Allen Cook
BBC News

There are more Christmas lights being switched on today.

In Worcester, the city's event will start at 16:00 , externaland is being hosted by BBC Hereford & Worcester presenters Elliott Webb and Malcolm Boyden, building up to 18:00.

Image source, Worcester City Council

While in Nantwich, the town council says its event is starting from 17:00, external with the switch on due to happen with fireworks at 19:00.

The Sentinel

Here are the top stories on The Sentinel website today:

• Pervert, 28, abducted underage girl before taking her to Rhyl , external
• Jozef, 23, is revealed as 'The Face of Stoke-on-Trent', external
• Woman, 23, dialled 999 but ended up being arrested for being drunk and disorderly, external

Despite the efforts of medical staff, the man was declared dead at the scene.

The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner said it's important that the region doesn't revert to the "old-style committee system of the Police Authority" when powers are transferred to the elected mayor.

David Jamieson said he's working closely with mayor Andy Street to ensure "strong democratic leadership" and the "operational independence of the chief constable".

The West Midlands Mayor is to take on new powers for policing from the next election in 2020, under plans announced in the budget yesterday.

The decision was part of the devolution deal which will provide the mayor and West Midlands Combined Authority with extra funding and responsibilities for housing, homelessness, skills and high-technology investment in the region.

Stephanie Barnard
BBC News

It's been described as an "emotional day" for the staff of the Aga foundary in Coalbrookdale, as the factory perpares to close.

Staff came to the gates this morning expecting to work their final day but were sent home early.

Workers hung their boots on the gate this morning, as a final goodbye. Ryan shared this picture with us.

Howler in Shroshire tweeted, external: "From one foundryman to all you finishing today good luck. I've been told there is life outside the foundry."

@MunroeL adds:, external "Another piece of localism pulled away by globalisation. Very sad."

You can also have your say on the BBC Shropshire Facebook page., external

Virgin Trains says signalling issues at Birmingham New Street should be resolved by the end of the day, and trains should run as normal tomorrow.

Three platforms have been closed at New Street, causing delays, alterations and cancellations to services.

The latest information on the disruption can be found on their website. , external

The man's body was found in a communal area of a property in Rugby, police say.

A 40-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the body of a man was discovered in Rugby yesterday.

Image source, Google

Police say the body was found in a communal area of Avon Court on Avon Street.

Officers believe they've identified the man and have spoken to his next of kin, but are waiting for formal identification.

Birmingham Mail

Some of the stories making the headlines on the Birmingham Mail website include:

• West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner to be scrapped , external
• Outrage as contestants on Made in Birmingham dating show swear live on TV, external
• Ice Skate Birmingham temporarily shuts down ice rink and big wheel because of high winds, external

Allen Cook
BBC News

A man's died after being hit by a car in Bromsgrove., external

Image source, Google

West Midlands Ambulance Service says he was in cardiac arrest when staff arrived last night on the A448.

He died at the scene.

Bristol City goalkeeper Max O'Leary has joined National League club Solihull Moors on loan until January.

Alistair Binney
Newsreader, BBC Hereford & Worcester

A primary school and a leisure centre in Worcester have reopened after temporarily closing this morning, following reports of a man carrying a gun in the area.

West Mercia Police says officers were called to woodland in the Bilford Road area at 09:35 and searched the area.

Perdiswell Leisure Centre was locked down during the search, with a spokesman saying people were kept away from the doors.

Perdiswell Primary says all children were brought inside during the incident but, on police advice, they didn't have an official lockdown.

They've now reopened - the police force says officers didn't find the man but did come across damaged cans, thought to have been shot at by an air rifle.

BBC Hereford and Worcester

The driver of a bus that leaked fuel through Kidderminster last week has been disciplined, the bus firm says.

Diesel was spilt on to a long stretch of the Number 2 route between Habberley and the town centre after the vehicle hit a speed bump.

Image source, Jo Bloom

A spokesman for Diamond Bus has refused to confirm reports the driver was sacked, but said he was dealt with under their disciplinary procedures.

Just three days later, the same bus hit the same speed bump causing another spill, external and the firm says that driver is under investigation.

It led one local resident to attempt to clean up the mess with sanitary pads collected from people in her street (pictured above).

Diamond Bus says it advises all drivers on speed bumps.

Facebook

There's been a strong reaction on the BBC Shropshire Facebook page to the news that it's the last day at work for many of the staff at Aga's Coalbrookdale foundry.

It's due to officially shut at the end of the month, the firm says, after producing parts for the company since 1946.

On the Facebook page, Jayne Greenaway posted, external: "A very sad day not only for the men and women but for the community and our heritage."

While Dave Blackham wrote, external: "I think the sign says it all, 'The Birthplace of Industry'. On this site Abraham Darby first smelted iron ore with coke in 1709."

And Sheila Caspell added, external: "Such a shame for all. Hope it's not pulled down for more houses."

The family found new turf on the grave had been dug up in the Stoke-on-Trent cemetery.

Allen Cook
BBC News

A teenage boy has been seriously hurt after being hit by a van in Burton upon Trent., external

Image source, Google

The 13-year-old was on Ashby Road yesterday afternoon when it happened, according to West Midlands Ambulance Service.

The victim suffered head and leg injuries and was taken to hospital.

Wolverhampton Wanderers and Birmingham City fans have made the top 10 list of banning orders in England and Wales.

Image source, Getty

Newcastle United top the list with 111 banning orders against supporters, followed by Championship club Wolverhampton Wanderers with 75.

Birmingham City came ninth in the list with 41 orders, but had the highest number of fans arrested last season at 72.

The numbers showed a sixth consecutive drop in overall banning orders, from 2,085 in 2015-16 to 1,929 last year.

Worcester News

The Worcester News is featuring these main stories on its website today:

• I was in the water when friend punched shark at Avoca beach, Australia, external
• Pre-dawn chainsaw raid: Detectives swoop on suspected drugs den, external
• Four men deny drugs conspiracy after officer mown down during arrest, external

An investigation into the death of a Birmingham toddler will focus on determining whether her injuries were "deliberately inflicted" or whether this was a "tragic accident", police said.

Insp Ian Wilkins from West Midlands Police said: "This is a terribly sad case which has resulted in the death of a little girl.

"At present her death remains unexplained."

The address where she was found has been sealed off while investigations continue.

The 21-month-old girl died three days after being taken to hospital in a critical condition.