Home | Express & Star

Local news you can trust

Close

Headline news

The Black Country's best secondary schools revealed as The Times 2026 school league tables rank the West Midlands' highest-achieving

Three local secondary schools have been named among the best in the country in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026.

Supporting image for story: The Black Country's best secondary schools revealed as The Times 2026 school league tables rank the West Midlands' highest-achieving

Supporting image for story: We visited a pub in the Wyre Forest countryside which is a true family affair and which prides itself on high quality food

We visited a pub in the Wyre Forest countryside which is a true family affair and which prides itself on high quality food

Supporting image for story: 'They'll clear the road when they see me coming!' Watch Christmas wish come true for 101-year-old as she enjoys dream ride in Rolls-Royce

'They'll clear the road when they see me coming!' Watch Christmas wish come true for 101-year-old as she enjoys dream ride in Rolls-Royce

Supporting image for story: Women 'begging for money' on behalf of charity for sick child suspected to be fraudsters - Staffordshire Police issue warning

Women 'begging for money' on behalf of charity for sick child suspected to be fraudsters - Staffordshire Police issue warning

Supporting image for story: Wetherspoon sets sights on giving listed pub near West Bromwich a makeover

Wetherspoon sets sights on giving listed pub near West Bromwich a makeover

Supporting image for story: Teenager charged with throwing firework into highway in Birmingham city centre

Teenager charged with throwing firework into highway in Birmingham city centre

Supporting image for story: 53 Walsall businesses issued the worst food hygiene ratings in 2025

53 Walsall businesses issued the worst food hygiene ratings in 2025

Editor's choice

Women 'begging for money' on behalf of charity for sick child suspected to be fraudsters - Staffordshire Police issue warning

"Do we want to be remembered for being cowards?" - Wolves defender speaks passionately on club's struggles

Wolverhampton cafe owner looking forward to helping people who are lonely, homeless and in need to have a merry Christmas

More top stories

Supporting image for story: I visited a restaurant that I never expected to see in Rugeley and found to have a nice atmosphere, friendly staff and good food

I visited a restaurant that I never expected to see in Rugeley and found to have a nice atmosphere, friendly staff and good food

Supporting image for story: 15 'underdogs' waiting in Dogs Trust kennels for their 'fur-ever' this festive season

15 'underdogs' waiting in Dogs Trust kennels for their 'fur-ever' this festive season

Supporting image for story: Bilston BMW driver, 33, caught drink driving on busy A-road gets ban and four-figure legal bill

Bilston BMW driver, 33, caught drink driving on busy A-road gets ban and four-figure legal bill

Supporting image for story: Christmases past: 16 joyful festive moments from across the Black Country and Staffordshire to make you smile

Christmases past: 16 joyful festive moments from across the Black Country and Staffordshire to make you smile

Supporting image for story: 22 festive photos which show Stafford coming together for a day of fun and music

22 festive photos which show Stafford coming together for a day of fun and music

Supporting image for story: Wolverhampton Tories launch petition against 37.5 per cent increase in 'garden tax' on green waste

Wolverhampton Tories launch petition against 37.5 per cent increase in 'garden tax' on green waste

Most popular

Your World

Supporting image for story: Mayor launches Grand Charity Raffle as Wolverhampton marks 25 years as a city

Mayor launches Grand Charity Raffle as Wolverhampton marks 25 years as a city

Supporting image for story: Top Villa players bring 'goal-den' smiles in hospice visit

Top Villa players bring 'goal-den' smiles in hospice visit

Supporting image for story: Walsall FC hero bags smiles in lead-up to matchday takeover

Walsall FC hero bags smiles in lead-up to matchday takeover

Supporting image for story: Review: Stafford Gatehouse Theatre's panto Sleeping Beauty is a fantastic barrel of laughs

Review: Stafford Gatehouse Theatre's panto Sleeping Beauty is a fantastic barrel of laughs

Supporting image for story: Be a binner, not a blocker and don’t let your pipes feel stuffed this Christmas

Be a binner, not a blocker and don’t let your pipes feel stuffed this Christmas

Supporting image for story: Family Christmas concert brings festive cheer

Family Christmas concert brings festive cheer

Sport

"Do we want to be remembered for being cowards?" - Wolves defender speaks passionately on club's struggles

Matt Doherty has urged his Wolves team-mates not to be 'remembered for being cowards' and find a way to end their dismal losing run.

