Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow and former police chief Chris Johnson are among those who signed a letter.

Stephen Harris, of the West Mercia force, is remembered as having taken "such pride" in police work.

Sam Hain leads the way for title-chasing Warwickshire with an unbeaten 83 against Somerset.

Pollution in the River Wye is believed to be linked to the millions of chickens farmed in the area.

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has thanked people in Kidderminster for their help during a major blaze at a factory.

The site's residential neighbours had to be evacuated after the fire broke out on Park Street on 8 September.

Group Commander George Marshall thanked residents for their patience while crews dealt with the blaze, for adhering to safety messages and looking after those affected by the incident.

Image source, Lisa Willis

“This was a massive help to the fire service and all other agencies involved and enabled us to deal with the incident and return the local area to normality in record time," he said.

“We were also very grateful to local residents and businesses for messages of support and kind donations of drinking water and food which were welcomed by some very thirsty and tired firefighters.

“While this is something that we do not expect we were humbled by these acts of kindness and generosity which makes us even more proud of the communities we serve.”

A ninth consecutive Chelsea Flower Show gold medal has been awared to Birmingham City Council for its eco-inspired garden.

Traditional seasonal bedding and sustainable energy sources such as solar panels, water power and wind power, earned the council the award.

It also showcased other sustainable initiatives such as rainwater harvesting and recycling with information about how these could be scaled up or down to fit different lifestyles.

Organisers hope the 'peace podium' will help promote tolerance and understanding in the future.

BBC Business News

National Express has confirmed it is in talks to buy rival transport firm Stagecoach.

Image source, National Express

Under the terms of the potential deal, National Express would own about 75% of the combined group and Stagecoach 25%.

Birmingham-based National Express said it would be able to slash costs as a result of the merger, and expected the newly formed group to find savings of at least £35m.

Travel restrictions and fewer commuters travelling to work have dented passenger numbers during the pandemic.

BBC Radio WM

Wolves' new music label will give new artists a huge amount of opportunity, an organiser has said.

Image source, Wolves

The club have partnered with Warner Music UK to start Wolves Records.

New signings will get airplay at Molineux Stadium and across the club's digital productions.

Ricky Hill said the idea has been worked on for about 11 months as part of Wolves' ambitions to venture into new markets.

"Every day, there is social media content of highlights or behind the scenes footage going out and all of that has music accompanying it."

Wolverhampton-born fan and singer/songwriter S-X, who has previously worked with Lil Wayne, Childish Gambino and Skepta, has teamed up with Wolves Records.

"In Wolverhampton, all we really have is the football team and that is it so to be doing something for our community and the local artists is important," he said.

The amount of green belt land used for a new homes plan in Warrington is cut by half after protests.

A Staffordshire head teacher says her school won't be pressuring students to have Covid vaccinations now the roll out for 12 to 15-year-olds is under way in England and Scotland.

Nicola Mason, of Chase Terrace Academy, in Burntwood, told BBC Breakfast her school was in a similar position to others in the area, having a provisional plan in place after meeting with the local authority.

"Our job now is to make sure that families have the right information," Ms Mason said, adding the school's stance was to be neutral.

"Our job is to educate and make sure children make an informed decision with their families but it's the families' decision."

A reward of £10,000 is being offered by Crimestoppers for information about the fatal stabbing of Kyle Sheehan who died nine years ago.

The 16-year-old was stabbed in the leg on Jiggins Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham, on 21 September 2012.

He later died in hospital.

His killer has never been found and the charity is offering the reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible.

Image source, West Midlands Police

Mick Duthie, director of operations at Crimestoppers, said: “It’s impossible to imagine the suffering and pain of Kyle’s family and friends since his death nearly a decade ago.

"No-one should ever experience losing a child like this and our charity is certain that someone knows what happened, and who was involved, but has until now held back.

“If you know who was involved, please make things right and help Kyle’s grieving family and friends see justice and answers that they so desperately seek.”

The University of Worcester has opened its vaccination clinic to the wider public.

The clinic, at the City Campus, had previously been available for students and staff only.

It will now be offering walk-in vaccinations from 08:00 to 20:00 from Tuesday to Saturday in the Charles Hastings building.

Image source, Google

More than £1m of gold and silver historical artefacts were stolen in May.

As students return to colleges and universities, police say officers are there to support anyone concerned about their safety.

West Midlands Police says its Safer Students , externalscheme offers help at what can be a "daunting" time.

A family feud leads to the death of Thomas Rogers at the hands of David and Samuel Rogers.

The 10-year-old with cerebral palsy is covering the length of a mountain trail at home.

Express and Star

From the Express and Star today:

• Man suffers burn injuries after Wolverhampton van fire spreads to house, external
• Shock as woman killed in second 'domestic murder' in Wolverhampton in two days, external
• Violent attacks prompt dispersal order in West Bromwich, external

Birmingham Live

From the Birmingham Mail:

Hotelier on 'never-ending' heartbreak after brother's brutal 'royal connection' murder, external

Watch as armed police flood Erdington street in hunt for One Stop robbery suspect, external

Brothers convicted of killing third sibling in Bristol Road stabbing horror, external

Rich Davis
BBC Weather presenter

We are set to see some more sunshine and there is quite a warm day in store again.

There may be some mist and fog early on and some cloud about but gradually that will be clearing up to leave us with some sunny spells this morning and into the afternoon.

Highs of 21C are expected.