Midlands news, news in East, West Midlands & central

Midland tycoon did not kill himself

A DISGRACED tycoon who sacked 130 Midland workers by text message suffered depression after his company folded with debts of £100 million, an inquest heard. Read

Dudley based CSA closes down

AFTER years of criticism and computer glitches the Midland based Child Support Agency is closing. Read

Grenade scare in Tyseley garden

A FATHER of two had a potentially explosive find when he hit a hand grenade as he dug up his back garden. Read

Teenager dies in Chester Road smash

A TEENAGER died and two others were seriously injured today when their van skidded and struck a tree in Birmingham. Read

George Cross for hero Matt Croucher

A ROYAL Marine from Birmingham who threw himself on a grenade to save his comrades said he was “honoured” to receive the George Cross from the Queen. Read

Quantum of Solace premiere held in Birmingham

PLAYERS from Birmingham City, Villa and West Brom joined legendary 70s rocker Noddy Holder and news presenter Joanne Malin at Cineworld, in Broad Street, for the region’s first showing of the new Bond film. Read

MPs back speedy trains

LABOUR has come out in support of high-speed rail lines in a major U-turn. Read

Smethwick Hospital big step closer to reality

A NEW £380 million hospital for Birmingham and the Black Country has taken a giant step towards becoming a reality after winning long-awaited approval from planning chiefs. Read

Hero soldier Matt Croucher honoured

A HERO soldier from Solihull was due to be invested with the George Cross by the Queen today for risking his own life when he threw himself on a live grenade to save his pals. Read

Steve Coogan at NIA

After an absence of ten years, irreverent chat show host Alan Partridge has returned to the live stage in the capable hands of comedian Steve Coogan. Read

Grandson in ‘plan to rob’

THE grandson of a Birmingham pensioner who died when she was gagged by two men who forced their way into their home had planned to rob her for several months, a court heard. Read

Explosion at factory in Brierley Hill

SIX people were evacuated when a gas cylinder exploded in a factory blaze. Read

Inquest opened into death of family killed on M6

AN inquest into the death of a Birmingham family-of-six killed in an M6 motorway crash has been opened and adjourned. Read

Drayton Manor Park welcomes one millionth visitor

DRAYTON Manor Park’s “phenomenal” 2008 season has been capped by welcoming its one millionth visitor. Read

Thousands pay respects to James Munday

MORE than a thousand mourners lined the streets of a sleepy Midlands market town to pay their final respects to fallen soldier James Munday. Read

Mourners pay tribute to James Munday

HUNDREDS of mourners today stood in silence to pay tribute to Trooper James Munday who died in action in Afghanistan earlier this month. Read

Niki Evans hands over charity cash

GOLDEN-hearted Brummies had the X-Factor treatment from former contestant Niki Evans when she handed over cash lifelines to a dozen Birmingham charities. Read