Updates on Tuesday 22 March 2016
News, sport, travel and weather updates to resume at 08:00 on Wednesday
Jennifer Meierhans
BBC News Online
Here are some of the top stories in the BBC Hereford & Worcester newsroom this afternoon:
- West Midlands MEP calls for justice over Brussels attacks
- Half of Hereford FC's Wembley tickets sold out
- Stained glass mandolin signed by Robert Plant up for auction
A surveyor at Herefordshire Council, who's still working at the age of 80, has won a national award, external.
Geoff Harrison was given a standing ovation when he was presented with a local authority building control superstar award.
Image source, Herefordshire County CouncilHe's worked with the building control team for more than 30 years on various projects and helping to train new staff.
Quote MessageI am really moved that my colleagues took the time to enter me for this award. I’m very proud to be recognised for my contribution to the county of Herefordshire.”
Geoff Harrison
The explosions in Brussels come just days after a key suspect in the Paris attacks, Saleh Abdeslam, was detained in the city.
The Belgian government has raised the security alert level to maximum across the whole country.
Image source, PA/Jef VerseleWest Midlands MEP, Dan Dalton, is in Brussels. He said: "I think people are very concerned there may be more attacks, because of course there have been two very, very quickly.
"We had expected something. Brussels has certainly been a city that felt it was under siege for the last few months, so I think we were expecting at some stage for something to happen."
Dan Pallett
BBC Midlands Today Sport
Hereford FC is celebrating after reaching a Wembley final in its first season.
The club, which was formed after the financial collapse of Hereford United, will play north-east side Morpeth in the FA Vase final on Sunday, 22 May.
Quote MessageThis would make a fantastic film, this whole story, from people being stuck in taxis unable to get to the High Court to a trip to Wembley - it is a fantastic story."
Ken Kinnersley, Hereford FC chief executive
What's claimed to be the world's first stained glass electric mandolin has been signed by Worcestershire rock-legend, Robert Plant.
A Shropshire film maker, Andrew Bullas, has documented the creation of the instrument (pictured below) by an Orkney craftsman.
Image source, Bob LevensIt'll now be auctioned to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust., external
Nicola Goodwin
Reporter, BBC Hereford & Worcester
Two lanes are coned off on the A49 north at the junction of Victoria Street and Eign Street and up to the Edgar Street roundabout - the busiest junction in the city.
The queues are due to gas works. They're causing major tailbacks on the A49 and A465.
BBC Sport
England could play three spinners in their World Twenty20 match against Afghanistan in Delhi on Wednesday, according to Worcestershire's Moeen Ali.
If conditions in Delhi favour slow bowling, uncapped left-armer Liam Dawson would be an option to join Moeen and Adil Rashid in the England line-up.
Quote MessageIt's definitely a possibility - we have to look at the wicket and adapt to conditions. If there's spin there, why not?"
Moeen Ali
The breast unit at Worcester has finally opened its doors to patients., external
Image source, Worcester NewsSeveral explosions have struck Brussels airport and the metro system, causing at least 13 deaths, Belgian media say.
West Midlands MEP, Bill Etheridge, is in Brussels. He said the country had been living in fear of an attack.
"Brussels has been on high security alert for some time now," he said.
Quote MessageYou can't walk the streets without seeing armed police, military, people with machine guns and I think something was expected. I'm just really upset and saddened for the people that are there."
Bill Etheridge, West Midlands MEP
Visitors to the Bromyard Speed Festival, external next weekend will be able to see a record breaking car in action.
Sir Malcolm Campbell's land speed record-breaker, the Sunbeam "Blue Bird", will be on display and performing demonstration runs through the street circuit.
The car broke the world land speed record in 1924 and again in 1925 at Pendine Sands in Wales.
Personal trainers and exercise classes will be offered to people in Herefordshire and Worcestershire who are at risk of getting Type-2 diabetes.
About 20,000 patients identified by GPs as being at high risk will be offered the course in weight loss.
Image source, Science Photo Library
Trevor Owens
Sports Editor, BBC Hereford & Worcester
Redditch United are back to the top of the Southern Premier Division table.
They drew 1-1 at home to Frome Town last night.
After more than six years of fundraising, a new £1.5m breast cancer unit is being officially opened today at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital.
Around 600 people are expected to need care there from the county each year.
Image source, PA
Kate West
Journalist, BBC Hereford & Worcester
Here are some of the main stories we are looking at in Herefordshire and Worcestershire:
- New breast cancer unit opens in Worcester
- Worcester school put on free performance of Hairspray musical
- Redditch United top the Southern Premier Division
BBC Travel
There's slow traffic on the A441 Birmingham Road in Redditch at the B4101 Dagnell End Road junction due to roadworks. More from BBC Travel.
Charlie Slater
BBC Weather presenter
Any fog patches clearing quickly to leave a fine and dry morning with some sunny spells. However, the skies will tend to cloud over through the day for most areas. Highs of 10C (50F).
Welcome to the Local Live service for Herefordshire and Worcestershire on Tuesday morning.
We'll be bringing you all the news, sport, travel and weather as it happens.
If you'd like to get in touch you can email, tweet us on @bbchw, external or message via Facebook, external.
