Louise Hancock
Newsreader, BBC WM

Three caravans have been seized by police in five house raids in Walsall, , externalwhich also saw six people arrested.

West Midlands Police says officers carried out the searches in the Blakenhall area because of a recent increase in vehicle crime.

Image source, West Midlands Police

They say the three caravans were among 13 vehicles they found, six of which are confirmed as stolen.

The three men and three woman were arrested on suspicion of theft and money laundering and have been released under investigation.

Wolves goalkeeper Jack Ruddy signs a new contract to stay with the Championship club until the end of the 2019-20 season.

Worcester News

Here are three of the main stories on the Worcester News website today:

• Former swimming instructor and cub leader had indecent images of children, external
• Mum of heroin addict shoplifter, external says 'don't let her out'
• Book-lovers help county libraries buck national trend, external

Plans for a £17m redevelopment of Coventry city centre have been approved by the city council., external

The designs for the Upper Precinct will involve the removal of escalators and a ramp that, it is claimed, will block views of the ruined cathedral's spire.

Image source, Shearer Property Group

Image source, Shearer Property Group

The project will also involve the creation of student accommodation and alterations to shops. Work is expected to start next summer.

Allen Cook
BBC News

People who are planning to travel by Virgin Trains on Friday are being offered a chance to travel earlier due to the impact of a planned strike.

Rail, Maritime and Transport union and Transport Salaried Staffs Association members on Virgin Trains West Coast are striking over pay and staffing.

Image source, PA

Their next walkout is due to take place on Friday 22 December and, as a result, Virgin Trains is planning a reduced service.

With that day being the expected start of the Christmas getaway, the firm says people who are planning to journey with just Virgin Trains can travel from today., external

Allen Cook
BBC News

A man from Birmingham is to stand trial next summer over charges of preparing terrorist acts.

Mohammad Aqib Imran, 21, from Ombersley Road, appeared today at the Old Bailey alongside Naa'imur Zakariyah Rahman, 20, from north London.

Image source, Julia Quenzler

Mr Rahman is charged with preparing acts of terrorism over an alleged plot to assassinate Prime Minister Theresa May.

He also allegedly helped Mr Imran in his terror plans, while Mr Imran is also accused of trying to join so-called Islamic State.

The pair appeared via video link from custody and had a trial date set for 18 June with a plea hearing set for 4 June.

Phil McCann
Cheshire Political Reporter, BBC News

The pace of activity has "increased significantly" in a police investigation into alleged misconduct in public office at Cheshire East Council.

That's according to an internal email from the council's acting chief executive, seen by the BBC.

Image source, Google

Police began investigating after questions were asked about the way some council contracts were awarded.

Chief executive Kath O'Dwyer says the investigation is "progressing well" and key interviews are being scheduled.

BBC Two

Tonight will see the final episode of the current series of Peaky Blinders on BBC Two.

The show's set in the lawless streets of 1920s Birmingham and some parts of the Midlands have featured heavily on screen.

Those behind the show say tonight's climax from 21:00 on BBC Two will see a stunning betrayal which threatens to end the Shelby empire for good.

Birmingham Mail

These are among the main stories on the Birmingham Mail's website today:

• 'Nobody needs to sleep rough', claims West Midlands mayor, external
• Sleeping nurse stabbed to death by her husband - who then killed himself, external
• Six arrested after surge in vehicle crime, external

Three councils have missed out on a bid to keep the money they raise through business rates, with one of them, Telford and Wrekin Council, saying it puts services under threat.

It had joined forces with Shropshire Council, Herefordshire Council and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Together they applied to be a pilot for the government initiative, but learnt yesterday that 10 other councils had been chosen ahead of them.

Image source, Telford and Wrekin Council

Councillor Lee Carter, Telford's cabinet member for finance, called it the "ultimate kick in the teeth".

The business rate money would have replaced government grants.

Vicky Norton
BBC Radio Stoke

A Stoke-on-Trent charity that's been helping people get access to mental health services for more than 23 years is closing today, external, with the loss of eight jobs.

North Staffs Voice bosses say they can't afford to keep running since funding from local clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) has been withdrawn.

North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent CCGs say they're focusing efforts in particular on the level of direct care provided to patients.

Allen Cook
BBC News

A driving instructor's been stopped by police in Birmingham, who say she was on her phone at the wheel with her four-year-old son in the car as well., external

Image source, West Midlands Police

West Midlands Police's Roads Policing Unit says it happened this morning on Warwick Road, Tyseley and officers also found she didn't have the right insurance.

They say they've seized the car and the woman now faces a court appearance.

BBC News Travel

Trains are being delayed between Walsall and Birmingham due to a signalling fault this morning., external

National Rail Enquires says the issue is between Witton and Birmingham New Street and could take them until midday to fix, delaying trains by around 20 minutes.

BBC Weather Watchers

Today's seen some great sunrise photos uploaded by our BBC Weather Watchers.

These three were taken by users Matthew Wheeler in Fenton, Osmunda in No Man's Heath and Welsh Wizard in Brereton cum Smethwick.

Image source, Matthew Wheeler

Image source, Osmunda

Image source, Welsh Wizard

Bailiffs have visited Birmingham City Council in connection with a £5,000 debt and are believed to have taken away computers and other equipment.

The council confirmed the visit yesterday, but said it "had nothing to do with suppliers or unpaid bills".

In a statement, it said: "It is not unusual for some to eventually involve the courts and enforcement officers.

"The enforcement action is currently on hold while we deal with this."

Image source, PA

Shrewsbury Town players Matt Sadler, Abu Ogogo and Alex Rodman have been visiting children at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

The club tweeted, external to say they've been "spreading a little Christmas happiness at this difficult time of the year".

Image source, Shrewsbury Town

The Sentinel

The Sentinel newspaper has these top stories today on its website:

• Man threatened girlfriend with knife and squeezed her neck during terrifying ordeal, external
• Charity forced to close with loss of eight jobs just days before Christmas, external
• Hanley Police Station has been closed to the public, external

Michael Tovey flew drugs and mobile phones into HMP Birmingham's exercise yard using a drone.

Timothy Moule denied a total of 10 charges, including abducting a teenager and will face trial.

Former Stoke City, Everton, Aston Villa and England left-back Mike Pejic's transfer from football to taekwondo.