We visited the Black Country town of Bilston and discovered a community that cares and so much more

The town centre was bustling, the market stalls were in business, and the benches were lined with chatty Bilstonians catching a break in the sun.

Historically, Bilson was famous for the art of enamelling as well as iron and coal mining. Now, it retains some of its history through the Grade II listed town hall, the old Bow Street police station - built in 1840 - and St Leonard's church, dating back to a rebuilding in 1825.

It's also home to the iconic Robin club - a 700-capacity venue that has hosted musical legends - the likes of Billy Ocean, Ben E. King and The Animals, to name a few. 

Down in the town centre, I asked residents and business-owners what they love about their town.

Sisters Maureen and Lynda have lived in Bilston for a combined total of 158 years and said, although their town is not the same as it once was, they love where they live and the people they know.

"We've always had a good market and a good town," said 73-year-old Lynda Jones, "I think we know everybody, more or less."

"Yes, we've got good neighbours," added her sister Maureen Clark, who just celebrated her 60th anniversary. She would like to see a safer Bilston for all.

"It used to be a safe area, but just lately it has gone down a bit and the market has too," said the 85-year-old. "But we still have a good community. Especially the local police officer, we have banter with him every time we see him."

Up at the busy Market Tavern pub the regulars were enjoying a cold pint, and landlady Joanne Horton loves her job.

"It's like little community hub, you can walk in here by yourself and you haven't got to worry, there's always someone to talk to," the 40-year-old said.

"There's always a conversation to be had, banter going on, we have children in here as well so it's like a little drop-in centre for the entire community which is really nice.

"Everyone can just come together and have a good laugh. We have different games and competitions on each day with prizes to be able to give something back to our customers."

The businesses on the high street say they look out for their local charities and care homes too, with The Market Tavern putting on regular charity events and the famous Major's chippy giving cheap food - and orange chips - to their nearby care homes when they order.

Chippy owner Bala Ananthakumavan says he and his staff like to give back to their community.

"It is a very vibrant area," he said, "and without the people we can't run a business. We have really supportive customers, they are loyal, and we are thriving on that.

"We are doing whatever possible to give back, and always jump in with charity activities and giving food to local care homes.

"The businesses all have to get together to build up our market and our community again."

Mandy Carey has worked at the shop for 30 years and says she loves the people.

"It's home, it's the place I love. Most of the time it is a really good vibe because Bilstonians are really nice people. They come in, we have a chat, a laugh.

"The area has changed a lot, but sometimes you have to move with the times - some of it's good, some bad, it's the same everywhere."

St Leonard's Church is at the beating heart of Bilston - not only is it loved for its historic and grand architecture but for its bustling community cafe inside. That's where I met the church warden Jane Dooley. 

"It's a wonderful town in terms of the market, the people," the 67-year-old said. "We are the hub of the town, in some ways. We've got the cafe and that is a place where people can come and relax. They'll sit over a pot of tea for hours just chatting and making friends. People are often lonely, but they can come and sit here, and we keep the prices as cheap as we can so everyone feels welcome.

"We try to be here to serve the people, and that is our main aim. It's a welcoming place and we try to keep it that way."

Bilston: A lovely place with even lovelier people. No wonder our readers are so fond of this Wolverhampton town.