Kate Baldock

1 week ago | bbc.com | Kate Baldock |Gemma Sherlock

Kate Baldock & Gemma SherlockBBC News, West MidlandsTwenty-five trees planted in a Covid memorial woodland have been destroyed by "mindless vandals", a councillor has said. Trees belonging to the Queen Elizabeth II Covid Memorial Woodland in Strine Park and King Charles III Community Orchard in Victoria Park, Newport, have been snapped and torn down. Peter Scott, a councillor for Newport who was involved in the woodland tree planting from the start, said the vandalism was "soul-destroying".

2 weeks ago | bbc.co.uk | Alex McIntyre |Kate Baldock

Image caption, Headteacher Carol McQuiggan says the school's breakfast club will grow to 120 childrenThe size of a school's breakfast club will double when its free half-hour childcare offer begins after Easter. Lawley Primary School in Telford was named among the first 750 schools across England to take part in the government-funded breakfast club scheme. As part of the trial, the school will offer free breakfasts to pupils and at least 30 minutes of free childcare.

2 weeks ago | bbc.co.uk | Kate Baldock |Tanya Gupta

Image caption, Operations manager Rita Wilkinson said Yellow Ribbon helped prisoners who otherwise would "fail at the first hurdle"Ex-prisoners are being helped to reintegrate into the world of work in a scheme run by Telford College and a local chaplaincy. The Yellow Ribbon Community Chaplaincy in Telford works to support former prisoners with basic needs and education when they are released. Dave, 48, who has spent 33 years in and out of prison, said it was "invaluable".

2 weeks ago | bbc.com | Kate Baldock

Partnership helps ex-prisoners back to workKate BaldockTanya GuptaBBCOperations manager Rita Wilkinson said Yellow Ribbon helped prisoners who otherwise would "fail at the first hurdle"Ex-prisoners are being helped to reintegrate into the world of work in a scheme run by Telford College and a local chaplaincy. The Yellow Ribbon Community Chaplaincy in Telford works to support former prisoners with basic needs and education when they are released.

3 weeks ago | bbc.com | Kate Baldock

Traders looking for support as costs riseKate BaldockBBCHelen Upton said she hoped shoppers would understand why price rises were necessaryShopkeepers in a Shropshire town are asking people for their continued support, with prices set to rise again. The new financial year has brought with it increases to energy, water and council tax bills, and employers will also have to pay more in National Insurance contributions and the minimum wage.