Daz Hale
BBC WM

I'm outside the main entrance at Solihull Hospital where about a dozen-or-so junior doctors have started their 24-hour walk-out.

"Tired doctors make mistakes" and "Save our NHS" are just some of the banners on display here.

One doctor, who did not want to be named, said: "It's not a light move. Patient safety is at the heart of healthcare. It has come to a point now where negotiations between the BMA and government have failed and industrial action is the next step." 

A cold, windy and rather cloudy day for most of us.

Occasional showers are expected which could be heavy at times, possibly giving some snow over higher ground. 

The strong north-westerly wind will bring a marked wind chill with highs of 6C (43F).

Walsall Advertiser

The boss of a successful Walsall-based discount retailer said he is "flattered and delighted" after receiving a top honour for his business exploits., external

Image source, Walsall Advertiser

Stephanie Barnard
BBC Local Live

The top stories in the BBC WM newsroom at the moment include:

- Junior doctors in the West Midlands are joining thousands of their colleagues across the country in a 24-hour strike

- Aston Villa fans say they will protest against the club's owner Randy Lerner before and after tonight's home match with Crystal Palace

- FA Cup draw 4th round: Walsall to travel to Huddersfield or Reading

Hundreds of NHS patients in the West Midlands will have operations and hospital appointments cancelled today because of a strike by junior doctors.

Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals say it has cancelled five surgical procedures and 126 outpatient appointments. 

The doctors will provide emergency cover only during the 24-hour walkout, which started at 08:00 this morning.  

More than 145,000 books belonging to Birmingham's libraries are missing - some for more than 20 years.

A total of 145,671 overdue books have stacked up fines of £422,930 since 1995, according to council figures.  

BBC Travel

One lane is closed on the M6 southbound between J7, A34 (Great Barr) and J6 A38(M) Aston Expressway Spaghetti Junction because of an accident

And there are also delays on the M6 northbound between J6 A38(M) and J7, A34 because of another accident.

Read more on BBC Travel for the latest disruptions.

Stephanie Barnard
BBC Local Live

I'm in the BBC WM newsroom, bringing you the very latest news, sport, travel and weather for Birmingham and the Black Country.

If you'd like to get in touch with the BBC Local Live team today - email or tweet @BBCWM., external