0:00:00 > 0:00:00That's all from the BBC News at Six.
0:00:04 > 0:00:05Hello and welcome to Midlands Today.
0:00:05 > 0:00:07The headlines tonight:
0:00:07 > 0:00:09Ending centuries of tradition, Aga workers leave their Shropshire
0:00:09 > 0:00:14foundry for the last time.
0:00:14 > 0:00:21A lot of history, personal history there. It was quite upsetting to
0:00:21 > 0:00:24close the gates for the last time.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26We'll be reporting live from Coalbrookdale which has been
0:00:26 > 0:00:28described as the cradle of the industrial revolution.
0:00:28 > 0:00:29Also tonight:
0:00:29 > 0:00:31A shocking rise in rape and sexual assaults
0:00:31 > 0:00:33in Staffordshire: cases recorded by the police have more
0:00:33 > 0:00:35than tripled in five years.
0:00:35 > 0:00:40These statistics have gone through the ceiling, I really understand
0:00:40 > 0:00:44that. But it is because people can now voice an opinion and say this is
0:00:44 > 0:00:51what has happened to me.The busy Christmas period approaches, what is
0:00:51 > 0:00:52causing the traffic in Birmingham?
0:00:52 > 0:00:54causing the traffic in Birmingham?
0:00:54 > 0:00:56In demand with pop stars and footballers - portraits of music
0:00:56 > 0:00:58icons made by breaking up old records.
0:00:58 > 0:00:59And nothing particularly recording breaking
0:00:59 > 0:01:01about the weather today, but standby for something chillier
0:01:01 > 0:01:04for the next few days, we may even get a dusting
0:01:04 > 0:01:05of snow for some.
0:01:05 > 0:01:15More details later on.
0:01:18 > 0:01:19Good evening.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22A slice of the region's heritage has been confined
0:01:22 > 0:01:24to the history books today.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27After three centuries of making cast iron there,
0:01:27 > 0:01:31a foundry in Coalbrookdale in Shropshire finally
0:01:31 > 0:01:41ended production.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44Cast iron production began on the site when Abraham Darby
0:01:44 > 0:01:45opened a factory there in 1709.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47Aga's been making parts for its ovens there since 1946,
0:01:47 > 0:01:50but the company's American owner says it's no longer cost effective.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53At its height, over 600 workers were employed on the site.
0:01:53 > 0:01:58Joanne Writtle reports.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00Some of the final workers leave Aga foundry
0:02:00 > 0:02:01in Coalbrookdale signalling an end to 300 years
0:02:01 > 0:02:11of cast-iron production here.
0:02:12 > 0:02:17They hang up their boots to mark the end of their working days here.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19I have been here 31 years, end of an era.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23I thought I would go out of here on the day that I retired.
0:02:23 > 0:02:24Unfortunately, I'm not.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27Glyn Baker had clocked up 40 years and was greeted by his parents Irene
0:02:27 > 0:02:29and Dennis who once also worked at the foundry.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31Like so many families once did in Coalbrookdale.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34After emotional goodbyes, they reminisced over a cup of tea.
0:02:34 > 0:02:35Very emotional.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37It got a lot of history, personal history there.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40It was quite upsetting coming out of the gates for the last time.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42His father, Dennis, and mother, Irene, worked for years
0:02:42 > 0:02:45at the factory, too, but today with therefore their son.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49Very, very touching really.
0:02:49 > 0:02:55I mean, he put his heart and soul into his job.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58I can't ever remember him losing any time from work
0:02:58 > 0:03:08there and the atmosphere in the founding was tremendous.
0:03:09 > 0:03:15On our estate alone, I reckoned up last night that
0:03:15 > 0:03:17families on that estate worked at the foundry.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19Until today, around 40 people worked here,
0:03:19 > 0:03:24but decades ago there were 600.
0:03:24 > 0:03:25Among them, Graham Hickman.
0:03:25 > 0:03:30He was made redundant in 2005, but came back today to say goodbye.