Supporting image for story: "Do we want to be remembered for being cowards?" - Wolves defender speaks passionately on club's struggles

Supporting image for story: Liam Keen comment: Jeff Shi departure necessary after Wolves mismanagement

Liam Keen comment: Jeff Shi departure necessary after Wolves mismanagement

Supporting image for story: Liam Keen's Wolves player ratings v Brentford after 10th consecutive defeat

Liam Keen's Wolves player ratings v Brentford after 10th consecutive defeat

Supporting image for story: Lewis Cox's West Brom player ratings: A few 7s the best in yet more away misery

Lewis Cox's West Brom player ratings: A few 7s the best in yet more away misery

Supporting image for story: 'A tough afternoon' - West Brom boss' verdict on officials after controversial Gilchrist red

'A tough afternoon' - West Brom boss' verdict on officials after controversial Gilchrist red

Supporting image for story: "Fosun are really keen to help" - Rob Edwards reacts to Wolves' leadership change

"Fosun are really keen to help" - Rob Edwards reacts to Wolves' leadership change

Supporting image for story: West Brom concern for defender Krystian Bielik after ankle setback in defeat

West Brom concern for defender Krystian Bielik after ankle setback in defeat

Wolves

Supporting image for story: "Do we want to be remembered for being cowards?" - Wolves defender speaks passionately on club's struggles

"Do we want to be remembered for being cowards?" - Wolves defender speaks passionately on club's struggles

Supporting image for story: Liam Keen comment: Jeff Shi departure necessary after Wolves mismanagement

Liam Keen comment: Jeff Shi departure necessary after Wolves mismanagement

Supporting image for story: Liam Keen's Wolves player ratings v Brentford after 10th consecutive defeat

Liam Keen's Wolves player ratings v Brentford after 10th consecutive defeat

West Brom

Supporting image for story: 'A tough afternoon' - West Brom boss' verdict on officials after controversial Gilchrist red

'A tough afternoon' - West Brom boss' verdict on officials after controversial Gilchrist red

Supporting image for story: Lewis Cox's West Brom player ratings: A few 7s the best in yet more away misery

Lewis Cox's West Brom player ratings: A few 7s the best in yet more away misery

Supporting image for story: West Brom concern for defender Krystian Bielik after ankle setback in defeat

West Brom concern for defender Krystian Bielik after ankle setback in defeat

Walsall FC

Supporting image for story: Notts County 0-0 Walsall - ratings: One 9 in crucial draw for table-topping Saddlers

Notts County 0-0 Walsall - ratings: One 9 in crucial draw for table-topping Saddlers

Supporting image for story: 'Not the same energy' - Walsall camp struck by illness before Notts County draw

'Not the same energy' - Walsall camp struck by illness before Notts County draw

Supporting image for story: George Bennett analysis as Walsall stay top with point at Notts County

George Bennett analysis as Walsall stay top with point at Notts County

Latest Videos

Supporting image for story: Lewis Cox analysis as West Brom suffer latest away day defeat at Hull

Lewis Cox analysis as West Brom suffer latest away day defeat at Hull

Supporting image for story: 'This is his legacy - he had to go': Liam Keen and Jonny Drury on Jeff Shi and latest Wolves defeat

'This is his legacy - he had to go': Liam Keen and Jonny Drury on Jeff Shi and latest Wolves defeat

Supporting image for story: 'We are just terrible': Wolves fan reaction after Rob Edwards' side slip to yet another Premier League defeat

'We are just terrible': Wolves fan reaction after Rob Edwards' side slip to yet another Premier League defeat

Supporting image for story: George Bennett analysis as Walsall stay top with point at Notts County

George Bennett analysis as Walsall stay top with point at Notts County

Supporting image for story: Liam Keen with Wolves latest from Rob Edwards press conference ahead of Brentford clash

Liam Keen with Wolves latest from Rob Edwards press conference ahead of Brentford clash

Supporting image for story: What Tony Mowbray and Ryan Mason have in common as West Brom 'take handbrake off'

