Funeral for former Hereford MP Paul Keetch
Some people still without water in Bewdley
Police taking more 999 calls than New Year's Eve
Racehorse trainer Mercy Rimell dies
Charity criticises restrictions on IVF in Worcestershire
Updates on Friday 7 July 2017
Worcestershire racehorse trainer Mercy Rimell has died at the age of 98.
In 1983 she became the first woman to train a Champion Hurdle winner with Gaye Brief.
Mercy, from Kinnersley, was the widow of the legendary jumps trainer Fred Rimell, who was both champion jockey and trainer and also saddled the winner of four Grand Nationals.
Image source, Press AssociationWorcestershire's road network is expected to grind to a crawl because of scheduled roadworks on the M5, bringing yet more misery for motorist, externals.
Here's a couple of lovely pictures that have come in from our BBC Weather Watchers.
Toppo sent in this from Doddenham, what a gorgeous view.
Image source, ToppoThis floral display has been sent in courtesy of evo. It was taken in Wick.
We love the vivid colours of the flowers.
Image source, evo
BBC Sport
The T20 Blast starts tonight with Worcestershire Rapids taking on local rivals Birmingham Bears.
Twenty20 cricket in England and Wales has sparked plenty of debate this year, with a new city-based eight-team tournament getting the nod for 2020.
But there are plenty of star names set to appear in this year's Blast competition.
The Rapids v Bears match starts at 17:30 at New Road. Full coverage online.
A collection of historical photos of Worcester, many of which haven't been seen before in public, are being exhibited as part of a project to encourage local people to share their own stories about them.
The images, which date from 1951 through to the 1990s, go on show in Worcester’s Guildhall on Saturday 15 July, from midday to 16:00.
Image source, Worcester City CouncilAll of the comments and ideas shared on 15 July will form part of a funding application being made to the Heritage Lottery Fund.
If successful, a Worcester Life Stories resource will be made available online, giving local people the opportunity to upload their own stories and images too.
Quote MessageThere are images from all across the city and we’re sure that you’ll be able to tell us much more about the places that they depict. We want to hear your stories about Worcester, and your ideas on how we can make this collection available for generations to come.”
Sheena Payne-Lunn, Historic Environment Record Officer
Council bosses have unveiled new plans to invest £35m in the Wyre Forest area over the next three years, external.
Some people in Bewdley have been without water supplies for more than 48 hours.
Severn Trent said supplies were slowly being fixed and apologised to customers affected. Bottled water is being delivered to areas worst affected.
Some residents have criticised the firm for a lack of communication.
Severn Trent said a burst pipe and pumping problems was later compounded by a second burst pipe in the area.
Image source, ThinkstockQuote MessageWe would have gone out to get a bit more [water] if the updates had been a bit more accurate. Bottled water does help of course for drinking, but it's things like filling the toilet cistern."
Local resident
A funeral and memorial service is taking place this afternoon for former Hereford MP Paul Keetch.
He died in May at the age of 56 after a long illness.
Mr Keetch, who served as the area's MP from 1997 to 2010, was the Liberal Democrats' defence spokesperson and played a role in its decision to oppose involvement in the 2003 Iraq War.
His friend Lucy Hurds, who was the Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Hereford and South Herefordshire at this year's general election, says he made a real difference in the community and was well respected.
Quote MessagePeople are coming from all walks of life, as is fitting for somebody who was involved in so many affairs including defence, foreign affairs, Nato."
Lucy Hurds
Cloudier than yesterday and feeling fresher, with the possibility of some showers later and highs of 24C (75F).
Latest weather for the West Midlands
Welcome to Herefordshire and Worcestershire Live on Friday 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.
We'll be back with our usual mix of news, sport, travel and weather from 08:00 tomorrow, but keep an eye out here for more updates this evening and into the morning.
Pupils from a Worcestershire primary school got the chance to question a local MP at a Parliament Day event organised by the Institute of Education.
Mark Garnier, MP for Wyre Forest, faced questions about Brexit and who he liked best - David Cameron or Theresa May - from pupils at Burlish Park Primary, Stourport-on-Severn.
Image source, University of WorcesterThe day, held at The Hive in Worcester, centred around a question on whether children’s time on electronic tablets should be limited, which saw pupils consider different points of view, hold House of Commons-style debates, select committees with experts, organise petitions and finally, vote.
Image source, University of WorcesterQuote MessageThe whole process of trying to get people to engage in politics is incredibly important and this is a really good example of how we can get people from an early age to take an interest in the democratic process and how the country is run. It’s a really good initiative by the University of Worcester and hopefully Worcester’s lead will be replicated around the country.”
Mark Garnier MP
A project tackling disability hate crime on public transport in Redditch has given more people the confidence to report incidents, the council say.
The local authority worked with students from the Heart of Worcestershire College to "develop their independence" and give them "a voice and the freedom to use public transport safely".
Image source, Science Photo LibraryPolice are investigating an attempted robbery in which a teenage boy was assaulted, external in Stourport.
Rebecca Wood
BBC Midlands Today
It's been a hot day, with temperatures up to 27C (81F) in places, but there could be some thundery showers in easterly parts of the West Midlands this evening.
The weather forecast for the West Midlands
A teenage boy has been assaulted during an attempted robbery, external in Stourport-on-Severn.
West Mercia Police say the boy was walking through an alleyway that connects Dunley Road to the B4196 when he was punched by a man who demanded to know if he had any possessions on him or in his bag.
The attacker left empty handed, a spokesman said.
BBC Sport
Worcestershire's Moeen Ali is at the wicket as England fight back after slumping to 76-4 in their first innings of the Test against South Africa.
New captain Joe Root has made a century.
You can follow the game on the BBC Sport live page.
Image source, Getty ImagesThere are plenty of great photos from BBC Weather Watchers as the sun beats down, including one of someone shading themselves under an umbrella.
Thanks to Nicnocnoo, Toppo, Postman Les, Fuzzballpc and J at Severn Ridge for this selection.
Brolly in the sunlight
Kidderminster should have a brand new £4.3m station by the summer of 2019, under plans unveiled today by Worcestershire County Council.
The town's original station dates back to the Victorian railway building boom.
Image source, GoogleSource: UK Transport
Lindsey Cooke says she has been forced to request families' help after her budget was slashed.
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