The survey monitors the population of protected hazel dormice in the county.

Around 164 witnesses have given evidence to the independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation.

Worcestershire fast bowler Adam Finch signs a contract extension with the Pears until 2024.

Gritting trucks in Telford are getting ready for heading to the roads in winter.

Balfour Beatty, Telford & Wrekin Council’s highways contractor, is carrying out a test run today to ensure all teams are set for periods of cold weather and snow.

Image source, Getty Images

Gritters are mobilised when potential frost or ice is forecast, between October and April. When out, the trucks grit more than 400km of roads, bus routes and access roads for emergency services, schools, industrial estates and villages - a network agreed with the community.

The council has also asked for applications for people to become volunteer snow wardens, who salt smaller roads and footpaths on estates as well as clearing pathways of snow and ice in their local area.

Image source, RSC

The 9ft tall star of the Royal Shakespeare Company's new musical has been glimpsed at the theatre as actors prepare for the return of indoor audiences for the first time in 18 months.

The company says her arrival , externalin Stratford-upon-Avon has sparked mammoth interest in The Magician's Elephant which opens to the public from Monday.

Image source, RSC

The show, adapted from Kate DiCamillo's novel, tells the story of Peter, who lives a harsh life in a quiet town until a magician "conjures an elephant from the sky".

"Peter is catapulted into the quest of his life, overturning everything he ever thought he knew, and discovering that happiness can come from the most unexpected places," the RSC said.

The production also marks the reopening of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.

Artist Anthony Luvera wants to make the homeless more visible and to tell their stories.

BBC Radio CWR

Coventry's planned Very Light Rail system is set to get another big cash injection later.

The city council says when it's complete it could offer people a London Underground-style transport service that's more reliable than the buses.

Later councillors are expected to sign off another £3.2m to make sure the plan gets off the ground.

Image source, Coventry City Council

Telford & Wrekin Council wants to hear what projects people want in their area.

A National Trust project is given £500,000 to help continue its work with the rare mammals.

A motorcyclist has died after his bike crashed with a car in Coventry.

Image source, Google

Another man - who was a passenger on the bike - was taken to hospital with serious injuries after the incident on Exhall Green shortly before 18:15.

The driver of the car was not injured and did not require treatment, said West Midlands Ambulance Service.

GPs are reminding patients they need to wait six months before getting the jab.

The organisation needs people to assist with journeys in the south of the county.

Six stations could close to the public on Sundays and Mondays, the West Mercia force says.

People in Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire are being asked for their views on police's front counter services.

West Mercia Police is proposing changes to opening hours across its six front counters and wants to get the public's views on the changes.

Image source, Google

Asst Chief Constable Rachel Jones said: “The way in which our communities contact and engage with us continually evolves, with more and more people wanting to speak to us either over the phone or via our digital channels.

“We want to ensure we continue to operate in line with these changing public expectations.

“It is important to emphasise that this proposal would see the force retain all six of its front counters at Shrewsbury, Telford, Kidderminster, Redditch, Worcester and Hereford with only a reduction in opening hours to ensure consistency of provision across the force.

“In addition, it does not affect police officer numbers, nor the number of police bases we have, and so the public will not experience any difference in police visibility in our communities,"

The survey runs online until 25 October.

BBC Weather

It will be a dry start with a few bright spells in the West Midlands today.

It will tend to cloud over as the day draws on, with the occasional spot of light rain or drizzle becoming possible during the afternoon.

Tonight, any lingering spots of light rain will soon ease, turning dry overnight with clear spells developing in places. However, a few patches of mist or fog are also likely to form.

For the latest weather updates, visit the BBC Weather website.

A man hit with a bottle during a homophobic attack says Birmingham's atmosphere has changed.

Ashley Mooney is in hospital receiving treatment to his spine following a collision at a match.

A stem cell match was found for two-year-old Gunner, from Bridgnorth, after a worldwide search.

Under-fire Shropshire hospitals face fresh questions after reports on serious incidents this summer.

Artist Bamber Hawes hopes to reach Glasgow in time for the UN Climate Change Conference.