The clear-up after gale force winds wreaked havoc in the Midlands, ripping roofs from buildings and sending trees toppling, was into a second day today.

From a bobby to a boxing coach, people from all walks of life in the Black Country and Staffordshire have been recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list.

Swimming prices for youngsters and pensioners living in Dudley will increase for the third time in 18 months, it has emerged today.

A pensioner from Halesowen has died after being knocked down by a car while out walking in Surrey.

A legal bid to overturn controversial plans to close a Black Country fire station and axe a 24-hour crew will go ahead after it was revealed lawyers will take up the case.

Readers havhe been contacting the Express & Star to tell us about items which were bought decades ago, but are still going strong.

Just under 160 people have so far filled in a questionnaire about controversial plans to shut a string of police stations across the West Midlands overnight.

Chrissy Symmons catches up with the region’s best unsigned acts and meets the musical stars of tomorrow – this week it’s Viva La Revolution from Halesowen, Shrewsbury’s Andy Lowe and Stafford-based Carnypig. 

Students from The Earls High School in Halesowen have been collecting present bags in their ‘Give a Gift Bag’ appeal for the Children’s Ward at Russells Hall Hospital in readiness for distribution at Christmas.

A running coach and sports-mad college student have been selected to carry the Olympic torch during next year’s games.