0:03:30 > 0:03:35Well, just to say goodbye to the lads who have clocked up
0:03:35 > 0:03:36between them, 42 of them, they have clocked up 907 years service.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42They have shown a great deal of loyalty to the foundry.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46Many generations of their families before worked here.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49I think it is a fitting tribute that somebody should
0:03:49 > 0:03:50turn up and say goodbye.
0:03:50 > 0:03:55AGA range master declined our repeated requests for an interview,
0:03:55 > 0:03:57that told us that the decision to close the foundry here had
0:03:57 > 0:03:59been a difficult one.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02The company said it would also like to thank the remaining workers
0:04:02 > 0:04:04for helping to wind things down.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06Later this afternoon, members of the community came
0:04:06 > 0:04:07out to say farewell.
0:04:07 > 0:04:15The end of a foundry first used by Abraham Darby in 1709.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17And Joanne joins us from Coalbrookdale now.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19This really is a sad day for everyone
0:04:19 > 0:04:27in that part of Shropshire.
0:04:27 > 0:04:32It has been a very poignant day, all day people have been turning up here
0:04:32 > 0:04:37to take pictures of the dates covered in -- dates covered in the
0:04:37 > 0:04:41work of's boots and one local councillors at the closure would
0:04:41 > 0:04:48really change the face of the community here in many ways.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50Obviously, there's not as many people now that work here.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53At one time, everyone who lived in all the houses
0:04:53 > 0:04:54around here would have worked here.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57Obviously that has changed across the years, now it is more
0:04:57 > 0:04:58about losing that rhythm.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00The foundry, it makes noises, things that happen
0:05:00 > 0:05:02regularly at certain times, there is a rhythm to it
0:05:02 > 0:05:04that we all get used to.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06I guess that has stopped now so that it is a change.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08Wondering what will happen with the buildings and
0:05:08 > 0:05:16the site and future use.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20In now mulling work will continue at the Aga factory a few miles ago in
0:05:20 > 0:05:25Catley in Telford where 190 people work, but casting will now move to
0:05:25 > 0:05:31other parts of the UK and also overseas. The company, Aga range
0:05:31 > 0:05:39master say that they will retain the long-term future of the Aga brand.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42Staffordshire Police say over the last five years they've seen
0:05:42 > 0:05:44a three-fold increase in the number of rapes and serious sexual
0:05:44 > 0:05:45offences being reported.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47They say officers are dealing with an unprecendented
0:05:47 > 0:05:50number of complaints - some of them dating back many years.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52Charities are also affected by growing numbers of
0:05:52 > 0:05:54people coming forward.
0:05:54 > 0:06:00Here's our Staffordshire reporter, Liz Copper.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03Michel Joy is a survivor.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05She's experienced more than 40 years of
0:06:05 > 0:06:09sexual violence.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11She's waived her right to anonymity to speak about
0:06:11 > 0:06:14the effects.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16The most amazing experience for me was to learn that
0:06:16 > 0:06:17I wasn't guilty.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19It wasn't a dirty secret.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23I was allowed to speak about it.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26I'm learning that I'm a human being and I have rights.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28And I have choices, too, which is incredible
0:06:28 > 0:06:37for me.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40This helpline is run by the charity Savanna in Stoke on Trent.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42It seen a significant rise in referrals.
0:06:42 > 0:06:47We offer emotional support and one-to-one counselling
0:06:47 > 0:06:49and we also offer practical support.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51It's an advocacy role, independent sexual violence advisors, we have
0:06:51 > 0:06:54three of those here.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57They support anybody that wishes to report to the
0:06:57 > 0:07:02police.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05Staffordshire police now deal with an average of seven reports of
0:07:05 > 0:07:07rape and serious sexual offences every day.
