Essex Freemasons delivered a county-wide programme of festive support, from care home concerts to parties for vulnerable children, showcasing their evolving community role. Discover how they're making a difference.
Birmingham City Council is pushing ahead with parking charges at Sutton Park and Lickey Hills. Critics call it a 'tax on health' amid fears over access and congestion. Read the full story.
Birmingham City Council confirms new parking fees for three major parks from 2026, sparking political backlash. Find out the costs and the opposition's pledge.
Birmingham City Council plans new parking fees at three major parks in 2026 to raise funds, sparking fierce opposition from residents and political parties. Find out the details and what it means for visitors.
Former England and West Brom striker Andy Carroll, 36, is due in court accused of breaching a non-molestation order. Get the latest details on the case.
Read the full text of King Charles III's 2025 Christmas Day broadcast, where he reflects on pilgrimage, unity, and the timeless values of courage and compassion. Discover his message of hope for the nation.
Six of Wolverhampton's finest parks and green spaces have retained their prestigious Green Flag status. Discover the award-winning beauty spots offering free play, walks, and cafes.
Discover nine stunning locations across Birmingham and the West Midlands, perfect for a revitalising New Year's run. Explore parks, hills, and country parks to kickstart your 2026 fitness goals.
Health leaders in mid and south Essex urge residents to call NHS 111 for urgent dental appointments, avoiding busy emergency departments. New direct booking system speeds up access to care.
Health leaders in mid and south Essex advise calling NHS 111 for urgent dental issues like severe toothache. New direct booking system provides faster access to 700,000 extra appointments nationwide.
Find out which pharmacies in mid and south Essex are open on Christmas Day for essential medicines and advice. Use the NHS 'find a pharmacy' service for urgent help.
Find out which NHS pharmacies are open on Christmas Day in mid and south Essex for essential medicines and health advice. Check times and locations here.
Hospital staff working on Christmas Day across Mid and South Essex receive hampers as a thank you. The festive treats recognise their dedication and sacrifice.
British Land applies to boost maximum store size at Telford Forge Retail Park to attract larger retailers, aiming to secure long-term tenancies and support the local economy. Read the full details.
Network Rail begins vital track replacement near Ingatestone station over five weekends from Jan 10. Expect bus replacements and level crossing closures. Check before you travel.
Major changes to Chelmsford's Chelmer Valley Park and Ride, including reduced hours and new fares, will start in 2026 to improve value for money. Read the full details.
Shoppers at Tesco, Sainsbury's and Morrisons risk fines for misusing parent and child parking bays. A study reveals 25% misuse, with one mother fined £260. Know the rules to avoid penalties.
Discover how dedicated staff from Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust are working over Christmas to bring joy and support to patients in wards and care homes across Essex.
Maldon Fields hosted its inaugural Christmas memorial service, offering a reflective space for remembrance. The event was fully booked and raised £5,000 for Farleigh Hospice.
Chocolatier crafts giant edible coins of Henry VIII and Queen Victoria to celebrate a new banking hub in Essex. Discover the sweet link between cash, history, and Christmas tradition.
Hospitality tech firm Lolly launches a year-long partnership with Essex charity Kids Inspire, pledging funding, volunteering, and awareness-raising for children's mental health. Discover how you can support.
Chatten Free School in Witham is transforming lives by providing vital work experience for autistic students with complex needs. Local businesses are urged to help create meaningful community roles.
A new enterprise hub in Essex, Hope Park, is creating vital career pathways for young adults with learning difficulties, challenging the shocking 95% unemployment rate. Discover how this project is changing lives.
Pupils at Larchwood Primary in Brentwood are shaping their school's future as junior governors, digital leaders, and eco champions. Discover how these roles build citizenship.
Generous shoebox appeal by Seymour House Nurseries brings comfort to struggling families. Home-Start Essex reports a 134% surge in demand for its vital support services this winter.
Local Conservatives promise to scrap parking charges and establish a trust to restore Birmingham's Sutton Park ahead of the 2026 elections. Read their full plan.
Plans for the UK's first Universal Studios theme park near Cambridgeshire have been approved, promising 8,000 permanent jobs and a £50bn economic boost. Discover the details.
As 2025 ends, MP Marie Goldman reflects on the irreplaceable human spirit in Chelmsford's charities, from litter-picking to supporting veterans, proving community action beats any algorithm.
Discover Birmingham's stunning parks and green spaces that earned it the UK's first 'Nature City' title. Explore the top 10 spots, from Sutton Park to Moseley Bog.
A father of three was fined nearly £300 after being 13 minutes late to his car. He lost his keys in a play centre ball pit and couldn't extend his parking stay. He's now calling for a change in the rules.