This morning will continue overcast but it will remain largely dry with just the chance of the odd patch of drizzle, especially earlier on.

Later in the afternoon a few sunny spells will develop in places. Highs of 16C to 19C (61F to 66F).

This evening and tonight thicker cloud will build back in and it will become overcast throughout the night.

It should stay mostly dry but the small chance of a spell of drizzle remains under thick cloud. Lows of 12C to 15C (54F to 59F).

Parents have contrasting feelings as safety measures in schools are eased at the start of the new year.

Darren Stevens hits a ton as Kent beat Leicestershire to earn their first win and Essex also beat Glamorgan inside three days.

Warwickshire take an 82-run lead into day four despite Josh Bohannon hitting 170 for Lancashire.

It is part of a £1bn government project targeting 50 schools across the country.

Three men have died during nights out in Birmingham as lockdown restrictions ease.

Driver Tom Reddy says he saw his salary rise £7 per hour overnight.

A pair who mailed out dozens of parcels of cannabis are sentenced after Royal Mail raised the alarm.

About £100,000 is to be invested in reducing fly-tipping across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire.

There were more than 10,000 reported cases of fly-tipping across the West Mercia area in the past year, a 6% increase on the year before.

It's hoped the money from the police and crime commissioner can be spent on prevention schemes.

Richard Brumby's lifeline is horse riding, but in the pandemic he has been unable to have lessons.

The free service sees a huge increase in demand with requests for help over debts and benefits.

Callum Baker-Osborne, of Coventry, died after getting into difficulty off the Dorset coast in July.

Nick Hayes says there is a "huge sense of gratitude" among the cast, who are "so happy" to be back.

Worcestershire's big-hitting batman Ross Whiteley is to leave after nine seasons at New Road.

Tributes are paid to bus driver Ghulam Nabi, described as a "dear friend" and dedicated key worker.

BBC Radio Stoke

Friends of a Staffordshire musician who died with Covid on Friday are trying to get one of his songs into the chart as a tribute.

Marcus Birks, 40, made headlines after he spoke to the BBC from his intensive care bed as the former Covid sceptic who was hospitalised with the virus went on to urge other people to get vaccinated.

He toured the world performing music with his wife Lis and now his friends are now trying to get the song he wrote, Should I Stay, into the charts.

The chart bid has received the backing of 90s DJ legend Sash, external.

Defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka pleads guilty to driving while disqualified, without a licence and insurance.

Police say despite the efforts of officers and paramedics the man was declared dead at the scene.

Shropshire Star

Here are some of the stories on the Shropshire Star website:

• Hundreds of care workers yet to be jabbed as compulsory vaccine deadline looms, external
• Developer appeals refusal to build 145 homes next to Shrewsbury retail park, external
• New electronic traffic signs to inform Shrewsbury drivers, external

Richard Hanson, who was jailed for killing a West Yorkshire woman, was on the run from HMP Thorn Cross.