Check out the most read Express & Star stories online in 2021
From Brexit blues to Covid concerns, lucky winners hitting it big and a wandering toddler leading police to a drugs bust, we take a look back at the most read online stories of a tumultuous 2021.
1. Business owner’s Brexit vote blues
Maxine Sault confessed she now believed she had made a mistake in voting for Brexit as she hit major problems exporting to Europe.
2. Designer Outlet 'best thing to happen in Cannock' say first shoppers
Dozens of eager shoppers queued for hours outside Cannock's new £160 million designer outlet to be the first through the gates when it opened.
3. Look, it’s Wayne Rooney!
There was great excitement when Wayne Rooney was spotted with his family at a Staffordshire village pub.
4. South African Covid variant detected in Walsall
The race was on in February to test the 10 ,300 residents in the WS2 area of Walsall after a case of the more contagious Covid-19 variant first discovered in South Africa was confirmed.
5. Walsall foundry worker wins dream £3 million Devon clifftop home
Glen Elmy scooped a £3 million dream home in Devon and £20,000 after buying a £25 ticket in a charity prize draw.
6. City hit by spate of shootings
A woman was taken to hospital in April after being injured in the second shooting in Wolverhampton in six days.
7. Anger at plans to demolish historic pub
Objections were raised over plans to knock down an historic Black Country pub and replace it with 12 houses.
8. Parking chaos as walkers descend on village
Residents of a quiet Staffordshire street said their lives were "turned upside down" by walkers using their street to park when visiting a nearby green.
