West Midlands' Happiest Places to Live Revealed for 2025
Rightmove's 2025 Happy at Home Index reveals the West Midlands' most joyful towns. Discover which historic spots offer the best community spirit and quality of life.
Rightmove's 2025 Happy at Home Index reveals the West Midlands' most joyful towns. Discover which historic spots offer the best community spirit and quality of life.
Discover Earlswood, a serene village near Birmingham with stunning lakes, a vibrant craft centre, and a community spirit that proves the smallest places have the biggest hearts. Plan your visit today.
Explore Four Oaks in Sutton Coldfield, where average house prices near £500k and a strong community spirit make it a uniquely sought-after Birmingham enclave. Discover what residents love.
Essex Police announce a zero-tolerance Christmas campaign against drink and drug driving, with targeted patrols and stern warnings about losing your licence, job, and life.
A new Community Litter Hub opens in Wickford, Essex, supporting volunteers tackling litter. In its launch clean-up, over 300kg of waste, including hazardous materials, was removed from just 500 metres of roadside.
Jake Bedson, the new manager of Brentwood Theatre, discusses his vision to modernise the venue and turn it into a creative hub for the whole of Essex. Listen to the full interview.
Students at Mayflower High School in Billericay have been recognised for completing the demanding Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award, placing them in an elite national group. Read about their community impact and the MP's celebratory visit.
Witham MP Priti Patel visited Vaycay Luxury Travel to donate toys for Home-Start Essex's Christmas campaign, supporting local families in need. Find out how you can contribute.
A former Premier League and England footballer was arrested at Stansted Airport on suspicion of attempted rape. He has been released on bail until February 2026.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirms alcohol duty will increase in line with inflation from February 2026, adding pence to your favourite drinks. See the full price list here.
A Speke community project secures a £7,842 grant to help residents reduce food waste, learn vital cooking skills, and promote sustainability through workshops and a new community fridge.
A mother speaks out after her daughter's manipulative abuser, Charles Benson-Clark, is jailed for 6.5 years. Read her powerful message and learn how to get support.
The Bradbury Foundation has awarded £4,000 in grants to four inspirational Lincolnshire charities supporting vulnerable children, mental health, disability services and domestic abuse survivors.
The Girls Inspired programme in Essex is helping vulnerable young women escape unhealthy relationships and criminality through sport and mentoring. Discover how this initiative creates positive change.
Discover how Nazila Husanovic-Gladwyn uses her lived experience to support families and improve mental health services at Essex NHS Trust. Learn about this vital role making a real difference.
Discover the inspiring winners of the 2025 Fylde Community Sports Awards, celebrating local heroes and clubs after a record 330 nominations.
Local author Sylvia Kent returns to Phoenix FM's Book Club, sharing Essex writing groups and November book recommendations. Hear her interviews at phoenixfm.com.
Join the University of East London's Winter Festival & Community Health Day on November 26. Enjoy creative workshops, live performances, and free health checks at the Stratford Campus.
Discover the inspiring winners of the 2025 Billericay Community Awards. These local heroes and businesses were honoured for making the town a better place to live and work.
MP Marie Goldman advocates for a legal ban on smartphones in schools after hearing from teachers and parents about the damaging impact on children's mental health and learning.
Birmingham fails to rank in Condé Nast Traveller's friendliest UK cities for 2025. Discover why perceptions matter for tourism and the city's true welcoming spirit.
Meet Alex Hall and Councillor Darius Sandhu, the volunteers cleaning up Oscott and Great Barr through their community Facebook page. Discover how local residents are joining their mission.
TOWIE stars Joey and Frankie Essex pay tribute to their uncle Greg Essex following his sad passing. Read their heartfelt Instagram messages.
Strictly Air Ambulance 2026 is set for March 14 at the Brentwood Centre. The Essex & Herts Air Ambulance charity event features celebrity judges and dancers, aiming to surpass last year's £58,000 raised. Book tickets now!
Join the YMCA Orchestra for their annual Christmas Charity Concert on Sunday, December 7. Enjoy festive classics, carols, and refreshments while supporting the YMCA Cancer Rehabilitation Programme.
The Fun Walk Trust's 2024 event raised a record-breaking £121,000 for local causes, the highest in its 23-year history. Discover how this community triumph benefits Essex.
A courageous Essex Police officer died in a collision on the A12 near Ingatestone while responding to an emergency 999 call. Chief Constable pays tribute.
The Forget-me-not Chorus in North Wales has secured a Community Resilience Grant to provide free singing sessions for those living with and alongside dementia. Discover how music builds community.
85-year-old artist William Newton discusses his lifetime in art, famous admirers like Madonna, and his new exhibition at Brentwood Library. Hear his inspiring interview and see his work.
The former Llwynhendy library has been transformed into a vibrant community hub offering a café, automated library, advice services & training. Open Mon-Fri.