Perry Spiller
Presenter, BBC Radio Stoke

Today I want to know what's going to happen when you die? Have you made a plan?

It's after I read this story on the BBC website about the cost of so-called "paupers' funerals" rising - which are carried out by local authorities for people who die alone or without relatives able to pay.

So have you got a plan? Get involved on email or tweet @BBCRadioStoke, external.

Staffordshire Newsletter

The HS2 plans which will see a high speed railway line cutting through Stafford countryside is to be delivered six years early – and Staffordshire County Council has today vowed to secure the best deal , externalfor the county.

Jodie Looker
Newsreader, BBC Radio Stoke

Here's how newsreader Jodie Looker brought the latest headlines for Staffordshire and Cheshire to BBC Radio Stoke listeners.

Allen Cook
BBC Local Live

Staff at Staffordshire-based JCB have voted to work shorter hours for the next three months to avoid more than 100 compulsory redundancies, the firm says.

Earlier this month the digger-maker had said up to 290 jobs were at risk due to tough trading conditions - that number was reduced to 235 after consultations. 

JCB says it and the GMB union had proposed a flexible working pattern for shop floor employees until the end of February to save more than 100 jobs - which they say was passed at a vote of members which ended on Friday.

Lee Thomas
News Editor, BBC Radio Stoke

A 20-year-old cyclist who was seriously injured in an accident on the A34 near Talke last week has died, external, say police.

Image source, Google

Staffordshire Police says Michal Zygiert, of Gordon Road in Goldenhill, Stoke-on-Trent, was involved in the crash with a car in the early hours of Wednesday. 

Police say their investigation's continuing and his family are being supported by specialist officers.

BBC News UK

The cost to local councils - including in the North West and West Midlands - of so-called "paupers' funerals" has risen almost 30% to £1.7m in the past four years.  

Image source, Thinkstock

The number of these funerals has also risen by 11%, a Freedom of Information request by BBC Local Radio revealed.  

Overall, north-west England has the greatest number of public health funerals - among the biggest increases was a significant rise in the West Midlands.

Jodie Looker
Newsreader, BBC Radio Stoke

This morning's top stories for the area include

- Crewe is getting its HS2 station six years early - the Chancellor George Osborne will make the official announcement today

- A 20-year-old cyclist who was seriously injured in an accident on the A34 near Talke last week has died, external

- Volunteers trying to help rough sleepers in Stoke-on-Trent fear some won't make it through the winter if they don't get urgent help

Express and Star

The controversial HS2 rail line which will cut through miles of Staffordshire countryside is set to open six years ahead of schedule, external, the Chancellor announced today.  

Image source, Express and Star

Matt Sandoz
Stoke City commentator, BBC Radio Stoke

The Stoke City manager Mark Hughes says tomorrow's League Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday is the perfect opportunity for his side to bounce back from Saturday's defeat. 

Image source, Getty Images

The Potters had captain Ryan Shawcross sent off in the 2-0 loss at Sunderland, which means he'll miss the match. 

Hughes says the absence of Shawcross will be a huge blow.

Allen Cook
BBC Local Live

This picture of the Crewe Christmas tree and lights on the town square's come from Jonathan White, after last week's switch-on.

Image source, Jonathan White

It's great to get your pictures of Staffordshire and Cheshire, so keep sharing them.

Youcan email me,tweet @BBCRadioStoke, externaloruse Instagram, external(just add #bbcstoke to the description so I can find them).

BBC Travel

The A5192 Cappers Lane in Lichfield is shut both ways near the Austin Cote Lane junction, because of recovery work and a fallen telegraph pole.

There's a diversion in operation.

The Sentinel

Lorry driver Dave Whitehurst has told how he battled to save a dying cyclist , externalafter coming across a late-night horror crash.

Image source, The Sentinel

Jodie Looker
Newsreader, BBC Radio Stoke

The top stories this morning for Staffordshire and Cheshire include:

- The high-speed railway connecting Crewe to Birmingham will open six years ahead of schedule, Chancellor George Osborne confirms 

- Rough sleepers in Stoke-on-Trent need urgent help before the winter gets worse, according to a group of volunteers in the city

- A 20-year-old cyclist who was seriously injured in an accident on the A34 near Talke last week has died, external, say police

Phil McCann
Political reporter, Cheshire

The proposed high-speed rail link between Crewe and Birmingham will be opened six years earlier than planned, in 2027, Chancellor George Osborne has said.  

Image source, FARRELLS

Improving transport links with the North is a key part of the government's transport policy.  

The Treasury said journey times between Crewe and London would be cut by 45 minutes once the new route was open.  

Charlie Slater
BBC Weather presenter

A generally poor start to the week weather-wise with strong winds, plenty of rain – and this could occasionally be heavy. 12C (54F).

BBC Travel

There's a lane shut on the A500 D Road southbound in Longport between Porthill Bank and Wolstanton Retail Park, because of a police incident.

Congestion is back to Talke Roundabout.

Allen Cook
BBC Local Live

It's a wet start to the weather in Hanley as you can see from this picture I took before 07:30 in the rain.

Charlie Slater will be here with a full forecast shortly and we'll have the latest news, sport, travel and your pictures through the day.

You can get involved on email, Twitter, external, Facebook, external and Instagram, external.