Updates on Thursday 12 May 2016
More news, sport, travel and weather from 08:00 Friday
Jennifer Meierhans
BBC News Online
Live updates for Staffordshire and Cheshire have finished for the day but we'll be back from 08:00 on Friday with the latest news, sport, travel and weather.
BBC Radio Stoke
A world record number of weather balloons have been launched into space in Shropshire today.
Twenty-five balloons carrying 50 small cameras took off at about 10:00 from a site in Bridgnorth.
They're part of a science and maths competition being run for teenagers in Staffordshire.
Teens from Kidsgrove took part in the record attempt.
Emma Thomas
Journalist, BBC Radio Stoke
I've been with members of the Royal British Legion in Stafford today.
Eighteen people have been presented with Ambassadors Peace Medal by the South Korean Naval Attache.
Here's Tim Green from Tean proudly displaying his medals
BBC Weather Watcher 'videoman' sent in this lovely snap from Leek of the Roaches.
If you have any pictures you would like to share with us, you can do so via email, Instagram, external, Facebook, external or Twitter, external.
Image source, videoman
Lee Thomas
Newsreader, BBC Radio Stoke
This afternoon's headlines are:
- Education bosses have revealed a potential merger of Stafford and Newcastle-under-Lyme colleges is under discussion
- A man's been robbed at knife point in his Hanley home
- Funeral for seven-year-old Stoke-on-Trent boy who died after being hit by a car
Graham McGarry
Crewe Alexandra commentator, BBC Radio Stoke
Crewe Alexandra boss Steve Davis says his players should think about not taking a holiday this closed season and work harder in the summer.
Image source, Getty ImagesThe Alex won just seven of their 46 league games last season and were relegated to League Two, Davis says huge improvements are needed.
Quote MessageI told the players they shouldn't be going on holiday this season. They should be in in the summer like all the management have to be. We want to improve things. They should be in improving themselves physically and mentally
Steve Davis, Crewe Alexandra Manager
Matt Sandoz
BBC Radio Stoke Sport
The nine-time Ladies Wimbledon Champion Martina Navratilova has been in Hanley today.
Martina, a commentator for BT Sport, met BT staff as part of a UK tour.
I thought I would give her a 'Stokie' dialect lesson.
You can hear more of the interview on Sport at Six tonight on BBC Radio Stoke.
Monica Rimmer
Journalist, BBC Radio Stoke
Seven cars on three streets in Leek have been keyed - and police believe there could be more that are yet to be reported.
Officers say the damage was inflicted to cars on Beggars Lane, Wallbridge Drive and Wallbridge Precinct on Friday night.
The cost of the damage ranges from £200 to £800.
Jennie Aitken
Reporter, BBC Radio Stoke
The funeral has been held for seven-year-old Kayden Dunn, who died on 19 April after being hit by a car.
The service took place at St. Mary's Church, in Norton, and blue and yellow balloons were released, because he loved Minions.
BBC Weather Watchers are sending in some lovely photos of the sunny weather.
This one was taken by 'Flying Ant', in Stafford.
Image source, Flying Ant'Dawn Treader' sent in this picture from Congleton; it looks very still and calm.
Image source, Dawn Treader
Tim Wedgwood
BBC Local LIve
The new rollercoaster restaurant opens tomorrow.
Will you be making a special trip to visit it? Is it going to be worth the hype?
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Lee Thomas
Newsreader, BBC Radio Stoke
This afternoon's headlines for Staffordshire and Cheshire are:
- A 26-year-old man from Stoke-on-Trent has been robbed at knife point in his home
- Masses of balloons have been released at the funeral of a Stoke-on-Trent boy who died after being hit by a car
- Seven cars on three streets in Leek have been keyed - and police believe there could be more that are yet to be reported
Lucy King
News Editor, BBC Radio Stoke
A man from Stoke-on-Trent has been robbed at knife point in his home, external.
The 26-year-old victim was woken at his house in Timmis Street, Hanley, in the early hours.
The three people, who are all believed to be youths, stole property from the house before escaping.
They're described as between 15 and 17 years of age, all dressed in black and their faces were covered.
Pensioner John Rankin has raised vital charity cash during a walk in memory of his 'beautiful wife', external.
Image source, Uttoxeter Advertiser
Ros Chimes
Reporter, BBC Radio Stoke
The government's being urged to help workers who'll lose their jobs if, as expected, Rugeley B power station shuts in the summer.
The plant's owners are blaming what they call the "deterioration in market conditions" for coal-fired power stations in the UK.
Amanda Milling, external, the Conservative MP for Cannock Chase, is urging ministers to intervene to help the workers being laid off.
Emma Thomas
Journalist, BBC Radio Stoke
Eighteen members of the Royal British Legion, in Stafford, have been presented with the Ambassadors Peace Medal by the South Korean Naval Attache.
The event is for those who couldn't make it out to the Far East to be given the awards.
It partially coincides with the anniversary of the Battle of Imjin of the Korean War, which took place in late April, which was fought by United Nations forces and the Chinese.
This is Albert Wilson being presented with a medal for serving in the Korean War (1951-1953), by Captain Secingeon, from the South Korean Embassy in London.
Two men have been arrested after reports of fighting among a group of men armed, external with sticks and iron bars last night.
Image source, The Sentinel
Charlie Slater
BBC Weather presenter
Any mist and fog will lift to leave a fine day with plenty of sunshine.
Despite a fairly brisk wind, it'll be another warm day, particularly in the prolonged sunny spells. Highs of 22C (72F).
Emma Thomas
Journalist, BBC Radio Stoke
Businesses in Stafford say nine weeks of roadworks in the town will have a major impact on trade.
Three miles of the Weston Road between Beaconside and Weston will be affected from mid-June as a new sewer is built.
Gareth Mead, from Severn Trent, external, which is carrying out the work, told BBC Radio Stoke, financial help is available for businesses affected by the roadworks.
Lee Thomas
Newsreader, BBC Radio Stoke
- A man from Stoke-on-Trent has been robbed at knife point in his home
- Some business owners in Stafford say they're concerned roadworks on the Weston Road will damage trade
- Cancer patients in the Midlands are being taught to hold their breath for five minutes while they're being treated for radiotherapy