0:07:07 > 0:07:1480% of complainants are female and 80% are under 30 years old.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16These are cases that may date back and these
0:07:16 > 0:07:18often will be people who have
0:07:18 > 0:07:19not felt confident to come forward previously.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22Perhaps they have not had the trust in the criminal
0:07:22 > 0:07:32justice system or the police to come forward and take that step of coming
0:07:32 > 0:07:34to a police station and speaking to a police officer
0:07:34 > 0:07:39about what they have experience.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41That is a pattern also being recognised by survivors.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43I know the crime rate, the statistics have gone through the
0:07:44 > 0:07:45ceiling, I will you understand that.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49It is because people can now voice an opinion and say this is what has
0:07:49 > 0:07:51happened to me and not hide so much from everybody.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55Stand up and be counted.
0:07:55 > 0:07:56Charities and other organisations offering counselling
0:07:56 > 0:07:58services are showing growing numbers of complainants coming forward.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00The effects will be felt across the whole
0:08:00 > 0:08:06criminal justice system.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09West Midlands Police have released shocking images
0:08:09 > 0:08:12of an elderly man who was attacked at his home in Sutton Coldfield.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16A warning, you may find the picture you're about to see disturbing.
0:08:16 > 0:08:2387-year-old Arthur Gumbley was viciously
0:08:23 > 0:08:26beaten and robbed in his home on Tuesday night.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29He was found lying on the floor - he'd been punched and kicked.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31The thieves ransacked the house and stole cash.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33Officers are looking for two men in connection with the attack.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36A toddler has died after being injured
0:08:36 > 0:08:37at a house in Birmingham.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39Emergency services were called to an address in Northfield
0:08:39 > 0:08:40on Sunday afternoon, following reports that
0:08:40 > 0:08:44a 21-month-old girl was unconscious.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46She was taken to Birmingham Children s Hospital in a critical
0:08:46 > 0:08:49condition, but pronounced dead last night.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52A 28-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman have been arrested
0:08:52 > 0:08:55on suspicion of causing or allowing serious injury to a child.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57Plans for the West Midlands Mayor to take
0:08:57 > 0:09:01on responsibility for policing in 2020 have been announced as part
0:09:01 > 0:09:07of second devolution deal in yesterday's budget.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09The move would see the role of Police and Crime
0:09:09 > 0:09:14commissioner scrapped.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16The current Commissioner David Jamieson and Midlands Metro Mayor
0:09:16 > 0:09:18Andy Street are both due to complete their
0:09:18 > 0:09:20respective terms in 2020.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23Doctors have raised serious concerns about the takeover of two
0:09:23 > 0:09:24mental health organisations across the Black Country
0:09:24 > 0:09:27by Birmingham-based Community Healthcare.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30They feel that the management of the new organisation is currently
0:09:30 > 0:09:33unacceptable and it'd have an impact on the safe delivery of services.
0:09:33 > 0:09:38Here's our health correspondent, Michele Paduano.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42Embroidery one of the is ways Frida Griffiths copes
0:09:42 > 0:09:46with the depression that ended her career as a policewoman.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48She now worries for patients about a takeover being stitched
0:09:49 > 0:09:50together behind closed doors.
0:09:50 > 0:09:55Birmingham community health care trust, which is not
0:09:55 > 0:09:57a mental health trust, is to take over the Black Country
0:09:57 > 0:09:59partnership to cover Sandwell and Wolverhampton and the Dudley
0:09:59 > 0:10:01and Warsaw mental health partnership, creating one
0:10:01 > 0:10:03of the largest mental health trusts in the country.
0:10:03 > 0:10:09An illness, it takes quite a lot of time,
0:10:09 > 0:10:14patience, compassion.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17I know that applies to all elements, but especially with mental health
0:10:17 > 0:10:19and if they haven't got any expertise in doing any
0:10:19 > 0:10:22of that sort of thing, how are they going to organise
0:10:22 > 0:10:26an efficient mental health service?
0:10:26 > 0:10:30Mental health doctors across Dudley and Walsall have written
0:10:30 > 0:10:34that they have serious concerns about medics being sidelined.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37They said...
