AFTER a weekend of fake blood, terrifying clown masks and ridiculous costumes everyone has woken up this morning and realised it is November.

For most that means it is now only six weeks until Christmas.

However first we have to get through Bonfire Night – which usually means a week of fireworks.

Now I am one of those people that loves fireworks night.

Wrapping up warm, flask of hot chocolate in hand as you watch a beautiful display of colour fill the night sky.

There are a number of displays taking place across the Five Valleys – keep up to date with our website to find where and when they are taking place.

We also have some tips on how to keep safe during Bonfire Night and also how to keep your pets safe as sadly not everyone loves the loud banging that comes with fireworks.

Here are five things you need to know this Monday morning.

  1. The children are back to school this morning after half term – for most this means after a week of quiet traffic the roads will be busy again.
  2. Households across the Five Valleys will receive 'annual tax statements' from today. The annual tax statements, announced by chancellor George Osborne in March 2012, will provide more than 24 million people with a visual illustration of how their taxes are being spent
  3. Could Britain be leaving the EU? It has been reported in the German press that Chancellor Angela Merkel would accept the UK's exit from the EU if David Cameron insists on migration curbs.
  4. A 29-year-old British man has appeared in court in Hong Kong accused of murdering two women after their bodies were found in an apartment.
  5. For all you Formula 1 followers - Lewis Hamilton has won his 10th race this season after a stunning performance in the US Grand Prix. He has now got a 24-point lead over his teammate  Nico Rosberg in the drivers' championship