What Tony Mowbray and Ryan Mason have in common as West Brom 'take handbrake off'

From your club

Upcoming fixtures

Liverpool badge

Sat 27 December, 2025

Liverpool v Wolves

Wolverhampton Wanderers FC badge

Walsall FC badge

Fri 26 December, 2025

Walsall v Crewe

West Bromwich Albion badge

Fri 26 December, 2025

West Brom v Bristol City

Bristol City badge

Aston Villa badge

Sun 21 December, 2025

Villa v Man Utd

Popular reads

Find local news

Local Hubs

Shropshire Wolverhampton Sandwell Dudley Walsall Staffordshire Birmingham Wyre Forest

Enter your town name.

Looking for a new job?

We have 1000's of local jobs from local employers to choose from.

Start your search

Entertainment

Wolverhampton cafe owner looking forward to helping people who are lonely, homeless and in need to have a merry Christmas

A cafe owner is ready to help provide free Christmas meals to people in need across Wolverhampton.

Supporting image for story: Wolverhampton cafe owner looking forward to helping people who are lonely, homeless and in need to have a merry Christmas

Supporting image for story: 22 festive photos which show Stafford coming together for a day of fun and music

22 festive photos which show Stafford coming together for a day of fun and music

Supporting image for story: We visited a pub in the Wyre Forest countryside which is a true family affair and which prides itself on high quality food

We visited a pub in the Wyre Forest countryside which is a true family affair and which prides itself on high quality food

Supporting image for story: Beautiful West Midlands park ranked as one of top 10 best places for a Christmas Day walk - here’s where and why

Beautiful West Midlands park ranked as one of top 10 best places for a Christmas Day walk - here’s where and why

Supporting image for story: I visited a restaurant that I never expected to see in Rugeley and found to have a nice atmosphere, friendly staff and good food

I visited a restaurant that I never expected to see in Rugeley and found to have a nice atmosphere, friendly staff and good food

Supporting image for story: Plans for new Taco Bell restaurant approved at retail park near Merry Hill

Plans for new Taco Bell restaurant approved at retail park near Merry Hill

Supporting image for story: Liam Payne’s sister says ‘it feels like all of him is being removed’ with fresh heartbreak

Liam Payne’s sister says ‘it feels like all of him is being removed’ with fresh heartbreak

Supporting image for story: 'There's no place like Walsall!' Walsall Arena celebrates 'biggest panto to date' as more than 8,000 attend Wizard of Oz spectacular

'There's no place like Walsall!' Walsall Arena celebrates 'biggest panto to date' as more than 8,000 attend Wizard of Oz spectacular

Supporting image for story: Dan Morris: Real heroes are all about the bacon

Dan Morris: Real heroes are all about the bacon

Supporting image for story: 'I started work helping my dad in a West Midlands factory now I make jewellery for footballers and TV stars - Christmas is one of my busiest times'

'I started work helping my dad in a West Midlands factory now I make jewellery for footballers and TV stars - Christmas is one of my busiest times'

Supporting image for story: 'I took my son to see the REAL Santa in Lapland and it was a magical experience'

'I took my son to see the REAL Santa in Lapland and it was a magical experience'

Supporting image for story: 13 West Midlands pubs open on Christmas Day 2025 to grab the perfect festive drink

13 West Midlands pubs open on Christmas Day 2025 to grab the perfect festive drink

Supporting image for story: I went to a Staffordshire pub which has become a foodie's paradise to enjoy good food, a welcoming atmosphere and a few festive cocktails

I went to a Staffordshire pub which has become a foodie's paradise to enjoy good food, a welcoming atmosphere and a few festive cocktails

Supporting image for story: 'We all hope everyone has a great night and relives some memories' - Last ever Cheeky Monkey Indie night to be held at Wolverhampton Halls after 28 years

'We all hope everyone has a great night and relives some memories' - Last ever Cheeky Monkey Indie night to be held at Wolverhampton Halls after 28 years

Supporting image for story: Review: Stafford Gatehouse Theatre's panto Sleeping Beauty is a fantastic barrel of laughs

Review: Stafford Gatehouse Theatre's panto Sleeping Beauty is a fantastic barrel of laughs

