BBC Midlands Today

A record number of children in the West Midlands are being brought up by their grandparents.

It's not because their own parents are busy out at work, but because they're incapable of looking after them, due to problems ranging from alcohol and drug abuse to mental health issues. 

But what's it like parenting the second time around? Find out on BBC Midlands Today on BBC One from 13:30. 

Andy Giddings
BBC Shropshire

You're being asked to give your thoughts on plans for a revamp of Southwater Square and Telford and Wrekin Council has put together this short video, showing the options.

Jennie Aitken
Reporter, BBC WM

A record number of children in the West Midlands are being raised by their grandparents - that's more than 10,000. 

The region is proportionately the second-highest in the UK, according to the Economic and Social Research Council. 

Jonk Watts, from Birmingham, is the full-time carer for his grandson.

Those stuggling to deal with drug and alcohol addictions or mental health issues often find their own parents stepping in. 

Mr Watts took early retirement three years ago so he could be around for his grandson after his alcoholic daughter could not cope.

Amy Cole
BBC Midlands Today

The West Midlands has some of the highest number of "pump and run" incidents in the UK - that's where drivers fill up and then drive off without paying.

Figures obtained by a Freedom of Information request reveal that more than 4,000 drivers made off without paying last year. 

West Midlands Police says it investigates around 20 fuel thefts each day.

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Latest weather for the West Midlands

A former MEP for the West Midlands fraudulently claimed "significantly higher sums" for travel "not undertaken at all", a court hears.

Nick Owen
Presenter, BBC Midlands Today

A Midlands family has set up a charity to help the loved ones of terror victims - after three members of their family were killed in the Tunisia beach attacks. 

Image source, SUZY EVANS

We'll be hearing from them - and also seeing the six West Midlands athletes who have booked their places in the British team for the Rio Olympic Games. 

Both those stories and others plus your latest weather will be on Midlands Today from the later time of 19:30 on BBC One.

A former MEP for the West Midlands claimed "significantly higher sums" for travel "not undertaken at all", a court hears.

Image source, PA

Joanne Malin
BBC Midlands Today

This lunchtime on BBC Midlands Today we'll hear from a Midlands family who have set up a charity to support the loved ones of terror victims. 

They've done it a year after the deaths of three members of their family in the Tunisia beach attacks. 

You'll see their story from 13:30 on BBC One.

Jennifer Meierhans
BBC News Online

A Shropshire woman whose mother was born in Ireland says she will not be applying for an Irish passport following the UK's decision to leave the EU.

Robina Reeves, 31, from Shrewsbury said other countries in Europe, but not part of the EU enjoyed free movement across the continent and called on Britain to negotiate its own terms.

Image source, Robina Reeves

"There are a few countries that are in Europe, but not in the EU," said the business development manager and mother-of-three.

"Residents of these countries can work in the EU on the same footing as EU Nationals as they either belong to the European Economic Area or have an individual agreement with the EU."

She said a similar settlement should be negotiated by Britain's leaders as part of the "divorce" package.

Jennifer Meierhans
BBC News Online

A Shropshire man with Irish grandparents says he and his parents are seeking a second passport following Britain's vote to leave the European Union.

Kieran Murphy, 28, from Broseley hopes an Irish passport will make holidaying in the EU easier after Britain withdraws and that it will leave them the option of living and working in other member states in the future.

Image source, Kieran Murphy

He said: "My family was proud to be part of the EU and we have been pushed into obtaining an Irish passport to remain in something that we believe in.

"I agree with free movement across Europe."

"My sister lived in Barcelona for seven years and benefited from being part of the EU to enable her to do this.

"I voted to remain and am obviously upset with the result."

Latest weather for the West Midlands

People of Irish descent preparing for the UK's withdrawal from the EU have been looking into a second passport to keep the right to free movement.

Shropshire's fire chief, who led the brigade through its harshest cuts, announces his retirement after 32 years with the service.

A car became a makeshift polling station as voters found themselves locked out of a youth club assigned for EU referendum voting.

Walkers who have been retracing King Henry V's pilgrimage steps are being welcomed back by a medieval festival.

Afternoon weather forecast for the West Midlands

Herefordshire and Worcestershire vote decisively to leave the European Union.