Stephanie Barnard
BBC Local Live

Birmingham singer song writer Laura Mvula has been nominated for two Ivor Novello awards, it's been announced., external

She's up for best Best Song Musically and Lyrically for Overcome - here she is performing it on Later... with Jools Holland last year.    

Plus, she's bagged a nomination for the album The Dreaming Room, which the single is taken from.

Only last month the 30-year-old was dropped from her record company, Sony in an email.

The winners of the 62nd Ivor awards will be announced on 18 May.

Harry Redknapp explains the reasons why he decided to become Birmingham City manager, after he succeeded Gianfranco Zola.

Baroness Lorely Burt, the former Liberal Democrat MP for Solihull, says Theresa May should take part in a TV debate ahead of the snap general election on June 8th. 

It's after the prime minister told the BBC she would rather "get out and about and meet voters" than face her opposition in front of the cameras.

MP's have overwhelmingly backed a motion to call a general election in less than two months time.

Lichfield Mercury

The RSPCA is appealing for information, external after the suspected poisoning of three foxes in Lichfield over the space of two weeks.

As we reported earlier, workers at BMW's engine plant in Hams Hall, Coleshill, have been on strike throughout the day over the car giant's plans to close its final salary pension scheme.

Unions argue the move will cost employees thousands of pounds, but the firm says it's necessary to "protect existing and future pensions" for all staff.

Allen Cook
BBC Local Live

A man's been charged with attempted murder after another man, external was found with serious stab wounds in Burton.

Staffordshire Police say the 36-year-old victim, who's from the town, was reported hurt early on Sunday morning near the canal near Abbots Fold Court. 

Officers say he's in a stable condition in hospital.

The force says a 23-year-old man from Birmingham's been charged with one count of attempted murder and will appear before magistrates tomorrow.

A man in his 80s is in a serious condition, external after being hit by a car earlier this morning in Walsall.

West Midlands Police are trying to trace the driver of a light-coloured Mercedes convertible after the elderly man sustained serious injuries to his head, chest and left ankle on Lichfield Road in Walsall.

The car is thought to have a smashed windscreen following the hit-and-run and was displaying the registration MJ52 0VM.

Image source, West Midlands Police

The man was airlifted to hospital following the crash.

Police have closed Lichfield Road, external between Mellish Road and Rushall McDonalds while investigations take place.

Stephanie Barnard
BBC Local Live

What would you do if you were mayor of the West Midlands?

I went to Sandwell Valley Country Park to ask the children what they would do if they were in-charge of the West Midlands.

As ever, the little people did not disappoint and gave the new mayor something to think about once in office.

Walsall Advertiser

An armed robber from Walsall has been jailed after a CCTV image, external of his masked face was identified by a police officer and DNA on a toothbrush sealed his fate.

Police have released photos, external of men they would like to speak to in connection with the vandalism of 100 gnomes at a country park in north Warwickshire. 

Image source, Warwickshire Police

Image source, Warwickshire Police

It occurred at about 20:00 last Thursday in the Gnome Village area of Kingsbury Water Park. 

John Bray
BBC Midlands Today

Plenty of smiles, plenty of confidence - there’s no question Harry Redknapp is back.

The 70-year-old pitched up at St Andrew’s this afternoon for something he’s become accustomed to down the years - a new manager press conference.

Image source, Birmingham City

“My wife thinks I’m mad. Everyone I know thinks I’m mad, but I’m here,” said the man who has replaced Gianfranco Zola.

Redknapp is clearly delighted to be back in the spotlight and handled the Birmingham City press conference with the style and panache of a man who has been a manager for 34 years.

He spoke about the need to instil confidence in the Blues squad, who have won twice in 24 games, and are just three points above the Championship relegation zone.

“That’s all we can really do,” said Redknapp as he steps up preparations for Blues’ final three games - at Aston Villa, home to Huddersfield, and away at Bristol City.  

John Bray
BBC Midlands Today

"It's a big club, a challenge, a big challenge. I'm looking forward to it," says Harry Redknapp as he takes over as Birmingham City boss

Redknapp said he's seen nothing of the squad as "they’re not on TV very much" but don't let that worry you - he knows they need to start winning games and instill confidence.

Dale Lyons is one of 11 remaining athletes who has taken part in every London Marathon since 1981.

With the 2017 county season here, keep up to date with the latest signings, departures and rumours ahead of next season.

Birmingham Mail

A car was wrecked when it smashed into a Birmingham petrol station.  , external

As we reported earlier, workers at a BMW engine plant in Hams Hall, Coleshill, are on strike today in a row over pensions. 

The German car giant wants to close the final salary pension scheme in a bid to "protect existing and future pensions" for all staff. 

Unions argue the move will cost employees thousands of pounds.  

Assya Shabir, who was born with what is known as butterfly skin, has achieved an ambition to skydive before her 30th birthday.

Her parents were told she would not survive more than 24 hours because of blisters on her organs and fragile skin tissue caused by the condition, Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).

She has raised nearly £2,000 for Acorns Children's Hospice and EB charity Debra.

Harry Redknapp will hold his first official media conference as Birmingham City's new manager at about 14:30. 

This morning he led his first training session with the squad.

Image source, Birmingham City

The former Spurs boss will be joined at St. Andrew's by first-team coaches Steve Cotterill and Paul Groves.

Image source, Birmingham City

We'll bring you updates throughout the afternoon

Tamworth Herald

The winner of the 2017 Atherstone Ball game, external has presented funds to three town sports clubs after generating the money through his victory in the contest.

BBC Business News

Workers at three BMW plants in the UK, including one in Birmingham, are staging a one-day strike in a row over pensions.

The walkout, which is the first by BMW workers in Britain, is part of a wave of stoppages at the carmaker over the closure of a final-salary pension scheme.

Image source, Getty Images

BMW urged the union to return to the negotiating table.