A church in the Black Country is ringing in the changes as eight bells have been lowered from their tower for the first time in more than 120 years ahead of a major restoration project.

A toy company in the Midlands which supplies trampolines and climbing frames for firms including Tesco, John Lewis and Early Learning Centre has gone into administration, putting about 100 jobs at risk of redundancy.

Three men were caught offloading £1,600 worth of stolen aluminium bronze to a scrap dealer after buying it for just £50, a court heard.

A football clubhouse was saved from burning down by a member of staff collecting kits for the next match, firefighters said today.

Police are hunting a man who is on the run after absconding from an open prison.

Buildings and machinery has been destroyed in a suspected arson attack at a Lye car wash overnight.

A woman who carried out a “frenzied” knife attack on a former friend was today starting a 12-year prison term.

Tens of thousands of pounds worth of metal has been stolen after thieves targeted a Black Country foundry six times in just one month, it emerged today.

A motor racing champion died after being crushed by his prized Austin Healey as he worked on it, an inquest heard.

Metal thieves struck at a Black Country engineering firm stealing part of a rare engine, machinery and tools worth thousands.