Crime

Supporting image for story: Women 'begging for money' on behalf of charity for sick child suspected to be fraudsters - Staffordshire Police issue warning

Women 'begging for money' on behalf of charity for sick child suspected to be fraudsters - Staffordshire Police issue warning

Supporting image for story: Bilston BMW driver, 33, caught drink driving on busy A-road gets ban and four-figure legal bill

Bilston BMW driver, 33, caught drink driving on busy A-road gets ban and four-figure legal bill

Supporting image for story: Teenager charged with throwing firework into highway in Birmingham city centre

Teenager charged with throwing firework into highway in Birmingham city centre

Supporting image for story: Man charged in connection with murder of teenager in Birmingham

Man charged in connection with murder of teenager in Birmingham

Supporting image for story: Man charged following series of shop thefts in Walsall

Man charged following series of shop thefts in Walsall

Supporting image for story: 'I've felt traumatised and tormented by what has happened': Mother of Liberty Charris lodges complaint over police handling of her daughter's death in Oldbury

'I've felt traumatised and tormented by what has happened': Mother of Liberty Charris lodges complaint over police handling of her daughter's death in Oldbury

Business

Supporting image for story: Wetherspoon sets sights on giving listed pub near West Bromwich a makeover

Wetherspoon sets sights on giving listed pub near West Bromwich a makeover

Supporting image for story: 53 Walsall businesses issued the worst food hygiene ratings in 2025

53 Walsall businesses issued the worst food hygiene ratings in 2025

Supporting image for story: Plans for new Taco Bell restaurant approved at retail park near Merry Hill

Plans for new Taco Bell restaurant approved at retail park near Merry Hill

Supporting image for story: 'I started work helping my dad in a West Midlands factory now I make jewellery for footballers and TV stars - Christmas is one of my busiest times'

'I started work helping my dad in a West Midlands factory now I make jewellery for footballers and TV stars - Christmas is one of my busiest times'

Supporting image for story: Struggling West Midlands businesses call for support in turning their fortunes around

Struggling West Midlands businesses call for support in turning their fortunes around

Supporting image for story: Bridgnorth Aluminium exporting push sees return to 24/7 operations

Bridgnorth Aluminium exporting push sees return to 24/7 operations

Education

Supporting image for story: The Black Country's best secondary schools revealed as The Times 2026 school league tables rank the West Midlands' highest-achieving

The Black Country's best secondary schools revealed as The Times 2026 school league tables rank the West Midlands' highest-achieving

Supporting image for story: Man who oversaw construction of Wolverhampton School of Art speaks of his joy after it is saved from bulldozers

Man who oversaw construction of Wolverhampton School of Art speaks of his joy after it is saved from bulldozers

Supporting image for story: Christmas card competition proves a festive hit with children across West Midlands

Christmas card competition proves a festive hit with children across West Midlands

Supporting image for story: Celebrated Netflix actor returns to his Wolverhampton primary school to open library

Celebrated Netflix actor returns to his Wolverhampton primary school to open library

Supporting image for story: Family Christmas concert brings festive cheer

Family Christmas concert brings festive cheer

Supporting image for story: Consultation to begin on planned expansion of Wolverhampton community school that will create 79 new pupil places

Consultation to begin on planned expansion of Wolverhampton community school that will create 79 new pupil places

Motors

Supporting image for story: Alpine hints at electric A110 sports coupe successor in new film

Alpine hints at electric A110 sports coupe successor in new film

Supporting image for story: First Drive: Ferrari’s Amalfi brings more of a good thing

First Drive: Ferrari’s Amalfi brings more of a good thing

Supporting image for story: BMW’s ‘M’ division to launch driver-focused in-car apps

BMW’s ‘M’ division to launch driver-focused in-car apps

Supporting image for story: Kia EV4 and PV5 Passenger become latest EVs to receive government’s Electric Car Grant

Kia EV4 and PV5 Passenger become latest EVs to receive government’s Electric Car Grant

Supporting image for story: Mercedes VLE electric minivan to make world debut in March

Mercedes VLE electric minivan to make world debut in March

Supporting image for story: Important checks to make to your car tyres before travelling this Christmas

Important checks to make to your car tyres before travelling this Christmas