Nick Higham
BBC Correspondent

Is there more to culture in Stoke than its world-famous potteries?

If you want a proper cup of tea from a proper teapot, the place to go is Stoke-on-Trent - not so much for the tea itself as because the chances are it'll be served in decent china.

But is it just ceramics or, as the area looks to become UK City of Culture in 2021, can the Potteries bring more to the table?

I've been looking at Stoke-on-Trent as I profile all the cities bidding for the title.

Chris King
Reporter, BBC Radio Stoke

Families who rely on a specialist dementia ward in Stoke-on-Trent are urging the officials who pay for the service not to shut it.

Ward four at Harplands Hospital opened last year, external to help ease pressure on the Royal Stoke University Hospital. 

Image source, Google

It's been praised to BBC Radio Stoke by patients and regulators, but officials want to look at whether the care could be provided elsewhere. 

The Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire Clinical Commissioning Groups say they want to use the experience gained from the ward to commission services to ensure patients receive the "most appropriate care to meet their needs". 

Tamworth Herald

The owner of a salon in Tamworth which was severely damaged when a car drove through its shop front, external said they were lucky that no one was injured.

Image source, Tamworth Herald

Allen Cook
BBC Local Live

I've said it before but you really are a bunch of talented photographers from the quality of the pictures you send in.

This one's from Clive Fisher who says it shows the sunrise over the River Mease at Clifton Campville near Tamworth.

Image source, Clive Fisher

While this shot of Cannock Chase came from Will Hook.

If you've taken a photo of Staffordshire or Cheshire you want to share, send it to me on email, tweet @BBCRadioStoke, external or use Instagram (with the tag #bbcstoke), external.

Image source, Will Hook

Chris King
Reporter, BBC Radio Stoke

More now on the recent history of maternity services at Stafford's County Hospital after the NHS launched a review today, external which could see consultant-led services return to the site.

It dates back to the fallout from when the site was Stafford Hospital in 2013 and the trust running it was deemed not "clinically or financially sustainable". 

Image source, Getty Images

The scandal-hit site was folded in with the trust running the Royal Stoke in 2014 and the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust created to run both sites.

Managers of the trust decided to transfer services, including all consultant-led maternity, to the Royal Stoke in January 2015 - despite campaigners saying patients' safety could be put at risk.

Bob Hockenhull
BBC Midlands Today

With a month to go until the start of the Rio Olympics, one Midlands academic has devised a ground-breaking study about what we can learn from the competitors' attitudes, backgrounds, and sporting experiences.

Image source, BBC Sport

It's hoped his research could be used to uncover the champions of the future. 

I'll have more on Midlands Today from 13:30 on BBC One.

Alex Smith
BBC News Online

A Staffordshire man has pleaded not guilty to the rape of a woman 30 years ago.

John Bainbridge, 54, denied one count of rape via video link at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday.

The offence is alleged to have taken place in Vernon Road, Basford, in May 1986.

Mr Bainbridge, of Burton-on-Trent is set to stand trial on 12 December. He was remanded in custody after today's hearing.

Lee Thomas
Newsreader, BBC Radio Stoke

This lunchtime's headlines for Staffordshire and Cheshire include:

- The NHS has launched a review today into whether Stafford's County Hospital could see consultant-led maternity services return, external

- A Staffordshire man has pleaded not guilty to the rape of a woman that allegedly took place 30 years ago

- A fire at a derelict building in Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent was started deliberately, the fire service says

Jodie Looker
Newsreader, BBC Radio Stoke

A fire at a derelict building in Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent was started deliberately, the fire service says .

Image source, Google

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service says they sent crews from Hanley and Longton to Atlas Street last night and found the third floor of the former Care Knight premises was "well alight". 

This morning they've told BBC Radio Stoke that they are treating it as arson.

UK Independence Party MEP for the West Midlands James Carver says he's not surprised Nigel Farage has stood down as party leader.

"He's still going to lead our group in the European Parliament, which is an extremely powerful position to be in.

"He's been a great leader but there's plenty of talent within UKIP."

Crewe Chronicle

Police have today launched a month-long crackdown on anti-social driving behaviour in rural areas, external across Cheshire.

Alexandra Hamilton
BBC Weather

The BBC Weather website also has latest forecasts if you want one at any other time.

Sarah Robertson
Producer, BBC Radio Stoke

The NHS has launched a review today into whether Stafford's County Hospital could see consultant-led maternity services return., external

They were downgraded in January 2015 and switched to the Royal Stoke University Hospital after the previous Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust was declared financially unviable.

Now NHS England says an Independent Review Panel, made up of a lay member and independent experts, will look at whether the services could be done at the County Hospital "in a safe way in the future".

It says the panel will listen to local patients, health groups and members of the public with final recommendations going to the Secretary of State this autumn.

Stephanie Barnard
BBC Local Live

If you are one of the many people who suffer with hay fever, you've probably sneezed already this morning. 

Pollen levels are very high today - so tissues at the ready for watery eyes and a runny nose.

BBC Sport

Some football gossip this morning - the Stoke City assistant manager Mark Bowen tells Talksport, external the club has "an interest" in signing Nani.

Image source, Getty Images

The 29-year-old joined Fenerbahce last year from Manchester United after spending a season on loan at Sporting Lisbon.

He is currently part of Portugal's squad at Euro 2016. Valencia are also thought to be keen on the winger.

BBC Travel

The A50 in Draycott in the Moors is partially blocked westbound between the Blythe Bridge roundabout and the Creda roundabout.

It's because of a crash between three vehicles, including a lorry.

Nantwich police station's going to be shut today Cheshire Police say.

Jodie Looker
Newsreader, BBC Radio Stoke

A round-up our top stories now:

- Families who rely on a specialist dementia ward in Stoke-on-Trent are urging the officials who pay for the service not to shut it   

- The wife of Stoke City striker Peter Crouch, Abbey Clancy, has been left shaken after coming face-to-face with burglars at their holiday home

- Stone's Ben Gamble has become the first person to hold both titles of Potteries Marathon, external winner and Potters Arf winner

BBC Travel

There's been an accident on Burton Street in Leek at the A53 Broad Street junction.

Graham McGarry
BBC Radio Stoke Sport

Stone's Ben Gamble has become the first person to hold both titles of Potteries Marathon, external winner and Potters Arf winner.

After winning the Potters Arf last month, he won the other event yesterday in a time of 2:31.33.

Yorkshire's Hannah Oldroyd retained the women's title coming home 11 minutes clear of her rivals.