Former club plans a statue and tribute match to its "greatest ever manager".

Alex Pope
BBC Local Live

A murder investigation has been launched after a woman in her 60s died 11 days after being attacked in her Milton Keynes home. 

Police say the woman was taken ill the day after six men pushed their way into her home on Orne Gardens, Bolbeck Park, at about 18:00 on 31 January.

She was knocked to the floor and one man held her down with a hand over her mouth. 

While this happened the other men searched her home and stole cash and jewellery. 

Image source, Google

When the woman was giving a witness statement the next day, she was taken ill and admitted to Milton Keynes hospital. 

She died on 11 February. 

More to follow.

Urgent talks have been taking place over the future of thousands of jobs in the British car industry - including Luton.

It follows confirmation that the owner of Vauxhall, GM, may sell its European operations to French giant PSA. 

Prof David Bailey from Aston Business School says it will be "inevitable that if this deal goes ahead there will be plant closures in Europe in years to come". 

He says it won't be known for a while where those jobs will go, but as it's "easy to fire workers in the UK" and Brexit has created "uncertainty", it could make Britain an easy target for redundancies.

Image source, Getty Images

He added assurances given now are "just not nearly enough" and the big decisions will be made in 2018, when the location to build the next Astra is made.   

Vauxhall says it has "no definitive news to report at this time".

BBC Three Counties Radio

"The risks are serious." 

Those are the words of Sir Vince Cable, the former Lib Dem business secretary, who helped rescue Vauxhall in 2012 when part of the coalition government.

He told BBC Three Counties Radio we should "hope for the best, prepare for the worst" if a takeover of GM's loss-making European Opel business by Peugeot's owner goes ahead.

It's feared a number of jobs in Luton could be affected.

Image source, Getty Images

He said unlike a few years ago Britain was in a "weaker position" and that since the vote to leave the EU the balance had "shifted against the UK because of the uncertainty about Brexit".

He added that "GMs' operations are heavily linked to the European market, but any disruption makes the British operation less attractive".

GM said it is in talks with PSA, which owns Peugeot, "to build on the success" of Opel Vauxhall and put it in "the strongest possible position".  

Laurence Cawley
BBC News

Meet Mark and his hawk, Faith.

He's part of a pest control firm that uses the birds of prey to disperse other birds.

The pair are often hired by councils and other organisations, such as Cambridge University, to control pigeons and gulls.  

A Freedom of Information request by the BBC revealed the amount spent by councils on pest control across the country rose from £452,000 in 2013-2014 to £830,000 in 2015-2016, with some interesting figures across the East of England.

Falconer Mark White, of Suffolk-based Step Pest Control, said councils were increasingly using non-lethal methods of bird control.

He uses a combination of methods ranging from netting and spikes, special gels which look like fire, hawks and even a high-powered laser beam.

Mr White, who's lives in Norfolk but grew up in Essex, said a lot of people think pest controllers "use hawks for killing".

"It is in fact the complete opposite.

"We use the birds for disruption and discourage killing as much as possible."

The British Pest Control Association said the increase in spending might reflect a growing awareness of public health risks posed by some birds.

Alex Pope
BBC Local Live

Meanwhile, Graham Taylor's family have released an open letter via Watford's website, external sending their "heartfelt thanks" to the fans.

Hundreds of people turned up to the late manager and chairman's funeral at the start of the month after he died in January.

Image source, Getty Images

The letter from his wife, Rita Taylor, daughters Joanne and Karen and the wider family says: "We would be grateful if you could publish this letter and thus allow us to thank the many, many people of Watford for their kind words, support and condolences at this sad time. 

"The love for Graham and the realisation of the positive impact that he had on so many has been overwhelming; the fact people have been so willing to share this with us is a great comfort to us all. 

"We are supporting each other through this very emotional time and will continue to somehow keep smiling as we know, for sure, that this is what Graham would have wanted."

Alex Pope
BBC Local Live

Watford have just confirmed a statue of the late, great Graham Taylor is to be commissioned and erected at Vicarage Road, external. 

We don't know the exact location yet, but it will be agreed between the former manager and chairman's family and Watford Borough Council. 

They're also planning a pre-season tribute fixture, which they hope will become an annual event. 

Image source, Getty Images

The club say they "will engage with fans' representatives to ensure that supporters play a lead role alongside the club in bringing the statue to life". 

They add that "Graham's family are very supportive of these actions".

Stuart Bailey
BBC News

Business Secretary Greg Clark is expected to report back to the government today after holding talks in Paris on the future of thousands of jobs in the car industry.

It comes after Vauxhall's parent company, General Motors, revealed it was in talks about being bought out by Peugeot. 

GM plans to sell its European operation, which includes Vauxhall in Luton, to the French rival.

Image source, Vauxhall

Vauxhall employs about 4,500 people at its manufacturing plants in Ellesmere Port and Luton.  

It's understood some jobs at Vauxhall could be at risk, although it's believed Mr Clark was given some assurances from Peugeot and the French government. 

The business secretary also met with Unite's Len McCluskey and the president of General Motors in London yesterday.

Elizabeth Rizzini
BBC Look East weather

There's a spring-like feel in the air today with a dry start and brighter spells developing, perhaps with some sunshine in places.

There will also be light winds everywhere and it'll feel very mild with highs today of 11C, 52F.

Check the latest forecast for where you live at BBC Weather.

