Thousands of residents have signed a petition to stop the City Council's tax rise. With the authority grappling with a financial crisis and a £300 million black hole, proposals have been put forward to raise council tax by 20% over the next two years.

A Police officer has suffered serious leg injuries after a hit-and-run in Walsall on Saturday morning. The car was since found abandoned. Police have now arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder and possession of drugs with intent to supply.

One of Britain's longest serving dinner ladies has no plans to hang up her apron after 50 years in the job. Rosemary Stokes, aged 73, began working in school kitchens in 1974, and joined Birmingham school St. Thomas More Primary in 1985 where she still serves now