Warning of high winds ahead of Christmas getaway

Forecasters predict a windy start to the getaway

The Met Office is warning of high winds, which could affect people making an early getaway for Christmas in parts of the Midlands.

The yellow warning for Thursday affects Staffordshire and northern parts of the West Midlands, Shropshire and Warwickshire.

Forecasters expected there would be widespread winds of 50 to 60 mph (80 to 96 km/h), with some areas seeing gusts of up to 80 mph (130 km/h).

The warning said people should be aware of potential travel disruption.

In addition, The Met Office warned there could be power cuts and advised householders to secure loose items in gardens.

But the risk of serious damage or disruption was small, it said.

The alert also includes northern England and Wales, and the whole of Scotland and Northern Ireland.