HERE are the stories making headlines in our part of the world, North Worcestershire and the Black Country, this Wednesday evening, (August 26).

AN unqualified Dudley driver who sent a pedestrian cartwheeling into the air after he ploughed into him during a “joy ride” in Cradley Heath has been jailed.

Talwinder Sandhu, had been smoking cannabis before he mowed down 42-year-old Robert Wylde.

Mr Wylde was seriously injured and had to be put into an induced coma for four days.

Sandhu was jailed for 38 months.

The full story is available here.

The Kidderminster Shuttle reports a 'Banksy' piece was in fact not created by the famous artist.

Another Bristol-based artist has claimed he is behind graffiti artwork featuring Paris Hilton which had been attributed to Banksy.

John D'oh has said he is behind the large piece which appeared in Market Street over the weekend.

The story is here.

The Redditch Advertiser reports an Astwood bank resident is being joined by fellow villagers and embarking on a 20 mile charity walk in memory of a 'fantastic sister'.

The walk, involving Alan Rumble and friends, is a circular route departing from the traffic lights in Astwood Bank via Henley in Arden and Ullenhall.

The event has been supported by local businesses and widely advertised throughout the village.

Click here to see the story.

Meanwhile the Friends of Droitwich Spa Lido organisation is holding an evening of jazz music this November to raise money for the community pool.

The Jazz Evening is taking place on November 13 at the Sacred Heart Hall, and will feature the Tom Hill Jazz Patrol with vocalist Carole Westwood.

Droitwich Advertiser's story is here.