0:10:37 > 0:10:40We showed the letter to the former chief executive of the Black Country
0:10:40 > 0:10:49partnership uses her colleagues also have qualms.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52There seems to be concerns around the lack of knowledge around mental
0:10:52 > 0:10:54health services and how they are being run and
0:10:54 > 0:11:00the proposals for the future.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02There are worries to about finance, Bloxwich hospital treats frail,
0:11:02 > 0:11:05elderly mental health patients.
0:11:05 > 0:11:09Doctors are worried that £8 million set aside to replace this facility
0:11:09 > 0:11:13with a building in Walsall and a further £5 million
0:11:13 > 0:11:16to refurbish wards in Dudley could be swallowed up by debts
0:11:16 > 0:11:24in the group elsewhere.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26Dudley and Walsall managers say all three wards are committed
0:11:26 > 0:11:27to replacing this facility.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30Birmingham community health care which runs the dental Hospital
0:11:30 > 0:11:32and services for the elderly says there will be no negative impacts
0:11:32 > 0:11:35for safety and quality, keeping users save is their first priority.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37Robust processes which make it a high processing organisation
0:11:37 > 0:11:47will be adapted and enhanced.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52Thanks for joining us here on Midlands Today this evening.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55Our top story, ending centuries of tradition in the cradle
0:11:55 > 0:11:57of the industrial revolution, Aga workers have left
0:11:57 > 0:11:58their Shropshire foundry for the last time.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00Stand by for Beccy's weather forecast later -
0:12:00 > 0:12:03it's looking a bit chilly as we head for the weekend.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05Also this evening, remembering a little known pioneer
0:12:05 > 0:12:07of the motor industry, who invented the first all-British
0:12:07 > 0:12:12four-wheel drive car.
0:12:12 > 0:12:13And there's no stopping the rampant Wolves,
0:12:13 > 0:12:16whacking four past Leeds last night to increase their lead at the top
0:12:16 > 0:12:25of the Championship.
0:12:25 > 0:12:30Getting around a city centre is hard enough these days, but
0:12:30 > 0:12:32in Birmingham drivers are having to contend with increasing
0:12:32 > 0:12:33levels of congestion.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36Some roads have been gridlocked because of roadworks at several
0:12:36 > 0:12:37major junctions and, with Christmas approaching,
0:12:37 > 0:12:39things are expected to get worse.
0:12:39 > 0:12:40Our Transport Correspondent, Peter Plisner has been
0:12:40 > 0:12:44monitoring the roads today.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46First come the cones, then the congestion.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49These roadworks ironically designed to ease the jams appear to be
0:12:49 > 0:12:50doing the exact opposite.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52This is the sort of gridlock that many drivers have been complaining
0:12:52 > 0:12:56about when this roundabout fills up with traffic, congestion,
0:12:56 > 0:13:01spreads out around the city centre.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03More roadworks nearby, this time part of the continuing
0:13:03 > 0:13:09development of the city.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12Here, they're making space with a new Metro tram line.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15In the city's traffic control centre, they have a bird's eye view
0:13:15 > 0:13:18of what is going on in the message from here is do not
0:13:18 > 0:13:22drive into Birmingham.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24Yes, works are taking place and while they are,
0:13:24 > 0:13:26everybody's key priority should be trying to find other forms
0:13:26 > 0:13:29of transport other than private cars to get in and around Birmingham.
0:13:29 > 0:13:36Today wasn't a good day for public transport either.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38A signal failure at New Street Station meant three platforms
0:13:38 > 0:13:40couldn't be used during this morning's rush hour.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43The congestion on the roads means bus companies are struggling to keep
0:13:43 > 0:13:44to their timetables.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46This firm specialising in school buses has certainly noticed
0:13:46 > 0:13:47the increasing hold-ups.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49Our services are having to start earlier.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52We are having to get more buses on the road and our team
0:13:52 > 0:14:00of controllers are having to constantly be looking at the GPS
0:14:00 > 0:14:02to make sure our services are running more less to schedule.
