The A556 in Cheshire has fully reopened after a lorry carrying a load of chocolate burst into flames.

Image source, Cheshire Fire Service

Image source, Cheshire Fire Service

The road closed in both directions after fire broke out at about 20:00 on Thursday.

North West Motorway Police said the driver was "safe and well".

Image source, Cheshire Fire Service

Some people tweeted their chocolate-related puns once it was clear the driver was safe, with the fire service describing the job as "hot chocolate".

BBC News Travel

A car has crashed into a central barrier, partially blocking Birmingham's St Chad's and Queensway tunnel inbound.

There's congestion to Aston Expressway, backing up to the M6 at Spaghetti Junction.

Families of 21 people killed when bombs exploded in Birmingham have welcomed a call by the West Midlands Mayor for a public inquiry.

Inquests earlier this year ruled the victims were unlawfully killed but did not establish who was responsible.

A service was held at memorial trees on Grand Central Plaza outside New Street station on Thursday to mark the 45th anniversary of the bombings.

Speaking at the service Andy Street said everyone hoped for closure.

"I've discussed that situation with the last three home secretaries and against that background, I've come to the conclusion that the time is now right for a panel-led, open public inquiry into what happened here that night."

Sara Blizzard
BBC Weather

It will be an unsettled day with some rain and highs of 9C (48F).

Vanessa Pearce
BBC News

Welcome to our live service for Friday.

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

Police will launch December drug checks after three in five of those tested last year were positive.

There are "significant delays" on the A556 in Cheshire as firefighters tackle the blaze near a motorway.

It took place outside New Street station following the deaths of 21 people in the 1974 bombings.

Most of the coins and jewellery, believed to have been hidden by Vikings, are still missing.

We'll be back with the news, sport, travel and weather from 07:00 tomorrow.

Local Democracy Reporting Service
Tom Dare

West Midlands Police has begun exploring the use of facial recognition technology, it has been confirmed.

Image source, Getty Images

Speaking during a Strategic Policing and Crime Board meeting this week, Chief Constable Dave Thompson revealed the force had trialed the technology in a "reactive" way, using it to go over old footage while investigating a case.

But he admitted the force was still quite nervous about the ethical implications surrounding the use of the technology, adding it would be some time before it was rolled out proactively.

A man who launched a legal challenge after police cameras in Wales digitally analysed his face in the street is to take his case to the Court of Appeal.

Local Democracy Reporting Service
Tom Davis

A new student block in Coventry with a parking ban of a three-mile radius has been approved by the city council’s planning committee, despite objections.

Image source, Cassidy Group

A "no car policy" was proposed by developer Cassidy Group for the 436-bed block set for Albany Road, Earlsdon.

It's designed to stop students from bringing or parking a vehicle within three miles of the site, with those who breach it risking forfeiture of their tenancy and deposits.

The blocks will be up to six storeys high, but drop to three nearest to residential homes.

BBC Radio Stoke Sport

Crewe manager David Artell says his side have to "get back on the horse and get back in the race" after two successive league defeats.

Despite the losses, they're still fourth in League Two and Artell says they would have taken that at the start of the season.

Image source, Getty Images

They're at home to Morcambe on Saturday and Artell isn't worried, adding: "you don't become a good team overnight, you don't become a bad team overnight."

The Christmas Market has returned to Southwater in Telford today.

It's the fourth year it's been held there and this time, a tipi containing a bar has been added, along with a Santa's grotto.

Telford and Wrekin Council says it expects thousands to visit the market which will remain until 23 December.

There have been two crashes on a "slippy" road in Dudley this morning, police say.

Image source, West Midlands Police

Officers are advising drivers to take care on Wynall Lane South and Lutley Lane in Stourbridge.

Mazammal Mahmood Butt is described by his mother as "kind-hearted, charismatic" and "loving".

Rebecca Wood
BBC Midlands Today

Overnight showers will clear by the early hours, with lows of 4C (39F).

Leamington Observer

From the Leamington Observer:

• Man dragged pensioner into ditch and raped her, external
• Accommodation for 200 more students could be built in Leamington, external
• Woman trapped after car lands in ditch in Harbury, external

The cap was awarded to World Cup winner Moore for his first ever appearance as England captain.

How did two metal detectorists steal one of Britain's most significant treasure hordes?