BBC Weather Watchers

Now we have more scope for outdoor socialising, is the weather going to be kind to us?

The answer is yes - with a dry, warm and increasingly sunny day expected across the East Midlands.

Image source, James

Warm and sunny conditions are also anticipated for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Gavin Bevis
BBC News

Coronavirus restrictions have been eased slightly in England as another stage is reached on the government's roadmap out of lockdown.

We'll be bringing you the latest news and reaction from our region throughout the day.

Image source, PA Media

Seven-year-old Elizabeth built her own rocket and launched it into the sky during lockdown.

George Ford returns from England duty to guide Leicester Tigers to a gritty win against Newcastle Falcons.

A theatre company says the Shakespeare play's intimate scenes make rehearsals "impossible".

Part-timers Hornchurch beat National League Notts County on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw to reach the FA Trophy final.

They had originally been estimated to sell at auction for between £300 and £500.

Her body was found by police officers on Tuesday.

Nottingham pub bosses express concerns about drinkers being asked to prove they are vaccinated.

Himmah says the charity "needed to show solidarity" with the Duchess of Sussex.

Five men have their charges withdrawn after their housemate admits holding a party with 50 people.

Samantha Noble
BBC News Online

Police seized a car that was found to have no insurance in Leicester - and then confiscated two more that arrived to collect the driver.

Leicestershire Police said the driver was stopped in Tudor Road at about 14:15 on Thursday and found to have no insurance or a valid licence.

When a second car came to pick up the driver, that was also found to be uninsured and it happened again with a third car.

Image source, Leicestershire Police

A force spokesman said: "Two cars that subsequently arrived at the scene were also found to be driven by drivers who did not hold insurance. Those cars were also seized.

"While still in the area, a further two cars were stopped and their drivers were also found to be without insurance. Those cars were seized as well."

Image source, Leicestershire Police

Samantha Noble
BBC News Online

Nominations for by-elections in Erewash have opened after two borough councillors resigned.

Pamela Ashley, for the Hallam Fields ward, and Diane Fletcher, for Nottingham Road, Long Eaton, have stepped down from Erewash Borough Council.

The authority is accepting nominations for the roles until 8 April.

Image source, Erewash Borogh Council

Nomination papers must be delivered to the returning officer at Ilkeston's town hall between 9:00 and 16:00 on any working day, said the council.

Voting will take place on Thursday 6 May.

A jury rejects Bradley Souto's claims that he thought he was attacking an opponent, not his partner.

Samantha Noble
BBC News Online

Police investigating the death of a woman want to speak to a man who is believed to have had contact with her two days before her body was found.

Leicestershire Police said they received a call that "raised concerns" about the welfare of Smita Mistry at about 20:10 GMT on Tuesday.

The body of the 32-year-old - also known as Samita Saunders - was then discovered at a house in Gedge Way in Leicester.

A 36-year-old man, who officers believe was known to the deceased, was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Detectives are now appealing to find the male driver of a light-coloured, possibly silver, car that was seen parked in Gedge Way at about 20:20 on Sunday.

Officers, who have released a CCTV image of the car, believe she may have spoken with the driver at the time.

Image source, Leicestershire Police

The force added inquiries are continuing and a cordon remains in place at the property.

Premiership side Leicester Tigers bring in hooker Nic Dolly from second-tier club Coventry.

Greig Watson
Reporter, BBC News Online

A man is being treated in hospital after being assaulted on a Derby street.

Derbyshire Police said they were called to Lower Dale Road, Normanton, at about 19:25 on Thursday night.

Image source, Google

They found the injured man but no more details of his condition have been released.

Officers said there would be more patrols in the area while they investigate.

An appeal for witnesses and dashcam footage has been made.

PA Media

A £10,000 donation to a project tackling poverty, racism and social exclusion has been made by the Duchess of Sussex.

Meghan Markle gave the money to Nottingham charity Himmah with funds from The Royal Foundation.

The community project, based in Gamble Street in the Hyson Green area of the city, provides more than 650 emergency food parcels every month to people across the city, as well as serving more than 60 hot meals every week.

Himmah's director Sajid Mohammed said: "For ages I thought the whole thing was a hoax.

"They kept emailing me and ringing me about the donation saying it was from the Duchess of Sussex and I just couldn't believe it - I was utterly gobsmacked and hugely humbled that Meghan knew about our charity and wanted to support us.

"It's an absolutely incredible sum and we're so very grateful."

Image source, PA Wire

The charity said the money has been put towards stocking the food bank, purchasing equipment and providing funds for the Salaam Shalom Kitchen - the only joint Muslim and Jewish community kitchen in the UK.

The donation came from funds raised for The Royal Foundation from the sale of Together: Our Community Cookbook and the duchess gifted the money so the charity can "continue transforming lives through the power of cooking and food".

East Midlands Today

A specially adapted vaccination clinic is offering coronavirus jabs to people with learning disabilities and autism in Leicester.

Based at the Peepul Centre, it hopes to ensure people who can be at higher risk from Covid are not left behind in the vaccination programme.

Officials have tried to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere to help people feel comfortable when getting a vaccine, which they hope will make the difference for anyone feeling anxious.

BBC Weather

This morning we can expect a band of persistent rain to push in from the west, turning heavy in places.

Higher ground may see a wintry element to the rain, but this will give way to sunny, albeit cold, spells this afternoon.

There will be highs of 11C (52F) and lows overnight of 1C (34F).

Image source, Sam's House