A roadshow educating the public about the dangers of potentially lethal illegal tobacco has visited venues across Wolverhampton this week. The Illegal Tobacco Unit has toured sites around the city as the latest weapon in the city council’s fight against fake cigarettes. It comes as part of the council-led Operation Riposte which has seen a number of successful and high profile raids on shops selling fake and non-duty paid cigarettes and alcohol.

Making brilliant banners, a toy town and medals are among a host of fun creative activities lined up in Wolverhampton during next week’s February half-term. Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Bilston Craft Gallery and Bantock House Museum are all hosting fun family events during the school break. Youngsters aged from four to 12 can drop into Wolverhampton Art Gallery on Monday 15 February from 1pm-2.30pm to design their own textile banners using rich textures and colourful fabrics.

Birmingham’s John Taylor Hospice needs volunteers to help out in its day hospice for a few hours per week in support of care staff. New for 2016, the Grange Road social enterprise is trialling running the day hospice on Fridays, in addition to its Monday, Tuesday and Thursday groups. Volunteer Patricia Rogers, who lives in Erdington, helps out every Friday.

The restoration of a 1979 Mini 1275 GT is at the heart of a new narrative work by critically-acclaimed artist Stuart Whipps, looking at the history and heritage of the famous Longbridge car factory in Birmingham. Whipps has been commissioned by WERK, as part of the Longbridge Public Art Project (LPAP), designed to support the ongoing regeneration of the former car factory site.

The 'Oh Cecilia' and 'Can We Dance' stars, The Vamps, took part in re-'vamp'ed sports day activities with pupils of lead singer Brad Simpson's old school in Sutton Coldfield. Fairfax School welcomed the British pop rock band as the whole nation bends and stretches into shape for Sport Relief, kick starting their 2016 fundraising effort.

A search has begun to find the children and their families featured in iconic photographs of Birmingham’s shocking housing conditions in the 1960s. As part of Shelter’s 50th anniversary, the housing and homelessness charity is hunting for the people behind the pictures and is urging Birmingham residents to view the images to identify family or friends.