A new secure knife bin, where people are urged to safely hand in weapons, is opened.

The first ever electric train has travelled between Birmingham and Bromsgrove, said Network Rail., external

Image source, Network Rail

The journey was made last night to test the newly installed overhead power lines, ahead of a full electric service being introduced later this summer.

When work is complete West Midlands Railway will run an extra three trains every hour.

Hereford Times

The Hereford Times is covering these main stories today:

• Super GP surgery plans submitted , external
• Car parking charge introduced at town's supermarket, external
• Person rescued after becoming stuck in bedroom, external

BBC Sport

Darren Moore wants his appointment as West Brom boss to inspire all managers and not just those from a Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) background.

Image source, West Bromwich Albion

Moore became one of only three black managers in the top four divisions when he was named Alan Pardew's successor.

Yet, after a season in which the same names seemed to rotate jobs, 44-year-old Moore feels he is representing a much wider group of coaches.

"If it does inspire others, I would be extremely proud," he said.

They are being given a lift in the remote-control car to calm their nerves before minor operations.

A goose has taken her offspring on an unofficial tour of a Sandwell fire station.

Matt Ling, from Haden Cross fire station tweeted, external the crew is formulating a plan to return them to the park.

Image source, Matt Ling

BBC News Travel

Trespassers on the line at Coventry Arena are delaying services through the station, said West Midlands Railway.

A new weapon surrender bin has been opened in Oldbury, external by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner.

Image source, West Midlands Crime Commissioner

The force is a week into a two-week surrender.

There are now 15 bins in the area and PCC David Jamieson said every weapon handed in was "potentially a life saved".

Allen Cook
BBC News

The West Midlands can't just "arrest our way" out of a rise in violent crime, its Police and Crime Commissioner says (PCC).

Image source, Other

David Jamieson's been speaking today after a week which saw Abdul Rahman (pictured) die after being shot in the chest and the death of Ozell Pemberton, 16, who was stabbed.

Figures from the Office of National Statistics show West Midlands Police had more than double the national average of gun crimes between 2015 and 2016, with 19 offences per 100,000 residents.

By comparison, the Metropolitan Police saw 18 per 100,000 and Manchester police 16 per 100,000 over the same period.

Knife crime figures also rose by 46% between 2012 and 2016.

Elton Ngwatala becomes Dundee's first summer signing after joining from Kidderminster Harriers.

Trevor Owens
Sports Editor, BBC Hereford & Worcester

Four Worcester Warriors players have been named in the England Under-20s squad for this summer’s World Championship in France., external

Image source, Getty Images

Will Butler (pictured) gets a place in the backs after he scored twice for the Warriors in his debut Premiership start in the final game of last season.

Forwards Ted Hill, James Scott and Beck Cutting are also included.

BBC News Travel

A multi-vehicle collision has closed one lane of the M6 northbound in Cheshire between J17 and J18.

There's seven miles of slow traffic on the approach, Highways England, with average speeds of 19mph.

Motorists are being warned to allow plenty of extra journey time.

Crewe Chronicle

The Crewe Chronicle is featuring these top stories today:

• Man arrested and released pending further enquiries after boat torched, external
• Three Crewe teenagers sentenced for racially abusing a taxi driver, external
• Man arrested after cannabis farm found in Crewe house, external

Anna Russell
Reporter, BBC Hereford & Worcester

A councillor's apologised to families affected by serious failings in the support available for children with special educational needs and disability (SEND).

Image source, Getty Images

An Ofsted report , externalhas found more than 100 children in Worcestershire are on a waiting list to be moved out of "unsuitable" comprehensives and parents feel they aren't being listened to.

Inspectors have given the county council and three local NHS groups 70 days to draw up an action plan, saying what's currently being offered "is not fit for purpose".

All four of the organisations have put out a statement saying they recognise the current situation isn't good enough and that more has to be done.

Justyn Surrall
BBC Hereford and Worcester

A plaque celebrating the birthplace of a woman who masqueraded as a man to serve in the Army has been unveiled in Worcester today., external

Hannah Snell was born in Friar Street in 1723, external.

She joined the marines at sea, saw action and was eventually wounded - but didn't reveal her true sex until 1750 when she became a celebrity.

The plaque was unveiled this afternoon by her seventh-generation-granddaughter.

An inquest has begun into the death of man while in police custody in the Forest of Dean two years ago.

Gloucestershire Coroner's Court heard 55-year-old Mark Kentish, from Solihull, died after he had been detained by police.

Two security guards at Stowfield Business Park, near Lydbrook, called 999 to report they were struggling to restrain a man who appeared to be intoxicated, the inquest was told.

After police arrived his condition deteriorated and, despite the attempts of paramedics to resuscitate him, he died in the early hours of 23 June 2016.

A doctor who carried out a post-mortem examination found Mr Kentish was almost three times over the drink drive limit and there were traces of cocaine in his body.

He said this could have contributed to his death, along with the fact he may have struggled, was obese and had a history of heart disease.

The inquest is expected to conclude next week.

Lee Blakeman
Port Vale commentator, BBC Radio Stoke

Port Vale's new signing Brendon Daniels says he's happy to be back home.

Image source, Port Vale FC

The midfielder grew up in Smallthorne, Staffordshire, around about a mile from Vale Park.

The 24-year-old also makes a return to league football after spending five years in non-league, joining from Alfreton Town.

Bob Hockenhull
BBC Midlands Today

Conservationists are warning a big increase in the number of chicken farms in Shropshire could lead to rising pollution.

The county's wildlife trust says ammonia levels in some areas are already four times the level they should be.

Staff fear ammonia from chicken manure reduces plant diversity and can make its way into water courses.

But the National Farmer's Union says investment in new technology is reducing emissions and more birds needn't mean more pollution.

Coventry City will wear a one-off shirt for the League Two play-off final after running out of this season's home kit.

Darren Moore said he had no hesitation in accepting the West Brom job on a permanent basis.

He was named the new boss of the relegated club after an impressive spell as caretaker at the end of the season.

"I'm extremely proud," Moore said at his first press conference.

"It's a great moment for me. I accepted the offer instantly. I'm really looking forward to the job ahead."

On the make-up of his backroom team, Moore said he would be appointing an "assistant head coach", but added he was not yet in a position to name them.