The parents of an autistic teenager from Stoke-on-Trent are trying to raise £32,000 for spinal surgery in Germany.

Eighteen-year-old Luke Roberts was diagnosed with severe curvature of the spine two years ago. His parents believe a procedure currently available on the NHS would be too severe for him.

They hope to raise the money to fund what is claimed is a less invasive approach practised by a surgeon in Germany.

The NHS said there was not sufficient evidence that the approach was safe or effective in the long-term.

Luke said he just wanted to be able to play football again and go back to college.

More than 7,000 people have signed a petition to save Burslem gymnastics centre in Stoke-on-Trent.

Image source, Google

Many professional gymnasts and coaches have trained at the centre with some athletes competing at a national level.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council will decide next week whether to shut the centre on Newcastle Street and move the club to facilities in Fenton instead.

June Cartwright, who campaigns for regeneration in the area, said it would just mean another empty building in Burslem, that's "suffered a lot" recently.

The council says it's aware of the petition, and public consultation on the budget proposals will continue until Monday.

One lane of the M5 northbound in Worcestershire is expected to remain closed all day after a lorry fire yesterday.

Image source, West Mercia Police

The carriageway clean-up was completed overnight, but road repairs are still ongoing, said Highways England.

A hospital trust in Warwickshire has been named among the most under pressure in England.

The trust that runs hospitals in Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon said their efforts to treat urgent cases are being "hampered" by patients that could be treated elsewhere.

Image source, Google

The South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust is one of 20 hospital trusts to have declared the most severe level of "operational pressure" in A&E over the last week, BBC research shows.

The medical director of Warwick Hospital, Dr Charles Ashton, urged patients considering to attend A&E to think about "whether it truly is an emergency and necessary".

Strong winds could once again cause disruption to travel and loss of power supplies, the Met Office is warning., external

They are expected across the region today between 08:00 and 19:00.

Image source, Met Office

Charlie Slater
BBC Weather presenter

After a damp start to the day, it should be a drier and brighter day with highs of 11C (52F).

There is, however, a warning for wind today as winds are set to strengthen this afternoon.

Road repairs are continuing on the M5 in Worcestershire this morning but two lanes have reopened on the northbound carriageway at J4, A38.

The road was closed for more than 15 hours after a lorry fire.

Image source, Highways England

The HGV caught fire after a crash near to the Bromsgrove junction at about 15:00 yesterday that left it on its side.

Further delays are expected this morning.

Vanessa Pearce
BBC News

Welcome to our live service for Thursday.

We'll be bringing you all the news, sport, travel and weather for the West Midlands.

We love to hear from you so share your news, thoughts and photos of the area with us via email, Twitter, external and Facebook., external

Emergency crews were called to an address on Tolladine Road where the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Wolves have signed striker Rafael Mir from Spanish La Liga side Valencia on a four-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Aston Villa striker Scott Hogan hopes his goal touch has returned after a frustrating first year in the West Midlands.

Andy Giddings
BBC News

We'll be back with the latest news, sport, travel and weather from 07:00 tomorrow, but keep an eye out here for more updates this evening and into the morning.

Vicky Breakwell
BBC Hereford and Worcester

The pavilion in Worcester's Gheluvelt Park is being demolished over the next few days, external so it can be replaced by a new facility.

Image source, Worcester City Council

The replacement Sons of Rest pavilion will open in June and will provide a snack kiosk and toilets next to the splash pad.

Builders from Abbey and Lyndon say, external they are taking the building down by hand to try and recycle some of the old wood.

Clive Eakin
BBC Coventry & Warwickshire Sport

Coventry City say they've sold more than 8,500 tickets so far for Saturday's FA Cup tie , externalagainst Premier League side Stoke City at the Ricoh Arena.

Image source, Getty Images

The Sky Blues go into the match after winning three out of four League Two games in the space of 11 days while the Potters have lost seven of their past 10 games.

'Mindless vandalism' and theft at a food bank in Kidderminster causes it to close until Friday.

Anna Russell
Reporter, BBC Hereford & Worcester

A food bank in Kidderminster has been forced to close after it was broken into by thieves last night.

Staff say food, money and a computer containing all of the Baxter United Reformed Church food bank's notes was stolen.

West Mercia Police says they are investigating while the food bank says they've been left "destroyed".

BBC Hereford and Worcester

Worcester Warriors hooker Kurt Haupt has signed a contract extension until the end of the season after impressing following, external a short-term spell at Sixways.

Image source, Getty Images

The South African, who arrived at Warriors in October, has made five appearances for the club.

Meanwhile scrum-half Peter Stringer has now left the club after coming to the end of a short-term deal.

Coventry City sign Brighton and Hove Albion winger Jordan Maguire-Drew on loan until the end of the season.

The M5 has reopened at junction four on the southbound side, following an earlier lorry fire.

It remains closed between junctions 4a and 4, heading north.

Graham McGarry
Crewe Alexandra commentator, BBC Radio Stoke

Crewe Alexandra defender Perry Ng has accepted a violent conduct charge, external relating to an incident in the defeat at Cambridge United last month.

He's been suspended for the Alex's next four matches

Image source, Crewe Alexandra FC