0:14:02 > 0:14:02Him
0:14:02 > 0:14:05Where does it all leave mayor Andy Street's campaign pledge
0:14:05 > 0:14:07to deal with congestion?
0:14:07 > 0:14:09I'm disappointed in the short-term, of course I am.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12That doesn't mean I'm disappointed that these pieces of work are done
0:14:12 > 0:14:15because they are both solutions to that, whether it be the Metro
0:14:15 > 0:14:18work around Paradise or whether it be the improvement to Holloway head
0:14:18 > 0:14:21junction which has long been called out as a problem and I'm very
0:14:21 > 0:14:23pleased that the roadworks are being done to
0:14:23 > 0:14:24improve that in time.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26The good news is that some roadworks including
0:14:26 > 0:14:28here at Birmingham's Holloway Circus will be lifted from mid-December
0:14:28 > 0:14:30to help keep the traffic moving over Christmas.
0:14:30 > 0:14:36Be warned, they'll be back in the New Year.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39And Peter joins us now from Birmingham city centre.
0:14:39 > 0:14:44What's it's looking like tonight, Peter, where you are?
0:14:44 > 0:14:49on the roundabout itself seems OK tonight but as you can see approach
0:14:49 > 0:14:52roads are still heavily congested. What people are noticing is that the
0:14:52 > 0:14:56rush-hour seems to be going on a bit longer in the evening, normally
0:14:56 > 0:15:00about half past four to about six o'clock, now what it is going to
0:15:00 > 0:15:04about half past six or perhaps at seven o'clock. Work traffic is
0:15:04 > 0:15:12mixing with leisure traffic, we are getting gridlock sometimes in the
0:15:12 > 0:15:12evening as well.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16Why exactly are they carrying out these works so close to Christmas?
0:15:17 > 0:15:20It is the obvious question, but according to the City Council, this
0:15:20 > 0:15:23work had to be done in this time slot. They couldn't do in the summer
0:15:23 > 0:15:29because they were doing work out on the Ring road and they can't do next
0:15:29 > 0:15:32summer because some of the preparatory age is to work is being
0:15:32 > 0:15:39done. This is a big scheme, it means that other things are queueing to be
0:15:39 > 0:15:43done. They are lifting these roadworks for Christmas, that is
0:15:43 > 0:15:44good.
0:15:44 > 0:15:49Any indication of what the impact has been on businesses in the area?
0:15:49 > 0:15:52Businesses certainly have been saying that they are losing trade
0:15:52 > 0:15:55because people are not coming into the city centre in their cars, what
0:15:55 > 0:16:00we have seen, I have spoken to one takeaway food restaurant today, they
0:16:00 > 0:16:05say that they have lost money, they say that they are taking longer to
0:16:05 > 0:16:08make their deliveries, having to take on more staff and they are
0:16:08 > 0:16:11thinking of moving to a mopeds -based system so that they can
0:16:11 > 0:16:15actually get through the traffic. Those are the measures that some are
0:16:15 > 0:16:23taking. It is not good for business, it has to be said.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25I'm sure those of a certain age will remember
0:16:25 > 0:16:27Lanchester cars, they were up there with Rolls Royce as some
0:16:27 > 0:16:31of the most exciting and beautiful early models to take to the road.
0:16:31 > 0:16:32But their inventor, Frederick Lanchester,
0:16:32 > 0:16:36is little known these days.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39Now a permanent exhibition celebrating his life has been opened
0:16:39 > 0:16:40at Coventry University.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42Frederick Lanchester was responsible for more than 400 patents
0:16:42 > 0:16:44and invented the first all British four wheel drive car.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46His cars are also featured in the popular BBC
0:16:47 > 0:16:48drama Peaky Blinders.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52Here's Kevin Reide.
