Ben Sidwell

GCSE students in the West Midlands are being encouraged to consider degree and other apprenticeships as alternatives to traditional university routes. Competition for degree apprenticeships in England has quadrupled in three years, while the government plans to create 50,000 additional youth apprenticeships. Former apprentice Dominic Bates says practical training helped him find a career, and employees at Dennis Eagle highlight the financial, educational and workforce-development benefits of apprenticeships.

West Midlands theatres and scenic businesses are preparing pantomime productions despite unusually hot summer temperatures. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre is developing Treasure Island, written and performed by Ian Adams and Tam Ryan, while set builders and painters in Stafford are creating scenery for Lichfield Garrick Theatre’s Robin Hood and other Christmas shows. The seasonal workload is expected to intensify through autumn, with both productions opening in November and running into January.

West Midlands theatres and scenery companies are preparing winter pantomimes despite the summer heat. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre writers and performers Ian Adams and Tam Ryan are developing Treasure Island, which will run from 28 November to 3 January, while set builders in Stafford are constructing scenery for Lichfield Garrick Theatre’s Robin Hood and around ten other productions. The seasonal workload is expected to intensify through autumn, with costumes, casting, rehearsals and set installations taking place before pantomimes open in November.

A mini-mart in Sandwell has been ordered to close for three months after a BBC undercover investigation found cocaine, cannabis and prescription drugs being sold over the counter. Authorities later seized additional illegal substances, and the shop was labelled a serious public nuisance. Sandwell Borough Council secured the closure order in court, while police arrested two people linked to drug dealing at similar shops. The government is considering new laws allowing longer closures of illegal mini‑marts and similar businesses.

Becky Hill returned to Worcester’s Marrs Bar for an intimate performance as part of the UK‑wide Everywhere At Once grassroots music festival. The singer reflected on her early career at the venue while highlighting the importance of small music spaces for nurturing new artists. Fans queued for hours to attend the 250‑capacity show. The National Lottery and Music Venue Trust were credited for supporting grassroots venues, with more than £1bn raised for music projects nationwide.