorabilia

Gunfire pub has licence revoked

Regeneration of old supermarket ‘will boost city economy’ £13m Sainsbury’s deal is welcomed

Firefighters rescue horse trapped in trailer

A horse that trapped both its front legs in the metal bar of its own trailer has been rescued by the fire service. Fire crews were called to assist the female horse at 11.15am this morning after the owner became concerned.

40 tribute acts lined up for free Wolverhampton music festival WV1

A total of 40 tribute acts will take to the stage at Wolverhampton's West Park this summer in an event which will see 10,000 visitors flock to the park. The WV1 fest takes place on August 13 and 14 and will include performances from local tribute acts including bands inspired by Bon Jovi, Led Zeppelin, The Killers, Nirvana and Pearl Jam.

The city of neighbourly love

Picture perfect - Photos mistakenly donated to Compton Hospice returned to family

A series of photographs mistakenly given to Compton Hospice in a box of stamps have been identified and returned to the family who handed them over. Over 150 pictures, which feature members of a family from the 1930s to the early 1990s, were donated as part of two large boxes of stamps, to raise money for the hospice.

Bilston girl rules Miss Earth

A 16-year-old girl has won the prestigious title of Miss Earth after she wowed the judges with her campaign against food waste. Chelsea Rist, of Hartshorne Street, Bilston, won the Miss Earth 2016 pageant on May 7, after a weekend of competing at the MacDonalds Burlington Hotel, New Street, Birmingham, which saw her complete a catwalk challenge, a cocktail dress round, evening wear, swimwear and eco-challenge round.

Wolverhampton cabbies protest over wages U-turn amid fears they'll be left out of pocket

Taxi drivers in Wolverhampton launched a protest after the company they work for backed out of a deal they believe would increase their wages. A protest of around 50 drivers took place outside the Go Carz offices after they found out the company would not be agreeing to a deal brokered in January to raise the minimum fare for any journey from £2.80 to £3.50.

Wedding bells to fond farewells

'Florence Nightingale' carer died after accidental painkiller overdose

A young woman described as being like Florence Nightingale because she enjoyed helping others died of an accidental overdose of painkiller medication, an inquest heard. Joanne Helen Sheppard, aged 33, was found dead on the kitchen floor in the house of a man she was caring for in Moxley in December.

Poet's special verse honours her majesty

GP surgery falls into special measures/Laws and lions ready for action

Is Wolverhampton's Robin 2 haunted?

Soap dispensers flying off walls, a cat in a window and a soldier seen putting on uniform - some of the ghostly goings-on at an historic Wolverhampton venue. The sightings at the Robin 2, in Mount Pleasant in Bilston, have attracted the interest of clairvoyant Philip Solomon, who is to hold a special spiritual evening tomorrow.

Drama as car mounts pavement

£280 court bill for homeless thief who asked for jail after stealing 50p water bottle

A homeless Lithuanian man who stole a 50p bottle of water and asked to be sent to prison has been handed a £280 court bill. Edvardas Tupciauskas, aged 28, of no fixed address, admitted the theft from Sainsbury's Local in Victoria Square at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court.

Pet greyhound had burns all over body

Ward closure due to staffing

Review: Caitlin Moran's 'Moranifesto' sure to get readers' votes

'As someone who comes from a council estate, in a town that rioted in the 1980s (Wolverhampton, the McDonald's was left intact. Even as we rioted, we protected the chips), but now mingles with the elite,' says Caitlin Moran, 'I know why those feelings exist.'

Mother and daughter fined £400 for fly-tipping at 'blighted' Stryker's site

A fly-tipping mother and daughter from Wolverhampton have been told to pay more than £400 each to the court after they were caught dumping their rubbish on the 'blighted' former Stryker's site.

Respite centre will benefit youngsters

Concern growing for missing Oldbury teenager

Concern is growing for a missing Oldbury teenager.

Wolverhampton canal death not suspicious, say police

The death of a man whose body was found in a canal in Wolverhampton is not being treated as suspicious, police have confirmed. The man was discovered in the Staffordshire and Worcester canal, opposite the New Regency Banqueting Suite, Foxes Lane, Dunstall, on March 20.

Gary Peplow tragedy: Motorbike death crash in Spain remains a mystery

A motorcycling holiday ended in tragedy when a biker was killed when he smashed into a crash barrier in Spain, an inquest heard. Gary Peplow was on a tour of Europe with friends when he hit the barrier. The 50-year-old father, from Bewdley, suffered heavy blood loss as a result of multiple injuries.

WATCH: Young raiders caught on camera stealing £60k of tools from Ford fanatic's business

"We're not going to let them beat us, no way." These are the words of the girlfriend of a business owner who has had more than £60,000 worth of tools stolen by raiders. The couple have been left heartbroken at the loss of their livelihood after burglars, one of whom appears to be carrying a weapon, broke into their firm in Penkridge.

