West Midlands Christmas Markets in UK Top 20
The Independent's guide to the UK's best festive markets features Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market and Worcester Christmas Fayre. Discover dates, highlights, and what makes them special.
Category : Community
Ex-care teen now youth apprentice in Walsall scheme
Emmanuel Boamah, 19, who spent three years in care, now helps other young people through Walsall Council's £5m Youth Guarantee Trailblazer. Read his inspiring story.
Four Convicted Over £500k Illegal Tobacco Factory
A Birmingham gang has been found guilty of running a £500,000 illegal tobacco factory. Police seized weapons, cash, and over 400kg of tobacco. Read the full investigation details.
Scaffolder jailed 14 months for dangerous e-bike police chase
Thomas Williams, 35, was sentenced for a Sur-Ron e-bike crash during a police pursuit. The father-of-one, with 19 prior convictions, launched an angry tirade in Liverpool Crown Court. Read the full story.
Carer scams friend with MS out of £5,000 in cruel fraud
A carer from Retford who fraudulently used a friend's mobility car for 41,800 miles and stole over £5,000 has received a suspended sentence. Read the full court details.
Driver walks free after fatal hit-and-run on grandmother
Jane Hill, 57, received a suspended sentence for killing Jean Bentley, 85, in a hit-and-run collision in Bridgwater. The victim's family speaks of their devastating loss.
Drugs line runner jailed for over five years in Tamworth
Reece Winter, 27, imprisoned for running a 'ghost' line that sent 2,800 drug sale messages. Staffordshire Police warn of networks exploiting vulnerability. Report drug dealing.
Boxer Ben Whittaker's home burgled during TV fight
Olympic medallist Ben Whittaker's home was burgled as he fought live on TV. His IBF title belt was stolen. Police are appealing for information.
Police Hunt Man After Teenager Harassed in Kimberley
Police release image after a 16-year-old girl was harassed and intimidated by a man outside a Card Factory in Kimberley. Officers urge anyone with information to come forward.
Midland woman suffers heart attack aged just 27
Neena Chauhan ignored early chest pains until the agony became crushing. Her story is a vital warning about heart attack symptoms and mental health recovery.
Birmingham's top crime hotspots named in new data
Exclusive data reveals Birmingham's most dangerous postcodes for violent and sexual offences. See the full list and police response to the city's crime wave.
Pensioner dies after Nottingham car crash
A 71-year-old woman has died in hospital following a collision with a car in St Ann's. Police are appealing for dashcam footage and witnesses to come forward.
DNA breakthrough solves 2005 Eastbourne murder case
Sussex Police have identified Keith Dowbekin as the killer of Jennifer Kiely in 2005, using DNA from a cigarette butt. Read the full story of the two-decade investigation.
Couple sub-let council house from 130 miles away
A couple has been sentenced for illegally renting out their Solihull Council property while living in Essex, making nearly £3,000 profit. Read how the fraud was uncovered.
Man walks free after gouging girlfriend's eye with thumb
Daniel Carr, 41, received a suspended sentence for assault, stalking, and attacking a police officer. Read the shocking details of the abuse and court outcome.
Hero student stops horrific rape attempt in Sunderland
Hamzah Albar intervened as Ian Hudson attacked a woman. The hero passerby has been formally commended by a judge. Read the full story of courage in Sunderland.
Teenager died from multiple stab wounds, inquest told
An inquest opens into the violent death of 17-year-old Lainie Williams in Cefn Fforest, Gwent. Her mother was also injured. A man awaits trial for murder.
Leeds Grief Support Event This December by Sue Ryder
Sue Ryder invites Leeds to a 'Celebrate a Life' event on Dec 7. Find a supportive space for grief during Grief Awareness Week. Dedicate, reflect, and connect.
Army carries out controlled explosion on historic bomb
A controlled explosion was carried out on a WWII mortar round found near Walton Hall. Warwickshire Police urge the public to call 999 if they find suspicious items.
XL Bully kills toy poodle in Leicester street attack
A family's pet poodle was killed by an unleashed XL Bully in Aylestone. The dog attack has left the community living in fear. Read the full story.
Milton Keynes Animal Rescue Receives £1,000 Donation
Curly Tails animal rescue in Newton Longville receives a £1,000 Community Champions donation from Persimmon Homes, aiding its work uniting people and animals for wellbeing.
Leicester Charity's Christmas Appeal for 2000 Children
LCH Charity launches its 'Give the Gift of Hope' appeal to support 2,000 disadvantaged children in Leicester this Christmas with gifts, warm clothes, and festive experiences.
Man banned after dog bites woman in Tamworth park
A Birmingham man has been disqualified from keeping animals for five years after his German Shepherd attacked a woman in Wigginton Park. Read the full court details.
Christmas Appeal for 300 Vulnerable Children in Newport
An urgent fundraising appeal launches in Newport to provide gifts and essentials for 300 vulnerable children this Christmas. Donate via the Newport Live GoFundMe page.
Ilkeston paedophile jailed for park rape and sexual assault
Anthony Lanchester, 20, has been detained for six-and-a-half years for raping a boy in a park and sexually assaulting a second teenager. Read the full court report and victim impact statements.
9 Magical Winter Castles to Visit in the West Midlands
Discover the magic of winter at nine historic castles across the West Midlands. From medieval strongholds to Gothic revivals, plan your festive visit today.
Family Santa's Grotto Returns in Cwmbran for Charity
A family-run Christmas grotto in Cwmbran is back, aiming to beat last year's £1,400 fundraising total. This year's proceeds support the Latch Welsh Children's Cancer Charity. Book now via their Facebook page.
Billericay Students Earn Prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award
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.
Birmingham men in national White Ribbon portrait series
Two Birmingham men feature in a powerful new portrait series unveiled for White Ribbon Day 2025, urging men to speak up against violence towards women and girls.
Caerphilly Teacher Wins Gold in National Teaching Awards
Lynn Griffiths from Ysgol Gymraeg Caerffili has been named the Gold Winner for Lifetime Achievement in the prestigious 2025 Pearson National Teaching Awards. Discover his inspiring story.
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