Warwick residents have been "very supportive" during the months of lockdown, says the town's chamber of trade.

Image source, Getty

Sue Butcher, chair of the group, said many small independent shops had found "innovative ways" to continue to trade and the weekly market had continued.

But she said they were "excited" as many venues reopened today.

"Our highly regarded hospitality sector has had a very difficult time and we look forward to when they can fully open. In the meantime those that can have created great outdoor areas," she said.

Ms Butcher added they were grateful for the government's financial support and the district council had ensured funds were "distributed very quickly".

Bravissimo's Leanne Cahill explains how her shops will work when they reopen after lockdown.

Four men are handed life terms after the gang killing, arranged in revenge for a stabbing.

A mass Covid-19 testing pilot is to begin in Tamworth today.

Around 6,000 households in the Glascote and Stonydelph areas are being targeted to help stop the spread of infection and learn more about how the virus is being transmitted.

Kits will be delivered to households from today, and people are being urged to register and return them to special collection points in the coming days.

Image source, Getty Images

Dr Richard Harling, Staffordshire County Council’s Director of Health and Care, said: “With lockdown restrictions lifting further today, we need to do everything we can to make sure we can keep life moving again.

“It only takes a matter of minutes to get tested and will help us learn more about how the virus is spreading locally and may just save the life of someone they care for.”

Six ducklings were saved after they were spotted attempting to cross a motorway.

The six feathered friends were spotted attempting to cross the carriageway on the M5 close to the northbound junctions 5, at Droitwich Spa, and 4A, at Bromsgrove on Sunday.

Fortunately, Highways England officers managed to prevent them from coming to any harm.

Image source, Highways England

BBC Weather

A cloudy start with a few outbreaks of rain around before turning drier this afternoon with some sunny spells. High: 10C/50F.

Image source, Shaun

Tonight will start with patches of cloud around before turning clear and cold with a frost. Low: -3C/27F.

You can stay up-to-date with the latest forecast for your area by going to the BBC Weather website.

West Midlands Police says it has identified the mother and she is receiving "appropriate care".

Contact tracing is under way and will identify any need for wider testing, the council says.

Warwickshire's chance of chasing 213 runs to beat Derbyshire in 41 overs at Edgbaston is scuppered by the Birmingham weather.

Essex and Worcestershire play out an inevitable draw after batsmen dominate in their County Championship meeting.

The latest news and updates from across the West Midlands and south Cheshire.

A suspect has been released under investigation over the murder of Stuart Lubbock in 2001.

Unbeaten centuries from Jake Libby and Ed Barnard move Worcestershire towards parity with county champions Essex.

Oliver Hannon-Dalby takes all five second-innings Derbyshire wickets as Warwickshire end day three well on top at Edgbaston.

The 20-year-old suffered serious head injuries and later died, West Midlands Police said.

Jake Taylor, 24, died weeks after being hit by a car in October 2020.

Mother Perpetual Uke says the day has been "crowned with joy because we are all here".

Nathan Burton's family say they are "thankful for the joy and laughter he brought to us all".

Wedding industry professionals rue their loss of income as the economy slowly reopens after lockdown.

Ellie Wright's son Leo had to be delivered 10 weeks early so she could continue to receive treatment.