Police investigate 'assault' in Worcestershire jail
Former Worcestershire cricketer's death a tragic accident, rules coroner
Schoolgirl fights off attacker in underpass
Big cup weekend for Westfields FC
Updates on Friday 4 November
Image source, Worcestershire County CouncilA Worcestershire gritter
Gritters are at the ready in case road temperatures drop in Worcestershire tonight.
Worcestershire County Council tweeted to say staff will be ready to grit in the county for the first time this season if they need to.
Click here, external to see the councils interactive gritting map.
A Kidderminster man has died whilst on holiday in Portugal, friends have confirmed.
It has been reported that Leslie Gordon, 66, got into difficulties while swimming in water close to the Praia de Mira beach this morning - a resort south of the city of Porto.
Image source, GoogleThe Praia de Mira beach in Northwest Portugal
Mr Gordon's neighbour of 30 years, Stella Wase, said Leslie was part of a close community at home.
"They're absolutely a delightful couple and Les was a wonderful person to know," she said.
Hereford FC have signed the former Chippenham Town central defender Mark Preece.
He won't figure in tonight's home match against Larkhall Athletic due to suspension, but will be eligible for Saturday's home match against Bideford.
Danielle Hayden
Broadcast journalist
Here are some of the stories we're looking at this afternoon:
- A Kidderminster man has died whilst on holiday in Portugal. Leslie Gordon, 66, was reportedly swimming in water close to the Praia de Mira beach this morning
- West Midlands Safari Park has announced the retirement of head warden Bob Lawrence after more than 40 years service
- A snake which has been missing inside a car, after being discovered on the M5 in Worcestershire, has been found alive and well
Campaigners hoping to prevent the closure of a library in a Powys town famous for its books shops submit a plan to keep it open.
Read More
Michael Perkins
BBC Hereford & Worcester
The head warden at West Midlands Safari Park is to retire after more than 40 years of service.
The safari park says that Bob Lawrence's departure will "mark the end of an era", but the talented team he has created will continue his work.
Head warden Bob Lawrence is to retire
Bob has been telling BBC Hereford & Worcester why he's enjoyed his time at West Midlands Safari Park so much.
"Well it's been a fantastic roller coaster really," he said.
"There's an amazing experience working with some wonderful people, travelling the world... and doing some fantastic conservation work with a critically endangered species."
Danielle Hayden
Broadcast journalist
A 91-year-old war veteran has been reunited with his stolen medals after he appealed for them to be returned in time for Remembrance Day.
Jack Roberts' medals mysteriously turned up on the bonnet of his car in Wolverley after a police appeal which was shared almost 4,000 times online.
"This is both a wonderful story in terms of Jack receiving his medals back, but also a great victory for the community working together with the police," said PC Mark Edwards, of Stourport police.
Image source, Sourport SNTWar veteran Jack Roberts found his stolen war medals had been mysteriously returned to him after an appeal
"Everyone who has read and shared the post should take a little bit of pride in being a part of bringing these medals home to such a lovely man."
The medals, which were reported missing last Wednesday, included a French Medal of Honour, a Royal Navy Patrol Service Medal, an Atlantic Cross, two George Medals and an additional medal.
These photos capture the mist which was seen by Mandi Bradley as she walked over the Malvern Hills on Monday.
Send your photos to us on email, tweet us on @bbchw, external or add them to Facebook, external.
Image source, Mandi BradleyMist can be seen settling from the Malvern Hills
Image source, Mandi BradleyMist can be seen settling from the Malvern Hills
James Pearson
Journalist, BBC Hereford & Worcester
A health visitor has broken ranks to criticise planned cuts to the service she works for in Worcestershire.
In a bid to save £1m, the county council and health and care trust are looking at a number of options which would see a reduction in staff.
But one health visitor says those savings would put vulnerable children at risk, and pile pressure on staff. She claims families would not be seen as often and that computer systems may used more frequently.
Quote Message“If we’re not going in to see those families I don’t know how those needs will be identified. I think there’s some naivety on the part of the council if they honestly think apps and online support can replace face-to-face visits.”
Health visitor
Worcestershire County Council says it is facing a cut in the money they get from Government for public health, and that it is working to make sure outcomes are retained as far as possible.
A snake that gave a couple a shock when it appeared in their newly purchased car is finally recovered.
