Today Programme
BBC Radio 4

Shami Chakrabarti, the former director of Liberty, says she has been to see the Stoke North Labour MP who walked out of an anti-Semitism event after being accused of "colluding" with the media.  

Ruth Smeeth had called for Jeremy Corbyn to "resign immediately" for what she saw as his failure to intervene when "anti-Semitic slurs" were directed towards her in front of him.  

Ms Chakrabarti, who authored a report into alleged anti-Semitism within the Labour party,  defended Mr Corbyn for not intervening.

She said "I probably didn't give him the chance," but adds that the Labour leader had concurred with her when she admonished the male heckler.

Emma Thomas
Journalist, BBC Radio Stoke

A war diary detailing the first day of the Battle of the Somme is being published for the first time today in Staffordshire. 

The account was written by Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Meynell and was discovered by Staffordshire County Council's archives service, external. 

They are tweeting excerpts from the diary on their Twitter page, external throughout the day.

Lee Blakeman
Newsreader, BBC Radio Stoke

Let's get up-to-date with the latest headlines we're featuring this morning:

- Ceremonies are being held across Staffordshire and Cheshire today, external to honour soldiers who were killed 100 years ago when the Battle of the Somme began in World War One   

- A Stoke-on-Trent pottery firm which had gone into administration has been bought by an investment group

- The Stoke North Labour MP Ruth Smeeth has had an apology from the chair of a press conference which she walked out of after being accused of "colluding" with the media

Matt Newsum
BBC Sport

Port Vale have signed striker Rigino Cicilia from Dutch side Roda JC on a two-year deal.

Cicilia, 21, has an option to stay beyond the initial two seasons if he proves a success at Vale Park.

Image source, Port Vale FC

The Curacao-born player played two games for his parent club last season, and spent time on loan at RKC Waalwjik.

He made 24 appearances for Roda in total in league and cup, having played for youth sides at KVC Oranje, FC Kerkrade-West and Alemannia Aachen.

The Sentinel

Teenager Dion Lawlor is lucky to be alive after being stabbed in a subway , externalwhen he advertised some cannabis for sale.  

Image source, The Sentinel

Lucy King
News Editor, BBC Radio Stoke

A Stoke-on-Trent pottery firm which had gone into administration has been bought by an investment group. 

The BID Group, external has taken over the Longton-based Hudsons of England who make fine bone china products. 

Image source, Google

Earlier this month the firm went into administration after blaming a lack of orders, with 45 staff being made redundant - they'll now be re-employed the BID Group say.

Their managing director, Lee Smith, said Hudsons would fit "perfectly" into their portfolio and "be a benefit for the UK economy".

Tom Turrell
BBC Midlands Today

A candlelit vigil was held last night at the National Memorial Arboretum in memory of the thousands killed in the Battle of the Somme.   

People gathered at the Alrewas site to remember the soldiers who were preparing for the battle to start on 1 July 1916 in World War One.  

Sara Blizzard
BBC Weather

Here's how today is looking on the weather front - you can also get updates at other times from the BBC Weather website.

Lee Blakeman
Newsreader, BBC Radio Stoke

This morning's headlines include:

- Ceremonies are being held across Staffordshire and Cheshire today, external to honour soldiers who were killed 100 years ago when the Battle of the Somme began in World War One 

- The Cheshire Conservative MP Antoinette Sandbach has announced her support for Theresa May, external as the home secretary bids to become Tory leader 

- Cyclists from across the world are set to take part in this year's Staffordshire Cycling Festival , externalwhich will start today at Shugborough Hall

BBC Travel

There are delays this morning on the A518 Weston Road eastbound in Stafford between the junctions of the A34 Queensway and the A518 Weston Road. 

Allen Cook
BBC Local Live

Morning everyone, it's a day when we'll be reflecting on 100 years since the start of the Battle of the Somme during World War One. 

This is one of the many gravestones to soldiers who lost their lives in France - we'll have coverage from the commemorations taking place at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire too.

You can get in touch to share your memories of family members who may have been involved and pictures via email, Twitter, external and Instagram, external.