High winds cause damage and cancels events across West Midlands
As Storm Desmond hits the West Midlands bringing with it winds of up to 70mph a number of events have been cancelled and there has been some damage caused.
The winds have killed off a well loved straw bale Santa in Staffordshire.
Michelle Thomas from the Whitegate Farm Shop said: "For Christmas we make a straw bale Santa in our field next to the farm shop for a bit of Christmas fun. It takes about one day to build and dress, myself and my partner Mark Swift had just finished it this week, he was looking great.
"However last night Storm Desmond decided to put Santa to sleep and this morning. Luckily he stayed fully intact and caused no damage falling as he was positioned well out the way behind a fence so he will now be left as sleeping straw bale Santa."
Forecasts of strong winds forced organisers of Lichfield's Christmas Festival to cancel several activities today.
Among the events called off are the city council market, the Bird Street food fair and Twinkly Market at Minster Pool Walk, which is being postponed until next Saturday. Festival bosses say the decision was made on the grounds of public safety.
Activities at the Johnson Birthplace Museum will go ahead, as will Santa's Grotto and art activities at Beacon Park.
Organisers said: "The wind is forecast to die down overnight, so Sunday's events will continue as planned."
The winds has also put a stop to the fun at the West Bromwich Albion fanzone today.
The club said a lot of the entertainment that usually goes ahead on a match day had to be cancelled.
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