Yoga venture at former night club

West Midlands travellers 'most likely to take tea on holiday'

People in the West Midlands are most likely to take their own tea on holiday according to a new report. A survey carried out by Travelsupermarket revealed that 35 per cent of holidaymakers from the West Midlands admit to taking tea bags in their suitcase, more than the tea-loving folk of Yorkshire, 31 per cent of whom take their own tea with them.

Look after me, I'm a little husky: Dog visitor makes children's day

Assault victim Nic's hard road to recovery

Chance to nominate inspiring teachers

Crook's boyfriend told to sell £22k Porsche funded by theft

The boyfriend of a nursing home manager who fleeced a vulnerable care assistant out of his near £95,000 inheritance has been forced to sell his Porsche. Steven Wedge, the 49-year-old bankrupt partner of Jayne Whitehouse, was bought the £29,995 Porsche 911 Carrera by her with the stolen money.

Murder suspect due in court after Richard Groves' body found in flat

A man was appearing in court today charged with murder after a body was found at a flat in the Black Country. Unemployed Darren Lander is accused of the murder of Richard Groves, whose body was found at Thompson Road, Langley. The 32-year-old was found dead at a flat in Alfred Gunn House.

'Serious' crash on the M6 between two cars and a lorry causes traffic chaos

A 'serious' crash involving two cars and a lorry is currently causing commuter chaos on the M6 just before the weekend. The collision took place just before 4.30pm today between Junction 12 and 13 of the M6 northbound, just one mile north of Penkridge.

Brussels attacks: Wolverhampton mosque opens book of condolence

Members of the Baitul Atta Mosque, Willenhall Road, decided to open the book to encourage members of the community to show their support to the people who lost their lives or who were injured in the attacks. It was open until yesterday when a special service was held from 10.30am.

BBC 3 Drugs Map of Britain under fire over 'negative' legal highs documentary on Wolverhampton

'Look, wherever you go in Wolverhampton, you can get it if you need it.' A new BBC documentary has portrayed the city in the grip of a 'Black Mamba' drug epidemic troubled by street dealing, fighting and antisocial behaviour.

Exhibition is plane fantastic

6,000 turn out at award-winning market

Trail for King Arthur leads to the Midlands

Is a cat killer on the loose in Wolverhampton? Probe after pets found poisoned with antifreeze

A rescue centre fears a cat killer may be on the loose after 20 animals were reported missing and others were found poisoned. The Ashmore Rescue for Cats said several cats had been found poisoned in Wolverhampton by the toxic substance antifreeze. And 20 cats are currently missing in the Ashmore Park area of Wolverhampton.

Doreen pokes fun at EU vote - 'Am yow in our out?'

WATCH: Wolverhampton through the decades captured on film

Hometown, filmed in Wolverhampton in 1959, describes the then town as 'busy, sharing in the prosperity of the Midlands, this old market town is now a flourishing industrial centre'. The crisp monochrome footage shows St Peter's Square and the Art Gallery, as well as the Prince Consort Statue, which was opened by Queen Victoria herself, now known to many as the man on the horse'.

Gunshots are fired at house

Sport at the heart of university’s awards

Shooting in Willenhall sparks police prbe

Gunfire erupted in a street in Willenhall, sparking a police investigation.

Dog owner told to pay £5k after bull terrier leaves factory worker with 'life changing' injuries

A dog will be destroyed as its owner was told to pay £5,000 in compensation after a 'life changing' attack on a factory worker. Owner Craig Humpage, 33, was also given a 20-week prison sentence, suspended for a year, when appearing at Cannock Magistrates' Court.

Exploits of former soldier are revealed

Emma's art attack

200 more nurses needed by Trust

Bridgnorth to host open air production of Bard classic

An open air production of A Midsummer Night's Dream is to bring magic and intrigue to a park in Bridgnorth next month. The 'Rain or Shine' theatre company are set to delight family audiences this summer with their production of Shakespeare's magical and hilarious masterpiece at Severn Valley Country Park, Alveley, on August 12 from 7.30pm.

New timetables after complaints on buses

Brian gets a kick from US link

Tom Watson for sale on ebay - at just £66,000

Eagle-eyed online shoppers may snap up more than they bargained for after the deputy leader of the Labour party was listed for sale on ebay. West Bromwich MP Tom Watson, who was elected as deputy leader in September last year, was listed on the online shopping site on Friday.

Review: Guys and Dolls, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Luck was a lady last night when a stellar cast of musical stars brought Broadway-inspired Guys and Dolls to the Grand Theatre. It may have been a Hot Box outside, but inside the theatre the audience were primed to experience all the razzmatazz of 1950s New York, and they were not disappointed.

New pedestrian route and 200 homes in latest Ealing Broadway plans

THE heart of Ealing Broadway is set to be transformed as plans for its future are unveiled next week.

Ealing boy, 8, joins other cancer sufferers at Downing Street reception

A BRAVE schoolboy, who has overcome gruelling cancer treatment, was a guest of honour at a visit to 10 Downing Street on Tuesday.

Students step out on red carpet to see their own films premiered

A TOTAL of 23 budding film-makers stepped out on the red carpet to celebrate the premiere of their five self-made films.