Due to booming bar prices abroad, a family of four can now travel to Europe for less than the cost of the beverages they will drink during their stay, according to new research by Direct Line Travel Insurance. The study reveals that families holidaying in France will spend an average of £307 on drinks, while flights from London to Paris cost as little as £209. A gin and tonic will set travellers back a cool £9.19 when visiting our neighbours across the channel and as much as, £3.95 for a pint of Coke for the kids.

Wishing everybody taking part in the Birmingham Color Run at the NEC today good luck, and hopefully the weather will cooperate!

West Midlands residents throw away over £47K worth of broken or unwanted household items in their lifetime, according to new research. And skimping on quality is costing us a small fortune, with the average West Midlands respondent chucking out almost £780-worth of household items every year. From toasters to TVs, microwaves to mobile phones, the survey of 2,000 UK adults shows two thirds of modern purchases are simply NOT ‘built to last’.

Giving blood saves lives and during this year’s National Blood Week, Britons will be reminded that the UK needs approximately 200,000 new donors each year to meet patient demands. In England alone, 6,000 blood donations are needed every day to treat patients. Yet, a less familiar reminder is the need to provide donations for pets too. For those considering whether their pet could become a donor, MedicAnimal, the UK’s leading online pet healthcare retailer, has put together some useful tips on what owners need to know.

Almost a third of pensioners (31%) admit that most days for them are ‘No Spend Days’ when they don’t spend any money on themselves. And three in ten (30%) say they spend less than £10 a week on themselves, with more than half spending less than £20, according to a poll by equity release specialist Responsible Equity Release.

Sandwell residents are urged to look out for a form in the post to check they’re registered to vote in elections and referendums. The council’s elections team has sent forms to every household in Sandwell. The council has to do this by law – and all people need to do is confirm the details for their household are correct or update them. This can easily be done online, by phone, by text or by post – just follow the instructions on the form.