0:16:52 > 0:16:57Lanchester cars were familiar on the roads nearly a century ago.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59Now the life works in their designer Federer
0:17:22 > 0:17:23--Frederick
0:17:23 > 0:17:25Lanchester are being celebrated in Coventry University.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27This micro museum shows much of his pioneering
0:17:27 > 0:17:29designs, such as the first petrol electric hybrid vehicle,
0:17:29 > 0:17:31the first completely British built car and many other
0:17:31 > 0:17:32things.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34He filed over 400 patent in his life.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36People called him the UK's Leonardo da Vinci.
0:17:36 > 0:17:37He was such a genius.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39His car company was originally founded in Birmingham and
0:17:39 > 0:17:41was featured in the Birmingham-set drama Peaky Blinders.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43But the company eventually moved to Coventry,
0:17:43 > 0:17:44where this 1953 model was
0:17:44 > 0:17:46one of the last to be built.
0:17:46 > 0:17:47It's owned by collector and author Chris
0:17:47 > 0:17:49Clark who has nine of his cars.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51I had my first Lanchester at the age of 14.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55It was full of mice and cobwebs and my aim in all of this is
0:17:55 > 0:17:57to make people aware of this British genius.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00His name should be up there in lights with Stephenson and Brunel
0:18:00 > 0:18:01and Watts.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04His name and indeed his legacy lives on in his cars, but it
0:18:04 > 0:18:07is a little-known fact that he was also a pioneer of aviation.
0:18:07 > 0:18:08He designed this aeroplane seven years
0:18:08 > 0:18:10before the Wright brothers first flight,
0:18:10 > 0:18:11but because he lacked a
0:18:11 > 0:18:15formal education, nobody would back it.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17Now more than 100 years on, an aerospace
0:18:17 > 0:18:19Now more than 100 years on, an aerospace graduate has studied
0:18:19 > 0:18:23the design in detail.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26And created virtual reality which shows it could have flown.
0:18:26 > 0:18:32In the field of aerospace and aerodynamics in
0:18:32 > 0:18:37general, he is massively underappreciated and maybe one
0:18:37 > 0:18:40day his name will actually be remembered and renowned, not just
0:18:40 > 0:18:42not just in Britain, but across the world.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44Coventry University began life as the Lanchester Polytechnic
0:18:44 > 0:18:48in a nod to Fred, but the name was dropped in 1990 due to confusion
0:18:48 > 0:18:49over location.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51It is hoped this micro museum will bring him
0:18:51 > 0:18:57recognition once more.
0:18:57 > 0:18:58Football and, after last night's action,
0:18:58 > 0:19:03Wolves are now four points clear at the top of the Championship.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05They thumped Leeds 4-1, with the goals coming
0:19:05 > 0:19:06from four different players.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10It was their biggest home win of the season,
0:19:10 > 0:19:12but it was a very different story for struggling Birmingham City who
0:19:13 > 0:19:14went down 2-0 at Middlesbrough.
0:19:14 > 0:19:20Dan Pallett reports.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22And on the menu last night was another feast of football -
0:19:22 > 0:19:25topped of with a large dollop of goals.
0:19:25 > 0:19:26And this wasn't stodge.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30Wolves are playing some sumptious stuff.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32Barry Douglas served up a tasty starter with this free kick.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35The main courses were even better.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37Ivan Cavaleiro finished off a flowing move with
0:19:37 > 0:19:40this excellent finish.
0:19:40 > 0:19:45And although Leeds scored a fine goal of their own
0:19:45 > 0:19:47through Ezgjan Alioski, the game quickly swung
0:19:47 > 0:19:49back in Wolves favour after Ronaldo Vieira was sent-off.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53Diogo Jota showed a great pace and composure for number three.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57And dessert came via the penalty spot.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00Intense Wolves pressure earned them a penalty.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03And Helder Costa dispatched it for a 4-1 win which moves
0:20:03 > 0:20:07them four points clear.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09From feast to famine.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11Birmingham City have a worst away record in the Championship.