Stuart Bailey
BBC News

Good morning and welcome back to live updates of news, weather, travel and sport for Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

We'll again be keeping across the murder trial of the man accused of killing Hertfordshire author Helen Bailey as the defence continues to sum up its case today.

Looking at the weather, it's going to be cloudier than yesterday, as captured here by one of our BBC Weather Watchers. 

A full weekend weather forecast is coming up shortly.

As always, if you want to get in touch you can email, Facebook, external or Twitter, external.

The man accused of killing children's author Helen Bailey "grossly deceived" her, a trial is told.

Sarah Jenkins
BBC Local Live

Thanks for your company.

Let's have a look at the key things we have covered throughout the day...

• The prosecution in the trial of Ian Stewart, accused of murdering Hertfordshire author Helen Bailey, have described him as a "devious killer"
• Business Secretary Greg Clark met with General Motors boss to discuss plans to merge Vauxhall and Peugeot
• Budget airline Wizz Air is to open its first UK base at London Luton Airport

We'll be back from 08:00 tomorrow with live updates of news, weather, travel and sport - but any breaking news will be posted here overnight.

See you again soon!

David Keller
BBC News

We've just heard Business Secretary Greg Clark will travel to Paris tonight to meet Peugeot executives and the French government over plans to secure thousands of jobs at Vauxhall.

It's feared jobs in Britain and Germany could be lost if the owner of the French car maker takes over the running of General Motors' (GM) loss-making European business Opel, which includes the Luton vehicle brand.

We'll bring you the latest developments in the morning.

Sarah Jenkins
BBC Local Live

Three sheep have been killed in a dog attack at Campbell Park in Milton Keynes, within hours of being returned to the site.

The sheep had spent winter in different locations in and around the town before being sent back to Campbell Park yesterday afternoon.

The three dead sheep were discovered just after 07:00 today, and on further inspection of the flock it was clear two more had been attacked.

Image source, The Parks Trust

Rob Riekie from The Parks Trust, which looks after MK's green spaces, said: "While we know that the majority of dog owners who use our parks are responsible... there are some who do not take this as seriously as they should.

"It is an offence to allow a dog to worry sheep and this includes both attacking and chasing them. 

"Dog owners need to be aware of the damage their pets can cause."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Thames Valley Police.

Sarah Jenkins
BBC Local Live

The prosecution in the trial of Ian Stewart, accused of murdering Hertfordshire author Helen Bailey, have described him as a "devious killer".

Mr Stuart Trimmer QC told St Albans Crown Court if the accused's story was true that two men named Nick and Joe kidnapped Ms Bailey, then why hadn't he said anything about the pair to detectives on 15 July when her body was found.

Image source, Hertfordshire Police

The prosecutor said it was only in November Mr Stewart mentioned Nick and Joe for the first time.

Mr Trimmer said: "The defence case statement was late because he was beavering away, examining the prosecution papers to come up with a tale he was making up."

He said Mr Stewart's story had been "woven around" the crown's case and was "utterly absurd"

Summing up to the jury, he said: "Stewart is the gorgeous grey-haired widower. You've seen him, heard his story. You have seen how she changed her entire wealth structure in his favour and you've heard a host of lies.

"He is a devious killer. Look at all the evidence and you will conclude he is the killer as charged."

Mr Stewart, 56, of Baldock Road, Royston, denies murder, preventing a lawful burial, fraud, and three counts of perverting the course of justice.

The trial continues.

Executives from Vauxhall owner General Motors (GM) have met the UK business secretary amid concerns over plans to merge its loss-making European unit with Peugeot.  

GM said it was in talks with Peugeot owner PSA Group "to build on the success" of Vauxhall and put it in "the strongest possible position".

Image source, Vauxhall

Business Secretary Greg Clark said: "I had constructive talks with GM this morning where I emphasised the importance and successful presence of Vauxhall in the UK and welcomed GM's recognition of the excellent and committed workforce at Ellesmere Port, Luton and across the UK. 

"There is some way to go in discussions between GM and PSA but I was reassured by GM's intention, communicated to me, to build on the success of these operations rather than rationalise them. 

"This follows on from GM's recent significant investments both at Ellesmere Port and Luton."

Dani Bailey
BBC Local Live

Children have been learning what it takes to run a country home.

Butler School has been running at Wrest Park in Silsoe, Bedfordshire, to teach youngsters about the history and hierarchy of servants.

Children have been shown how to serve drinks and canapés at parties, the correct way to lay a table and the etiquette required by house staff.

"Wrest Park has a long history as being a magnificent stately home," said Georgina Harris, from English Heritage.

"[It was the] home of the de Grey family and obviously they would have had lots of servants, lots of butlers, so it's quite fitting." 

But what is a butler? One of the children taking part said: "A butler is a person that lays the table and carries drinks and food around to guests and his lordship.

"I've learnt that being a butler isn't that easy."  

Let's have a look at what some of our local papers are reporting today...

• The Watford Observer, external says a ticket machine will be introduced to the Cassiobury Park car park to deter commuters from parking there all day
• Bedfordshire on Sunday, external follows Bedford School pupils who slept rough for a night to raise money for the YMCA
• The Hertfordshire Mercury, external reports of neighbours rescuing an elderly woman from a house fire

Bedford Hospital says it's currently dealing with a very high number of patients, putting pressure in particular on its Accident and Emergency department. 

NHS officials are asking people to make sure they consider using their chemist, GP or their nearest walk-in centre before going into casualty.