An uninsured Telford drink-driver who got his Mercedes stuck on a tram track in Birmingham has been given a 17-month ban.

Maurice Cooney, from Donnington, caused five hours of disruption on the Midland Metro after driving 100m down the tracks on 6 November.

Image source, PA Wire

Birmingham Magistrates Court heard that when he was breath tested he was twice the legal limit.

The 33-year-old admitted charges of drink driving, having no insurance and causing a danger or inconvenience by obstructing the tracks near the Snow Hill tram stop.

He was fined £246 and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £135 and a £30 victim surcharge.

Police arrest a man and search a property in Birmingham as part of a counter terrorism operation.

Stourbridge News

Here's this week's front page of the Stourbridge News., external

Image source, Stourbridge News

Birmingham's annual Frankfurt Christmas Market opens today. 

Dozens of workers have been putting together more than 130 stalls in Victoria Square and New Street in preparation for this evening (pictured).

Now in its 16th year, the attraction will for the first time remain over Christmas to mark 50 years since Birmingham and Frankfurt became twin cities.

Stephanie Barnard
BBC Local Live

What a week it's been for the BBC's Richie Anderson who has been riding 250 miles on a tandem across the Midlands.

The BBC WM presenter started in Birmingham and has made his way through Stoke-on-Trent, Shrewsbury and Worcester.

Today he's making his way to Coventry via Evesham, Stratford and Kenilworth. He's only got another 100 miles to go - though by the looks of it, Wednesday was a pretty hard day for him., external

You can keep track of how he's doing by checking online., external

A property in Birmingham is being searched as part of an intelligence-led, counter terrorism operation under which a man was arrested yesterday.

The 34-year-old, who was arrested at a Birmingham address on suspicion of terrorism offences, is this afternoon in custody and being questioned by West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit. 

West Midlands Police says there was no threat to the public's safety.

West Brom striker Saido Berahino is close to returning from injury and looks "mentally a lot clearer", says boss Tony Pulis.

As more women are treated for drink problems, one mother tells how her evening glass of wine turned into full-blown alcoholism.

Stephanie Barnard
BBC Local Live

A man hit by a lorry in West Bromwich this morning has died.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Jowetts Lane at about 08:35.

A spokesman said the man, believed to be in his 60s, died at the scene from "significant injuries".

The road remains closed while emergency services are at the scene.

Lucy Martin
BBC Weather

A cold and breezy start before we see showers pass through the Midlands. It should brighten later this afternoon, though, once the rain and showers have cleared. 

Birmingham Mail

The most outspoken member of the Birmingham Six is set to return to the city, external on the eve of the 42nd anniversary of the pub bombings for which he was wrongly convicted.  

BBC Midlands Today

New figures show an increase in cases of suspected human trafficking in the West Midlands. 

The Salvation Army, which runs a national helpline from Birmingham, says numbers have risen five fold over the past five years. 

In 2015, there were 230 cases of sexual exploitation and forced labour in the region. 

The charity says people need to be more aware of the problem.

Chris Blakemore
BBC WM

What a morning it's been here at BBC WM as we hold an auction for money-can't-buy prizes. Julia in Balsall Common has bid £1,500 for Danny Kelly's radio show to come live from her house.

More prizes are still available including chef Glynn Purnell coming to your workplace with 50 amazing desserts. Accountancy firm Price Waterhouse Cooper has offered £1,000 for it - if you're interested, put in your bid.

There's also the chance to see Strictly's Brendan Cole dance in Birmingham next year - Mark in Smethwick currently has the highest bid at £1,500.

With many more auctions on the go, listen to BBC WM.

Call 0121 567 6555 to place your bid.

A police officer is jailed after he falsely blamed his partner for injuries caused by his dog.

Stephanie Barnard
BBC Local Live

A man has "suffered serious injuries" after being hit by a lorry in West Bromwich this morning.

West Midlands Police is in attendance and has closed Jowetts Lane, Schofield Road and Wyntor Lane while emergency services are at the scene.

Express and Star

Campaigners fighting controversial cuts to the school crossing warden service in a bid to save £395,000 a year have been served up a 'mishmash' of figures, it has been claimed., external

Stephanie Barnard
BBC Local Live

Emergency services are attending to a man in West Bromwich after he was hit by a lorry.

West Midlands Ambulance Service tells me it received a 999 call at 08:35 following the incident on Jowetts Lane.

Two ambulances, a first responder and a paramedic are at the scene.

Investigations are under way into the cause of a severe flat fire in Acocks Green.

Two people were rescued from the property in Yardley Road last night.

Chris Blakemore
BBC WM

The BBC WM Children in Need auction started at 07:00 and finishes at 19:00  - an opportunity to get your hands on some fab things.

So far, Trish in Kitts Green had the winning bid - at £450 - for the Christmas experience at Drayton Manor this weekend and Dean in Walsall has bid £1,400 to see Brendan Cole at the Symphony Hall next spring. 

Nigel in Wolverhampton, meanwhile, has bid £200 for Adrian Goldberg to go to his house and do the ironing for an hour.

If you want to bid on any of these items and more - ring our auction hotline.

Image source, bbc

Alison Hammond is presenting the auction with Adrian. After 09:00. Doreen Tipton joins Danny Kelly as the auction continues.  

BBC Weather

After a bright start, heavy, gusty showers will move eastwards this morning, with hail and thunder likely. 

Sunshine and scattered showers will then follow and it'll feel cold in the strong winds - highs of 11C (52F).