0:20:11 > 0:20:16And they've scored just three times away from St Andrews.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19So once Britt Assombalonga had put Middlesbrough in front
0:20:19 > 0:20:21at the Riverside, the result was entirely predictable.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24Things may have turned out differently had Che Adams hit
0:20:24 > 0:20:29the back of the net instead of goalkeeper Darren Randolph.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32Assombalonga showed him how it's done with his and Boro's second.
0:20:32 > 0:20:40The consoaltion for Blues is that remain just above the bottom three.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42Well, one man who knows all about scoring goals,
0:20:42 > 0:20:46both for Wolves and Birmingham City, is Peter Withe.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48But he's more famously known for his exploits
0:20:48 > 0:20:51in an Aston Villa shirt - having scored the goal that won
0:20:51 > 0:20:53the European Cup for Villa in 1982.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55His autobiography has just been released and Dan Pallett
0:20:55 > 0:21:04is with Peter now at a book signing in the city centre.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08Thank you, Nick. Peter, you have many links to the Midlands, but you
0:21:08 > 0:21:12are most famous for your time with Aston Villa. We are about to look
0:21:12 > 0:21:16back to the 1981 Charity Shield ways scored twice at Wembley, have any
0:21:16 > 0:21:20times a week get asked about those glory days?All the time to be
0:21:20 > 0:21:24perfectly honest. It doesn't matter where I am in the world, I still get
0:21:24 > 0:21:27asked the questions. It is great memories with regards... It was
0:21:27 > 0:21:33funny because I was talking to a man whom made his dead you in a Charity
0:21:33 > 0:21:39Shield and I scored two goals against him. If you look at what we
0:21:39 > 0:21:42have achieved since 1980 right the way up until 1983, it was the
0:21:42 > 0:21:46nominal.What we did. I bake you don't mind those questions to look
0:21:46 > 0:21:52back at the fond memories.Yes. I look now at the players of today and
0:21:52 > 0:21:55they don't seem to communicate with the public as much as what we
0:21:55 > 0:22:03probably communicated. Whether they have never been taught, we were just
0:22:03 > 0:22:05always associated with supporters. We got on with it. Let's talk about
0:22:05 > 0:22:14the modern day, Villa, blues and others are all championship sides.I
0:22:14 > 0:22:20have seen blues, I saw them against Forest, another one against my old
0:22:20 > 0:22:24teams. Very well done. I was slightly disappointed with Forest,
0:22:24 > 0:22:27the way they played. I think they are playing very well at home, but
0:22:27 > 0:22:32when they come away from home, they can't seem to get results. Villa as
0:22:32 > 0:22:36we know started this is awfully, and everyone was calling for Steve
0:22:36 > 0:22:41Bruce's head and I was saying don't panic at this moment in time, it is
0:22:41 > 0:22:44not one of those situations. I think they need to string results
0:22:44 > 0:22:48together, that is what they have done. Now they are in the top four.
0:22:48 > 0:22:54Going well.Going very well. Put together results, you've got the
0:22:54 > 0:23:01lead quickly. I know, I have seen them play and I have been very
0:23:01 > 0:23:05impressed by the wolves, they have played very well. Villa went there
0:23:05 > 0:23:13with a run on and then lost, so it is interesting. One of my old teams,
0:23:13 > 0:23:16Sheffield United is doing well after having troubles.Fully immersed in
0:23:16 > 0:23:21the game still. It doesn't hurt to look back and reminisce every now
0:23:21 > 0:23:31and again.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33It would have been sacrilege a few years ago,
0:23:33 > 0:23:37but now a Staffordshire artist is gaining worldwide fame
0:23:37 > 0:23:41by breaking up old records to create portraits of music icons.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44Ben Riley's pictures are believed to have been bought by the likes
0:23:44 > 0:23:46of Pharell Williams, Olly Murs and a number
0:23:46 > 0:23:47of Premier League footballers.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50This weekend, he'll be in Las Vegas for his latest exhibition.
