The chair of Worcestershire's Local Medical Committee believes life won't start returning to normal until next summer "at the absolute earliest", even with vaccinations expected to start next week.

Dr Shaun Pike, who is also a GP in Redditch, also said: "As we start rolling it out we will start gathering data" and that this will be used by policy makers to inform future decisions.

Image source, Getty Images

In case you missed it, the UK has approved the use of the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine, paving the way for mass vaccination, possibly starting as soon as next week for the most vulnerable.

Shropshire Star

Here are three stories from the Shropshire Star this morning:

• Tier 2 confirmed with support of Shropshire MPs
• Number of Covid patients at Shropshire hospitals triples in a month, external
• Shropshire libraries reopen, external

Depending on where you are in the West Midlands, you're either waking up in a tier two or a tier three area this morning.

The Shropshire, Telford, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and East Cheshire local authority areas have left lockdown under tier two restrictions.

All the other parts of the West Midlands, including Warwickshire, which had previously been in tier one, are now under tier three restrictions.

Temperatures should stay above freezing, but not by much.

And we could have a few showers later too.

Tonight it will remain cold and tomorrow we're expecting more showers.

Image source, Stormchaser Al

BBC Radio CWR

The decision to put Stratford-on-Avon under the highest coronavirus restrictions from this morning could end up in court.

The district council is warning it'll take the decision to put the area into tier three to a judicial review if it's not reconsidered.

Image source, PA Media

The Conservative-led authority said infection rates aren't high enough to warrant the restrictions and is calling the decision "irrational", claiming it has it's devastated hospitality businesses.

Businesses hope for a positive few weeks before Christmas as they reopen after lockdown.

Three stories of people working in hospitality who have set up new businesses during Covid-19.

Stratford-on-Avon District Council's leader says the data does not "warrant" the decision.

Jackie Barnes, a Stoke-on-Trent councillor, is set to find out her fate on Wednesday.

The Herefordshire jockey Hollie Doyle is on the shortlist for the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year award.

The 24-year-old last month beat her own record for the most winners in a calendar year by a female jockey.

Image source, Getty Images

Doyle also rode a historic double on British Champions Day, became the first woman to ride five winners on the same card and claimed her first victory at Royal Ascot. Doyle was named Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year.

Read more on Hollie Doyle.

Prosecutors allege Sarbjit Kaur, 38, was strangled by her husband in February 2018.

Brian and Margaret Hill had no idea the video existed until someone found it in an attic.

Drayton Manor Park Ltd is accused of safety breaches after Evha Jannath drowned on a water ride.

Matthew Chibnall has been sentenced to life in prison for Anil Vegad's murder.

The announcement is made four years after five African men died at a scrap yard in Birmingham.

The 16-year-old is said to have rained down more than 20 blows on the animal.

Shropshire Star

From the Shropshire Star today:

• Lockdown leads to large drop in Shropshire covid cases, external
• Health boss urges residents to follow Tier 2 restrictions, external
• Shropshire leisure centres reopening, external

Aaminah Amatullah is accused of sending Islamic State material to an undercover police officer.

Shefali Oza
BBC Midlands Today

After a clear and cold start clouds increase with the chance of some patchy rain later with highs 4C to (45°F).

The Mayor of the West Midlands has appealed for greater support for the hospitality industry as the majority of the region prepares to enter tier three restrictions.

When lockdown lifts on Wednesday, hospitality businesses in Birmingham and the Black Country, Solihull, Coventry, Warwickshire, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, will only be able to offer a takeaway or delivery service.

In a letter to Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Andy Street said the industry expected about 80% of pubs and bars to be put into a "perilous position" over the coming months.

Mr Street says larger and medium size businesses cannot survive on monthly grants capped at £3,000 and has asked Mr Sunak to increase the value of grant support.

He has also asked him to introduce more long-term measures, and consider additional support.

Mr Street has also called for more detail to be provided to businesses on how tier decisions are made.

"Now, as we enter its final months, we must request this further urgent action," he said.

"Your support now will ensure that these businesses and livelihoods are protected."