The Covid-19 rate has continued to rise steadily in almost every part of the West Midlands, the latest official figures show.

Twenty-four out of 30 local authority areas saw small rises in their rates in the seven days up to 14 August, compared with the week before.

However, Birmingham, the biggest local authority in England, saw a small drop, with 3,671 new cases - down from 3,847.

Image source, PA Media

Herefordshire saw the biggest rise in the same period, with new cases more than doubling to 547 - although they remain very low, compared with many other parts of the country.

Solihull continued to have the highest rate in the West Midlands, with 371 new infections per 100,000 people (a 3% rise on the previous week).

By way of comparison, parts of Yorkshire, East Midlands and Devon saw more than 500 new cases per 100,000 people.

BBC Weather

A cloudy morning with a band of light rain set to pass over the area before the cloud breaks up this afternoon with some sunny spells, mixed with scattered showers. High: 20C (68F).

Image source, BBC Weather Watcher Sue Snaps

The sunny spells and showers will continue this evening before a mainly dry night with a few clear spells. Low: 13C (55F).

You can keep up-to-date with your local forecast at any time by going to the BBC Weather website.

The family of a boy with breathing difficulties who live near the landfill has brought the case.

Three-year-old Harrison Louden was found dead alongside his father at their home on Friday.

Jamie Holloway was driving at speeds of up to 110mph before he hit David Shaw's car, the trial heard.

The UK has agreed to take in up to 20,000 refugees over the next few years, including 5,000 this year.

Birmingham City Council has just two weeks to find a new provider before the new term.

Patients with pacemakers can now get a check-up at a drive-through clinic at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Pacemaker patients need to have their devices checked at least once a year, but due to Covid-19 restrictions, it has been difficult for the cardiology team to see patients face-to-face.

The hospital trust said the drive-through meant the medical team could see more patients, while freeing up capacity in the hospital itself for other cardio-pulmonary treatments.

Image source, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

Becky Macdonald, from the trust, said: “Some patients are still reluctant to come into a hospital clinic due to anxieties around Covid-19, some may struggle with mobility, and some simply find parking difficult and stressful.

“If everything is fine then it gives the patient the peace of mind they need and they won’t need to hear from us until their next appointment.”

Rob Needham is thought to have killed partner Kelly Fitzgibbons and their daughters, then himself.

Birmingham Live

Here are some of the headlines on the Birmingham Live website today:

• Birmingham student rescued from Kabul holiday 'should've given up seat for Afghan refugee', external
• 'Members of 61 gang tried to buy replacement shotgun' - court told, external
• 110 mph police chase driver "could have killed unborn child", external

The 32-year-old says life sometimes feels like a running machine at the gym with no stop button.

Rebecca Currie says her five-year-old son's health has suffered by living next to the landfill site.

Four Afghans who settled in the North West tell of their fears for loved ones in their homeland.

Two men are in custody on suspicion of cultivating cannabis after a raid on a house in Rugby.

Warwickshire Police said officers conducted the operation on Victoria Street on Tuesday after reports of suspicious behavior.

Inside the property, it said, officers uncovered a cannabis factory and arrested the two men, aged 21 and 27.

Image source, Warwickshire Police

A Wolverhampton community hub is set to reopen after its roof was repaired.

A series of leaks at the Bob Jones Community Hub in Blakenhall caused significant damage to the building and to gym equipment.

The work by City of Wolverhampton Council is nearing completion and the centre will reopen on 31 August

Image source, Google

BBC Weather

It will be dry and cloudy for much of Wednesday with just the chance of the odd shower this afternoon. High: 19C (66F).

Image source, Mrs Baffin-Massie

Staying overcast this evening but most places will remain dry although there could be the odd shower overnight. Low: 13C (55F).

You can get the latest forecast for your area at any time by going to the BBC Weather website.

Wilfred Dawson, 99, served as a wireless operator with RAF Bomber Command.

Pte Conrad Lewis, killed in Afghanistan in 2011, felt he was "making a difference", his father said.

The artworks, by one of Wales' most renowned artists, are described as "a truly wonderful find".

The owners argued their shop qualified for exemption because they sold sweets and soft drinks.