A TEENAGER has been charged by police for offences that caused the lockdown of Blackheath town centre.

The 15-year-old has been remanded in custody following an arrest made on Saturday, May 27, after a fire was started in the toilets of Sainsbury's in Blackheath at around midday.

To read the full story, visit the Halesowen News website, here.

A "SEXUAL predator" who raped a Dudley schoolgirl he groomed after contacting her on social media has been jailed for 21 years.

Ayden Thompson, who also raped two other women in the area, was told by Judge Nicholas Webb he would only be allowed back onto the streets when he was deemed to be safe.

To read the full story, visit the Dudley News website, here.

FRESHLY cooked homemade meals have earned a Kidderminster nursery a healthy food award.

Deerhurst Day Nursery in Kidderminster has been handed the gold level of the Healthier Choices Food Award by Worcestershire Regulatory Services.

To read the full story, visit the Shuttle website, here.

ASTWOOD Bank Carnival's royal family has been chosen to grace the popular procession.

This year’s carnival queen will be Storm Cox, aged 12, with Emily Flower, aged nine, being princess, both of which attend Ridgeway Academy school.

To read the full story, visit the Redditch Advertiser website, here.

LOVERS of a traditional tipple will be able to wet their whistles by the water at the Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust Real Ale and Cider Festival.

The event will take place at the Trust's site on Birmingham New Road, close to the Black Country Living Museum, from Wednesday June 28 until Saturday July 1.

To read the full story, visit the Stourbridge News website, here.

NEWLY-elected Clent Hills councillor Karen May has been handed a key role in Worcestershire County Council's restructured cabinet. 

Conservative cllr May has been appointed as the Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Transformation and Commissioning. 

To read the full story, visit the Bromsgrove Advertiser website, here.