Read MoreHere are some of the stories we're looking at this afternoon:
- A snake which has been missing inside a car, after being discovered on the M5 in Worcestershire, has been found alive and well
- A clergyman with West Mercia Police has been asked to step aside from his duties after speaking out about child sex exploitation in Telford
- The winner of an unclaimed £100,000 premium bond prize lives in Herefordshire or Worcestershire
Amy Cole
BBC Midlands Today
On Midlands Today this lunchtime, we'll have more on news that a gang of bikers caused chaos on public roads in part of the region last night.
Image source, West Midlands PoliceWe'll also hear how a rising number of young people across the Midlands are earning thousands of pounds a month by posting videos on YouTube.
And how you can now buy shares in a popular tourist attraction to fund restoration work.
More on all those stories and your lunchtime weather forecast from 13:30 on BBC One.
The new Bromsgrove railway station is currently closed for £100m improvements.
Bromsgrove station reopened after a £24m revamp in July.
The current work is being carried out until Sunday and will allow the line to be electrified.
Network Rail sent us a few pictures of the work being done this weekend:
Image source, Network RailWork under way at Bromsgrove Rail Station
The Warriors have signed English-qualified scrum-half Michael Dowsett.
The 24-year old will join his new teammates immediately to provide further competition for the number-nine jersey at Sixways.
The half-back spent three seasons with Australian Super Rugby side ACT Brumbies and recently featured for New Zealand outfit Southland in their Mitre 10 Cup competition.
Image source, Worcester WarriorsWarriers sign Super Rugby scrum-half Michael Dowsett
“I can’t wait to join up with my new teammates and to get out on the field and show what I can do," said Dowsett.
“Worcester are ambitious as I am myself, and I want to showcase what I’ve got and try and help push this club to where it wants to be.”
Danielle Hayden
Broadcast journalist
A corn snake discovered inside a car driving along the M5 - which promptly went missing again - has been found.
The reptile, called Keith, was found by the car's new owner, Claire Brearley, as she drove it home from Bristol to Sheffield on Thursday.
It then disappeared inside the car and a mechanic had to be brought in to take the car apart.
Image source, Central Motorway Police GroupKeith the snake was found in the door panel of the car
Keith was found alive and well in the door panel in the passenger door last night.
The snake belongs to the eight-year-old son of Fiona Wellington, who sold the car to Ms Brearley.
The trial of a former Worcestershire schoolboy accused of murdering two women in Hong Kong has heard he wasn't in control of his behaviour.
Banker Rurick Jutting is pleading not guilty to killing the women in 2014, on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
Image source, ANTHONY WALLACE / GETTYBritish banker Rurik Jutting is accused of the murders of two Indonesian women
A witness for his defence says a personality disorder means he couldn't deal with his problems, leading to the "beginning of his psychological collapse".
Here are some of the stories we're looking at this morning:
- A snake which has been missing inside a car, after being discovered on the M5 in Worcestershire, has been found alive and well
- The trial of a former Worcestershire schoolboy Banker Rurick Jutting - accused of murdering two women in Hong Kong - has heard he 'wasn't in control of his behaviour'
- Christopher Bartlett, who was reported missing from Worcester yesterday, has been found safe and well. West Mercia Police have thanked the public for helping them
Danielle Hayden
Broadcast journalist
Christopher Bartlett, who was reported missing from his Worcester home yesterday, has been found safe and well.
A police spokesman said: "Thank you to all of those who shared our appeal and helped locate him."
Image source, West Mercia PoliceWorcester man Christopher Bartlett
These lovely photos come from Paul Wilde who went for a walk over Abbey Meadows and the golf course in Redditch on Monday.
Send us your photos on email, tweet us on @bbchw, external or add them to Facebook, external.
Image source, Paul Wilde
Image source, Paul Wilde
Trevor Owens
Sports Editor, BBC Hereford & Worcester
- Redditch United and Hereford will both be in Southern League action this evening – the Reds will head to Chippenham Town while Hereford will entertain Larkhall Athletic at Edgar Street
- Worcester Warriors are expected to announce the name of their new scrum-half later today
- Stourport Swifts will also be in action – they will host Highgate United in the Midland Football League Cup this evening.
- Worcester Wolves' head coach Paul James has paid tribute to the way his side had dug in during their win at Manchester Giants on Sunday.
