Grantham Swimarathon smashes fundraising record
Grantham's 37th RotarySwimarathon raised a record £55,000 for 40 local causes. Discover how the community event, sponsored by Henry Bell & Co, made a splash.
Category : Community
Pensioners Urged to Claim £200 Winter Fuel Payment by Jan 28
Millions of UK state pensioners born before 1959 have a fortnight to claim a free £200 Winter Fuel Payment. The DWP deadline is January 28, 2026. Here's how to check and claim.
Free National Trust Passes: Claim 60,000 Winter Day Out Tickets
The National Trust and InYourArea are giving away 60,000 free family day passes. Claim yours via the app for access to 500 historic properties across England, Wales, and NI. Offer ends Jan 20.
Birmingham Theatre School Launches Professional Young Company
The Star Project theatre school in Birmingham has formed its first professional company for young performers aged 11-17. The not-for-profit initiative will pay its members and debut with an immersive show in 2026.
State pensioners to get £575 boost from April
Millions of UK state pensioners will receive a payment increase of up to £575 from April 2026, thanks to the triple lock. Find out how much you'll get and the long-term questions it raises.
Teen thrown from window in murder bid, court told
A Solihull man attempted to murder his girlfriend by throwing her from a fourth-floor flat window, a court heard. The 18-year-old survived the 37-foot fall with life-threatening injuries.
Thief jailed for punching supermarket staff in Tipton
A 40-year-old man has been sentenced to 16 weeks in prison for stealing alcohol and assaulting a security worker at a Tipton supermarket. Read the full story.
Mum loses 13 stone after £60 daily takeaway habit
A mum from Wolverhampton who spent £60 a day on takeaways and weighed over 23 stone has transformed her life after weight loss surgery in Turkey. She reversed her type 2 diabetes and is now planning a bikini holiday.
DWP letters confirm 4.8% state pension increase for April 2026
The DWP is writing to all state pension, Pension Credit, and Attendance Allowance claimants about a 4.8% payment hike from April 2026. Check if you're eligible for extra support.
Over 300,000 pensioners face £1,000+ state pension tax
Hundreds of thousands of pensioners over 80 are being taxed on their state pension as frozen thresholds clash with rising payments. Experts warn the situation will 'only get worse'. Read the full analysis.
Top 9 Birmingham Charity Shops for Bargains
Discover the top charity shops in Birmingham for pre-loved treasures, from designer finds to kids' bundles. Save money and help the planet with our ultimate guide.
Birmingham's Worst Antisocial Behaviour Areas Named
Police data analysis uncovers Birmingham's worst antisocial behaviour hotspots for 2025, with Small Heath and Aston topping the list. See the full report and impact on residents.
HMP Featherstone: 'Dreary' Prison Needs Robust Action
A damning inspection reveals 'poor' living conditions and readily available drugs at HMP Featherstone. Read the full report on the urgent need for long-term investment.
Violent Birmingham robber jailed for life after street attack
Craig Holden, 43, has been sentenced to life for a violent robbery and burglary in Birmingham. He told police he intended to 'rape and murder' his 72-year-old victim. Read the full court details.
Wigan Kidnapping Attempt: Woman Grabbed in City Centre
Police are investigating an attempted kidnapping in Wigan after a woman was grabbed and threatened. The suspect is described as a white male, 6ft 1in. Anyone with information is urged to come forward.
Bleach attack at Kidderminster's Nu Bar
A man was assaulted with bleach at Nu Bar in Kidderminster after an eviction. Police appeal for witnesses following the shocking incident. Contact DC Rees with information.
Sonic Boom Startles Norfolk and Suffolk Residents
A loud sonic boom heard across Norfolk and Suffolk at 4.30pm caused buildings to shake, with residents reporting jets overhead. Read the full story and eyewitness accounts.
Driver 'stepped over woman's body' after fatal golf course crash
A van driver killed Suzanne Cherry, 62, during a police chase at a Staffordshire golf club. He and two others fled fraud charges, preying on elderly victims. Read the full court report.
Hadrian's Wall run for baby loss charity ARC
Steven Willetts runs 84-mile Hadrian's Wall Path to fundraise for ARC, supporting parents after pregnancy loss. Inspired by baby Leo Haffner's memory. Donate now.
Builder's fatal police chase kills mum on golf course
John McDonald, 52, led police on a reckless 12-minute pursuit before hitting Suzanne Cherry, 62, at Aston Wood Golf Club. He has pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
Met Office ice warning: Leave 5 minutes early
The Met Office issues urgent safety advice as a yellow weather warning for ice covers the UK. Plan your journeys to avoid slips and falls.
Man admits causing death by dangerous driving on golf course
A 51-year-old roofer has pleaded guilty to causing the death of Suzanne Cherry, 62, during a police chase on a golf course. Read the full story and the family's heartbreaking tribute.
Chorley Dad with Dyslexia Writes Bestselling Children's Book
Arron Taylor, a dad from Chorley with dyslexia, saw his debut children's book 'The Motor Moles' sell out in two days. He hopes his story inspires others with learning differences.
Amazon's £20 wellies hailed 'perfect for Scottish rain'
Shoppers are raving about Dream Pairs Wellington boots on Amazon, priced at £19.99. With over 4,500 reviews, they're called 'gorgeous' and ideal for wet weather. Discover the affordable waterproof footwear choice.
Police appeal after occupants flee Birmingham crash scene
Police are investigating a three-car collision in Edgbaston, Birmingham, after the occupants of one vehicle reportedly fled. No injuries were reported. Witnesses urged to come forward.
Rapid Relief Team delivers 240 meals to Poynton Community Larder
Volunteers from the Rapid Relief Team have delivered 20 food boxes to Poynton Community Larder, providing vital support as food insecurity affects one in six UK households. Discover how local charities are making a difference.
£1.7m cannabis farm found in Walsall factory
West Midlands Police seized 1,737 plants in a major Walsall drugs bust. A man has been charged. Report any information on drug activity via 101 or anonymously to Crimestoppers.
Heated Gilet on Amazon: £39.99 & 7-Hour Heat
Amazon's Loowoko Heated Gilet is now just £39.99. This windproof bodywarmer heats neck, back & abdomen in seconds, lasting 7 hours on a charge. Beat the winter chill!
Man arrested in Dudley over Wolverhampton threats to kill
A 51-year-old man has been arrested in Dudley on suspicion of making threats to kill following an incident in Garner Close, Bilston. Police are appealing for witnesses.
Winter Fuel Payment Tax Rules: New HMRC Update
HMRC says state pensioners should not include Winter Fuel Payment on current tax returns. Repayment required if income exceeds £35,000, but not until 2027. Get the full details.
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