Ben Brook, who was announced as Chief Fire Officer on Friday, has stepped away from the service after a "period of reflection" confirmed the Fire Authority's Vice Chair, Councillor Catherine Miks.

A former Dudley councillor will face trial for sending threatening messages on an electronic device after a judge rejected a bid to drop the charges.

The best of the region is being celebrated at the Merry Hill Centre after the newly relocated Black Country Hub opened its doors for business.