Here are a few stories that have featured on our websites today.

AN ex-British soldier from Bromsgrove who was caught with hundreds of ecstasy tablets in Thailand has been jailed for 50 years.

Lance Whitmore, 27, was arrested with an Australian friend in the coastal resort of Pattaya 10 months ago where officers found them in possession of 200 tablets.

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A FORMER Halesowen man accused of carrying out a string of historic sex attacks has been remanded on bail for trial by a judge.

Richard Davenport faces four charges of indecent assault, two of rape and two of having sex with a young girl.

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A FAST food outlet in Kidderminster which was given the green light to stay open for 24 hours a day will bring 20 new jobs to the area.

The McDonald’s restaurant, in Worcester Road, will increase its opening hours from 18 to 24 hours a day, after Wyre Forest District Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee granted the application, with a number of conditions including managing noise level and patrolling the area four times a day.

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A DYNAMIC Dudley councillor is packing a punch and putting her money where her mouth is by training for a black belt in Thai boxing - having been appointed as the borough's shadow spokesman for health and fitness.

Kingswinford North and Wall Heath councillor Natalie Neale has taken over from veteran councillor Peter Miller to become opposition group spokesman for health and wellbeing - and she also sits on the Dudley health and wellbeing board.

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