Summary

  • Key updates on Friday 3 May:

  • Local elections: Minor parties make gains across North West

  • Labour celebrate 'stunning' win in Trafford

  • Wirral Council hung after gains by Tories and Greens

  • Bid to oust Liverpool mayor launched after polls close

  • Labour loses seven seats and control of Bolton Council

  • Lancashire: Labour make gains in Chorley

Live Reporting

  1. Scott scores as Everton beat Birmingham

    England midfielder Jill Scott is among the scorers as Everton overcome a first-half scare to win at Birmingham.

    Read More

  2. Upgrade boost for Hope Valley railway line

    A £137m upgrade to the Hope Valley railway line between Sheffield and Manchester has been announced by the government.

    Hope Valley lineCHRIS MORGAN

    Sheffield City Region mayor Dan Jarvis said the announcement had come after three years of lobbying and efforts to improve poor service on the line.

    The upgrade to the line aims to reduce delays, improve reliability of trains and add a third direct train per hour.

    Mr Jarvis said: "It's overdue but welcome progress, however we need the government to go much further if they are to level up South Yorkshire and the north."

  3. Gales cause disruption to Isle of Man ferries

    Passenger and freight services face a second day of cancellations as strong winds hit the Irish Sea.

    Read More

  4. Man City reach WCL quarter-finals

    Manchester City ease into the Women's Champions League quarter-finals by sweeping aside Fiorentina 5-0 in their last-16 second leg.

    Read More

  5. All-female choir 'longing to sing together again'

    Cheshire Chord Company is made up of 70 women who use the group to both sing and support each other.

    Read More