One in 10 smartphones end up in the washing machine, new research has revealed. Batty Brits also mistakenly wash money, keys, headphones and jewellery on a regular basis, according to a survey by laundry experts Dr. Beckmann. Of the 2,000 people quizzed about their washing woes, younger Brits suffer the most mishaps with 16% of 18 to 30 years olds admitting to machine-washing their phone in the past three years.

The third annual Global AgeWatch Index, which measures the quality of life of older people around the world, shows that the inequalities between the top and bottom ranking countries are increasing and that older women are particularly disadvantaged. Globally, Switzerland tops the Index this year and last year’s number one Norway moves into second place.

Warwick Arts Centre has been shortlisted for a hat-trick of awards in this year’s Coventry and Warwickshire Tourism Awards.  The Coventry venue is a finalist in the Best Venue Music, Arts & Theatre;  The Kids & Familes Award and The Culture Award categories.  The event is being organised by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and Quidem, which owns Touch FM stations and Rugby FM, and will be hosted at the Ricoh Arena on Thursday, September 24.

City of Wolverhampton College has been announced as the latest Founder Patron of Wolverhampton’s new Youth Zone – The Way. The college joins a number of local businesses – including Marston’s and Carvers – who have pledged their support to The Way by becoming Founder Patrons. It will be working with the Youth Zone to offer a range of services including careers advice and guidance and counselling to young people.

Neighbourhoods of Birmingham will be seen through poetry and painting this month as visual and mural artist Mohammed Ali takes up residency across various areas of Birmingham thanks to funding from Birmingham City Council. Forming part of Birmingham Anglican Cathedral’s ‘Something Good’ festival - a 2-day arts event celebrating 300 years of Birmingham Cathedral – Mohammed will lead a series of 1-day open air residences in public spaces in Erdington, Sparkhill and Handsworth.

A number of temporary road measures are due to come into operation to ease traffic flows in central Birmingham at a time when the city is preparing to come under the national and international spotlight. Birmingham City Council’s actions are designed to support the free flow of traffic – and particularly public transport – at several key junctions close to New Street Station.