HERE's what you need to know in our area, the Black Country and North Worcestershire.

A Bromsgrove woman who tried to rip off an elderly, vulnerable Halesowen couple by selling them a rubbish roof paint at an extortionate price has avoided spending time behind bars.

The couple, in their 80s, were conned into believing the paint would massively reduce heat loss by Julie Barrett.

The full court report is available here.

Kidderminster Harriers' chairman Ken Rae has confirmed staff at the club will receive their wages in full next week.

Employees at the Aggborough outfit received only a third of their pay on Monday as Harriers’ cashflow problems continue.

But Rae has said the club will pay the rest of the money owed next Tuesday after Harrier's Bank Holiday match.

For the full story click here.

Wolverhampton Crown Court has heard that a Netherton chef left his wife scarred for life when he threw a bucket of boiling water at her during an argument.

During another attack, Kevin Walker, of Blackbrook Road, "went beyond the bounds of self defence" when he struck his partner across the face, the court heard.

The 44-year-old has been placed on supervision for 18 months.

For the full story click here.

Meanwhile, there have been April fools stories across our websites today that have been fooling our readers.

Among them was a new robot personal shopper at Merry Hill, a story on UKIP West Midlands MEP James Carver's desire to rename German measles and Bromsgrove Guild's letter to the Queen claiming the famous Buckingham Palace gates were never paid for and the Guild wants them back.