One Direction mania hits Birmingham

X Factor’s One Direction told how they are living the dream after bringing a city street to a standstill as they signed copies of their book.


Indefinite sentence paedophile is freed

A paedophile who was jailed indefinitely for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl in a Black Country supermarket has been freed on appeal after top judges said he should not have been given the open-ended sentence.


Police chief forced to go aged just 48

The head of Sandwell Police will have to retire after 30 years’ service under cost-saving moves, despite being only 48 years old.


Charlie Chaplin was ‘born into Midland gipsy family’

Charlie Chaplin may have been born into a gipsy family in the Black Country, it has emerged.


Plasterers save man’s life

Two quick-thinking plasterers helped save a man’s life after he suffered an epileptic fit and collapsed on his driveway, suffering serious injuries.


From wartime drama to 60 years of bliss

He narrowly escaped death when an aeroplane crashed into his Black Country home during the Second World War – and now Derek Newton is celebrating his diamond wedding anniversary.


Grand Theatre unveils new shows and plays

Seven new shows and a season of plays have been added to the already-packed programme of performances at Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre.


Jack Jones celebrates his 103rd birthday

Dates with much younger “girlfriends” and weekly outings to the pub with the “lads” are helping to keep Jack Jones young at heart – at the age of 103.


Thousands face losing their homes

More than 3,400 homes will be repossessed in the West Midlands this year, according to figures released today.


Hairy Bikers delight their Birmingham fans

While hundreds of teenage girls queued to meet One Direction in Birmingham, a different group of people waited to meet two of the country’s most popular chefs.

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