Archaeologists say they want to learn more about the remains of Saxon hall in Shropshire - including who might have lived there.

The site, at a secret location near Attingham, has been untouched since it was first discovered in 1975, but the team from Birmingham University was called in when the landowner raised concerns that rabbits and illegal metal detectorists might be damaging it.

Image source, Getty Images

Dr Roger White from the university said the site appeared to have been occupied from Roman times and possibly longer.

He also said it would have been a good location for a settlement, because there was, fertile soil and it has a commanding view of its surroundings.

Dr White added it would have been a headquarters of "large manor" which probably remained into the middle ages and he now wants to know who owned the land back then.

There are long delays now on the M6 northbound after a pile-up involving several vehicles, Highways England warns.

Two lanes remain closed between J12 and J13 while emergency services deal with injuries and a large fuel spill.

Image source, Highways England

Birmingham City full-back Jonathan Grounds may miss the rest of the Championship season with a knee ligament injury.

Shropshire Star

These are among the headlines in the Shropshire Star today:

• Bulldozers move in on eyesore hotel, external
• Dalian Atkinson investigation nearing completion, external
• A&E could close overnight for two weeks as bosses face staff shortage, external

The Ministry of Defence has been criticised after a Royal Navy technician from Kidderminster was killed during lift maintenance work.

Leading Engineering Technician Neal Edmonds, who was 42, was crushed between a moving lift and the lift shaft in June 2014 while on board HMS Bulwark.

A Health and Safety Executive investigation found the MoD failed to ensure there was a safe system of work to control the risks associated with lift maintenance.

The MoD can't face prosecution in the same way as private or commercial organisations and a Crown Censure is the maximum sanction a government body can receive.

Police are looking to speak to two men after Arthur Gumbley, 87, was attacked at his home last year.

The budget has been set for the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) for its coming financial year, but a proposed precept to pay for the mayor's office has been turned down for the time being.

Image source, West Midlands Combined Authority

Members of the WMCA board gave their backing to the £170m budget at a meeting in Birmingham Council House.

Leaders felt the introduction of a precept to pay for the office of the mayor and for schemes to tackle congestion "wasn't right in the current financial climate", said West Midlands Mayor Andy Street.

Local councillors had already rejected proposals.

Following discussions between Mr Street and the board, it is understood an alternative funding package has been found for this financial year.

Daz Hale
BBC WM

Fozzie Bear from The Muppets is among the famous stars to come to Wolverhampton seeking fame and fortune.

The Muppet is among many to come to the Wolverhampton Art Gallery, external as part of a free exhibition looking back at some of our best loved puppets over 80 years of entertainment.

The exhibition, in partnership with the National Puppetry Archive, features everything from ITV's Spitting Image characters to Basil Brush from Saturday until 29 April.

Tomorrow,puppeteer Ronnie Le Drew will give a talk, externalabout some of the big shows and films he's worked on - from Rainbow to Labyrinth.

A 19-year-old arrested by police in Worcester investigating child grooming and drugs trafficking, has been released while enquiries continue.

Five men in their 20s are still being questioned by officers after 10 properties in the Bath Road area were raided early yesterday morning.

All five are being held on suspicion of multiple offences relating to child sexual exploitation.

The 1930s venue was previously owned by the council, who planned to demolish it in 2013.

Pupils from King Edward VI school in Stratford-upon-Avon have been volunteering to record a talking newspaper service for people who are blind or with sight impairments.

About 100 people currently receive the service, which gives them up-to-date stories from the local Stratford Herald.

Police are trying to track down two men they want to talk to in connection with the murder of 87-year-old Arthur Gumbley last year.

He was attacked at his home in Sutton Coldfield on 21 November 2017 and died on 12 December.

Image source, Staffordshire Police

Staffordshire Police said officers were keen to talk to 28-year-old Jimmy Michael Connors (above left) and 17-year-old Tom Joseph Ward (above right).The force advised people not to approach them.

Image source, Staffordshire Police

Graham McGarry
Crewe Alexandra commentator, BBC Radio Stoke

Crewe manager David Artell says fans shouldn't blame the club's board, following a run of four straight defeats.

The club signed five players during the January transfer window, to try and strengthen the team as they fight relegation.

Image source, Getty Images

Artell said he understands the pressure is mounting on everyone, but he feels he's had all the backing he needs.

Parents say pupils got under desks and blinds were closed as the situation was dealt with.

Ben Godfrey
BBC Midlands Today

More than 40 charities, based in a tower block in Coventry, could be homeless by the end of the month.

Image source, Google

The organisations have been told to leave Coventry Point on Market Way by the 28 February as the building is expected to be demolished as part of redevelopment work.

You can see my full report on Midlands Today on BBC One at 13:30.

The Sentinel

These are three of the top stories from the Sentinel newspaper today:

• Police step-up patrols after school placed on lockdown, external
• Two dead following accident on A41, external
• Trolley waits at A&E the most since records began, external

BBC News Travel

A crash on the M42 northbound is now causing tailbacks past J5, Highways England says.

One lane is closed and drivers are warned to allow extra time, particularly if trying to reach Birmingham Airport.

A review has been ordered into the way Cheshire Police upholds hunting laws, amid reports of foxes being illegally killed in the county.

Image source, Jimfeng

Announcing the review, Cheshire's police commissioner David Keane said he had received a "huge increase" in correspondence about the issue.

In January, Chester MP Chris Matheson said since Christmas, "at least four foxes" were "killed by trail hunts".

Cheshire Police said it took all "rural and wildlife crime seriously".

The keys to Dudley Hippodrome could be handed back to the council just over a year into a five-year lease.

BBC Sport

Worcestershire County Cricket Club have signed the Australian batsman Travis Head as their main overseas player for the 2018 season.

He will be available to play in all formats right through to mid September, apart from when Australia play five ODIs and one T20 against England half-way through the season.

Image source, Getty Images