A new study by the Office for national Statistics shows a fall in the numbers of people who are unwilling or unsure about having a vaccine to protect them from Covid-19.

The ONS analysis compares hesitancy towards the jab in two separate periods - firstly between 7 January to 28 March and secondly from 28 April to 18 July 2021.

The findings suggest the most hesitant groups are in London and the Midlands.

Image source, PA Media

Some 15% of young adults aged between 16 and 29 in the West Midlands reported vaccine hesitancy in the latest survey period.

The rates for adults generally in the region were particularly high among those living in deprived areas - 12%.

Overall across the UK, more than nine in 10 adults (96%) reported positive sentiment towards coronavirus vaccines while 4% reported hesitancy.

An athlete who claimed Great Britain's first medal of the Tokyo Olympics said she has received "amazing" support from people in her home city.

Image source, PA Media

Chelsie Giles, 24, from Coventry picked up bronze in the women's -52kg judo event.

She said of winning the first Team GB medal of the games: "I didn't know how much attention it would get, but it's been amazing to see the support, especially when I got home."

She added that competing again at Paris Olympics in 2024 was "definitely a possibility".

"I think I've proved to myself that with the bronze medal that I can definitely compete with the best."

Firefighters from the West Midlands have joined others in Athens to help fight wildfires in Greece.

More than 2,000 people have already been evacuated from the island of Evia many of those by ferry.

Greece is experiencing its most severe heatwave in 30 years in which temperatures have spiked at 45C (113F).

The team from the West Midlands consists of two watch commanders, who between them have a "fantastic amount of expertise," said Rob Norman from the service.

New bridge beams have been installed on the M6 in the West Midlands.

The work has been completed three hours ahead of schedule, said Highways England.

Image source, Highways England

The motorway was closed in both directions at junction 10 for Walsall over the weekend while the improvement works were carried out, causing severe delays, but has since reopened.

Image source, Highways England

The 144ft (44m) long bridge beams form two new bridges to replace the existing ones, which have been in place for 50 years.

Each beam weighs 130 tonnes and requires specialist cranes to lift them.

The works are a significant phase of Highways England's £78m transformation of Walsall junction, which it said currently experiences significant congestion, particularly at peak times.

Work to infill the bridge will be carried out overnight over the next five weeks with closures in place from 22:00 until 06:00.

BBC Weather

After a cloudy start with some showers it will be a bright afternoon with some sunny spells and highs of 20°C (68°F).

This was the scene earlier in Stonnall in Staffordshire as taken by BBC Weather Watcher Tippytoes.

Image source, Tippytoes

The latest news, sport, travel and weather from across the West Midlands and south Cheshire.

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