0:23:50 > 0:24:00Ben Sidwell reports.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05When it comes to breaking records, Ben Riley from north Staffordshire
0:24:05 > 0:24:06is in a different league.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09I came up with this light bulb moment, it had
0:24:09 > 0:24:12what it takes because it is so unique and different and there is no
0:24:12 > 0:24:14one else in the world is doing it.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17Ben's idea was to create portraits of music icons using only bits of
0:24:17 > 0:24:19old records.
0:24:19 > 0:24:24No other materials are used in the pictures, all the
0:24:24 > 0:24:30intricate details are formed using ground-up vinyl.
0:24:30 > 0:24:35His work began to gain notoriety on the Internet and
0:24:36 > 0:24:37quickly demand grew.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41From the village of boldly in north Staffordshire to London, Los Angeles
0:24:41 > 0:24:43and Las Vegas, Ben's work is now being sold
0:24:43 > 0:24:44in galleries around the
0:24:44 > 0:24:48world.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51At Silver Star Gallery in Chester, Ben is one of their most
0:24:51 > 0:24:52popular artists.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54Here, they've sold over 50 of his works.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57£1600 a portrait.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59Each piece is unique to itself, hence the price
0:25:00 > 0:25:01tag on the pieces.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03But they have been massively popular.
0:25:03 > 0:25:13Our customers really do love them, as I do.
0:25:18 > 0:25:26Ben is jetting off to Las Vegas for his latest art show this weekend.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28So to the weather and, after a comparatively warmish day
0:25:28 > 0:25:32or two, it's all rather downhill now as we trundle towards the weekend.
0:25:32 > 0:25:33Getting decidedly chilly, Beccy!
0:25:33 > 0:25:35Getting decidedly chilly, Beccy!
0:25:35 > 0:25:39As my dad would say, it is time to get your coat out. For the boast of
0:25:39 > 0:25:48is, it is basically a woolly jumper. It cool trend. I want to take us
0:25:48 > 0:25:53back to yesterday, a lively period of weather. 55 mph. 11 o'clock last
0:25:53 > 0:25:58night, temperatures were 12 or 13 Celsius, better got up to today was
0:25:58 > 0:26:02just 10 Celsius. We really did start to cool off. As we had through the
0:26:02 > 0:26:08next few days, it will get even cooler. Plenty of such an out and
0:26:08 > 0:26:11about, winds are lighter. Lost three showers through the day, heavy
0:26:11 > 0:26:17downpours. The skies by the end of the day looks like they were on
0:26:17 > 0:26:22fire. A stunning end to the day for many of us because things are
0:26:22 > 0:26:25starting to cool down. Tomorrow will be dry and bright, but certainly
0:26:25 > 0:26:29starting to feel cooler. This is why. A plunge of air directly from
0:26:29 > 0:26:35the Arctic working its way down across as, sinking its way
0:26:35 > 0:26:39southwards. A cold night on the way and maybe even some winter flakes.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43Across the south of the region, cloud will push its way through.
0:26:43 > 0:26:51Further north, Midlands, temperatures ranging between one and
0:26:51 > 0:26:55five Celsius. A chilly start the day, the winds are starting to ease
0:26:55 > 0:26:59through the day and it is going to start to get colder. We will start
0:26:59 > 0:27:03off fine and dry with plenty of sunshine. Watch the north Midlands
0:27:03 > 0:27:07because through the Cheshire gap we will see some showers coming down.
0:27:07 > 0:27:13Colder air, we will start to see something wintry. Temperatures
0:27:13 > 0:27:175-7dC. We will see that speed of showers pushing its way through
0:27:17 > 0:27:23during the overnight period. A very cold night coming into Saturday.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27Even in the centre of Birmingham, it will be about 1 degrees. Those
0:27:27 > 0:27:32showers are going to start as a touch wintry. Parts of Staffordshire
0:27:32 > 0:27:38and Shropshire will get eight dusting of snow possibly. It will be
0:27:38 > 0:27:40a chilly few days.
0:27:40 > 0:27:41And that was the Midlands Today.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44I'll be back at ten thirty with your late update.
0:27:44 > 0:27:45Have a good evening.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48Bye for now.