Council tax could rise in Stoke-on-Trent, under plans being considered by councillors.

Under proposals, council tax would rise by 63p a week for an average band A property - equal to £32.51 a year.

Image source, Google Maps

The local authority says in 2018-19, it will see a reduction of £7.4m in government funding, which means overall savings of £22m.

In the last seven years, the city council has had to find savings or generate additional income amounting to £172m to bridge the funding gap.

Public consultation on the authority's budget ended in early January.

If agreed by Cabinet on 13 February, the plans will go forward as recommendations to full council for final approval on 22 February.

Garden gnomes have started appearing in front of a pub in Callow End, near Worcester.

However, the pub's owners say they have no idea who is responsible for the arrival of the ornaments.

The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) has started an investigation after a light aircraft crashed in a field in Warwickshire.

The aircraft was flying from Wellesbourne airfield when the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing just after 14:30 yesterday - it came to rest on its roof.

Image source, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service

The pilot escaped serious injuries. West Midlands Ambulance Service said he had managed to free himself from the wreckage and needed no treatment.

Police said the investigation had now been passed on to the AAIB.

Louise Hancock
Newsreader, BBC WM

Birmingham is one of the worst places in the UK for rush hour congestion, costing the city £632m last year.

Motorists spent more than 9% of their commute in jams - losing about 35 hours a year sat in traffic.

Image source, Getty Images

One of the city's most congested roads is said to be A34 Robin Hood Lane to A41 Soho Hill, with annual hours lost topping 44.

The A4540 Five Ways to A41 Soho Hill is also among the worst.

Chris Fawcett
BBC News

- Two lanes are closed on the M1 southbound between junctions 23A and 23 because a pothole has appeared across two lanes

- There are long delays on the A38 at Fradley because an accident has closed the southbound carriageway between Alrewas and Fradley

- An accident is slowing traffic on the A515 between Uttoxeter and Marchington

-There's been a breakdown on the M1 southbound between J29 (Chesterfield) and J28 (Alfreton) traffic is still moving, but is backing up.

Image source, Highways England

Ian Winter
BBC Midlands Today Sport

It's a big week for Harry H Walker, the world's oldest living rugby union international.

Harry, who'll celebrate his 103rd birthday on Sunday, won 9 England caps soon after the second World War.

He's still a regular spectator at Coventry Rugby Club where he began his playing career in 1932.

A special lunch has been held to honour his lifelong commitment to his home club.

Amy Cole
BBC Midlands Today

Dozens of cancer operations and cardiac procedures have been cancelled at a Birmingham hospital amid a lack of beds.

The University Hospitals Birmingham trust has revealed 40 patients were affected by the cancellation of 53 cardiac procedures at the QE, while 34 surgeries for cancer patients there were postponed in December and January.

The Patients Association is calling for NHS England to reveal whether cancellations of this sort are happening across the country.

Yesterday, Royal Stoke Hospital cancelled some urgent operations due to "sustained pressure" on services.

Louise Brierley
BBC News

Hilda Burkitt joined the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in Birmingham in 1907 and remained a militant suffragette till 1914.

During her time in Winson Green Prison, Birmingham, she spoke out against treatment she considered inhumane.

Her descendant Lauren Hall tells her story.

You can read more about the 100 years of the women's vote on BBC News.

BBC Weather Watchers

Many places across the Midlands have seen a light dusting of snow, with a Met Office weather warning remaining in place., external

Callum shared this photo on the BBC Weather Watchers website this morning.

Image source, Callum

As ever, if you've taken any photos - share them with us via:

• email,
• Twitter, external
• Facebook., external

Alex Hamilton
BBC Weather

There'll be patchy sleet and snow moving in from the northwest through the morning and clearing slowly to the southeast by the late afternoon.

Bright or sunny spells will develop through the day - highs of 3C (37F).

Stephanie Barnard
BBC News

Good morning. A rather chilly start with temperatures only just peaking above 0C and for many there are snow flurries across the region.

We'll be bringing you all the news, sport, travel and weather for the West Midlands between now and 19:00.

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

Sitting in traffic costs drivers in cities an average of £1,168 per year, according to new research.

That's it for our live coverage today, but look out for more news, sport, travel and weather updates published through the night.

We'll be back from 07:00 on Tuesday.

Burglars have been caught on CCTV - recorded on cameras inside the property they raided

The men used a key safe to get into an 83-year-old woman’s home in Sheldon, Birmingham at 11:00 GMT, claiming they worked for the ‘gas board’.

Although the thieves stole the cameras, officers were able to download the footage.

Officers are appealing for anyone who recognises the men to come forward.

Alex Hamilton
BBC Weather

We can expect a cold night with the chance of freezing fog patches and lows of -3C (27F).

The men say they had been protesting about alleged misuse of funds and "corruption" at the temple.

Hereford Times

Here are a few of the headlines featuring in the Hereford Times today:

• 16 jobs cut, external at one of Hereford's biggest employers
• Questions about school provision slows down town's neighbourhood plan, external
• Project to promote Herefordshire as 'a great place', external

The widow of a parcel courier with diabetes who collapsed and died says her husband was fined by his employers for missing a day's work to attend a medical appointment.

Ruth Lane believes DPD failed in its duty of care to her husband, Don Lane, who was self-employed but had worked for the company for 19 years.

Image source, Google Maps

DPD, based in Smethwick, said it was "profoundly sorry" that Mr Lane was fined £150, but insists he wasn't put under pressure.

Mrs Lane told Jeremy Vine on BBC Radio 2 that her husband missed other medical appointments because he was worried about taking time off.

A girl is in a serious but stable condition in hospital after being hit by a car in Ansley, Warwickshire, police say., external

The incident involving a red Vauxhall Corsa happened around 16:50 on Friday, on Birmingham Road.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

A new play about Hereford legend Ronnie Radford's 1972 FA Cup goal is to be staged in the city later this year.

Titled The Goal, the production forms part of the Courtyard Theatre's 20th anniversary celebrations.

Hereford FC has been working with the theatre on the show, which will be performed in October.