Alex Homer
BBC Local Live

A "cowboy builder" who fleeced a 71-year-old out of £39,316 for work on his home has been jailed.

George Humberstone admitted conspiracy to defraud on the first day of a trial at Birmingham Crown Court.

Image source, Google

The 33-year-old, of Cleese Caravan Park in Walsall Road, Staffordshire, was jailed for 37 months.

Birmingham City Council's trading standards department, which brought the case, said the work for the victim was "over-priced and poor quality".

Further action is expected to be taken to recoup funds from Humberstone under the Proceeds of Crime Act in March 2017.

Allen Cook
BBC Local Live

The MP for Cannock Chase says she's going to meet the fire service and other groups today, external over the wood fire in Rugeley that's been burning for 11 days. 

Residents have told the BBC they are angry they still have to keep their doors and windows shut after 1,000 tonnes of waste caught fire on farmland on Slitting Mill Road on 5 September. 

Image source, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service

The fire service said a controlled burn was taking place over fears water supplies could be contaminated. 

Amanda Milling has said this week it was "unacceptable" the fire was still burning and says she'll meet with "all relevant bodies" today to discuss the issue further. 

Separately, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service say they'll hold a public meeting on Monday evening, external at Rugeley fire station.

Police officers are getting on bikes to spot motorists who drive too close to cyclists while overtaking.

David Lumb
BBC News Online

A suspected medieval pit has been found beneath a car park in Staffordshire.

It was discovered by archaeologists excavating the Corporation Street car park in Tamworth ahead of a project to redevelop Tamworth Assembly Rooms.

Image source, Tamworth Borough Council

Around the edge of the pit they found three small pieces of pottery, which have been sent away for analysis.

The site is near St Editha's Church - believed to be the heart of a development where a possible Saxon palace was located.

Experts believe the pit may have been used as a place for people to keep rubbish.  

Aston Villa defender Ritchie De Laet could face a lengthy spell out with a serious knee injury says boss Roberto Di Matteo.

As Warwickshire and Surrey get ready to meet in the One-Day Cup final, BBC Sport looks at who may come out on top at Lord's.

As Warwickshire and Surrey get ready to meet in the One-Day Cup final, BBC Sport looks at who may come out on top at Lord's. The final is a meeting of the last two losing finalists, with the Bears beaten by Durham in 2014 while Surrey lost to Gloucestershire last year.

A man is jailed for 30 years for repeatedly stabbing a girl in her neck and chest and several sexual assaults.

Warwickshire captain Ian Bell and Surrey counterpart Gareth Batty bring plenty of experience to Saturday's One-Day Cup final.

UKIP will announce its new leader at the party's conference in Bournemouth shortly, with five candidates vying to succeed Nigel Farage.

A train has derailed near Watford Junction causing major disruption to services in and out of London Euston station.

All line were blocked earlier but some have since reopened, according to Virgin Trains which says the "majority of services" are subject to delays and alterations.

In the wake of West Brom's takeover, BBC Sport asks how the West Midlands' big four clubs all ended up in Chinese hands.

A "cowboy builder" who fleeced a 71-year-old man out of nearly £40,000 for work on his home is jailed.

West Brom's long-awaited takeover by a Chinese investment group has been completed, the Premier League club announces.

The removal of almost 15 tonnes of concrete from the site of Birmingham's old library has revealed a new skyline for the city. Demolition work has given new views of the city's museum and art gallery.

Listen to ball-by-ball commentary from Edgbaston as Warwickshire host Lancashire in the County Championship.

Follow 5 live, Final Score and text reaction of the third round League Cup ties as Chelsea beat Leicester after extra time.

Adrian Goldberg
Presenter, BBC WM

Businesses in Wolverhampton are welcoming a new scheme being launched in the city today, aimed at tackling retail crime. 

Facewatch, which is already in use in other parts of the West Midlands, allows people to upload pictures of suspected criminals. 

Police say the smartphone app helps them to crack down on shoplifters and pickpockets, but some civil liberties groups claim it goes against the principle of innocent until proven guilty. 

West Brom youth boss Steve Hopcroft says Chelsea teenager Izzy Brown may come to regret his move to Stamford Bridge.

An open letter by a former serial offender is being used to deter others from a life of crime.