Chris King
Reporter, BBC Radio Stoke

A man originally from Stoke-on-Trent has been jailed for 20 years , externalafter being convicted of 19 counts of rape and sexual assault against a young girl.

Image source, Staffordshire Police

Muhamed Sheikh Avais, 50, now of no fixed abode, was tried and convicted at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court in his absence after fleeing to Pakistan the day before his trial was due to start in August 2015. 

He was also banned today at the crown court from being alone with girls under 16 and will be on the sex offenders register for life. 

Monica Rimmer
Journalist, BBC Online

Two men arrested after a severe blaze at an Amazon distribution centre have been told they will not face criminal charges. 

The pair, aged 19 and 21, from Birmingham and Wednesbury were detained on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life in November last year after a fire at the online retailer's warehouse in Rugeley, Staffordshire. 

Up to 1,000 employees were evacuated from the site as the blaze was suppressed by a sprinkler system at about 02:00 on 13 November. 

A Staffordshire Police spokesman said the two men, had been released from police bail after an investigation and would face no further action.

Graham McGarry
Crewe Alexandra commentator, BBC Radio Stoke

Crewe Alexandra have suffered a major blow in their bid to steer clear of the relegation battle in League Two. 

The Alex have been forced to cancel the loan of Johnny Margetts from Scunthorpe United due to a change in the transfer rules at the start of the season.

Image source, Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

The striker joined the club on transfer deadline day and was in line to be involved in tomorrow's game at Exeter City. 

But Margretts has already played this season for Lincoln City and has also featured for his parent club.

The rules state you can only play for two clubs during one season.

BBC Weather Watchers

Image source, Flying Ant

If you become a BBC Weather Watcher, not only can you keep us updated with the forecast from where you live, you can also upload photos to the website.

These two are from Staffordshire users Flying Ant in Stafford and Husky in Wilnecote.

Image source, Husky

Express and Star

Thousands of homes and dozens of gypsy pitches will be created in Cannock Chase over the next decade under a new masterplan., external

Image source, Express and Star

BBC Midlands Today

This lunchtime on BBC Midlands Today, we'll hear how police in the region say they've recovered a record amount of money and goods under the Proceeds of Crime Act this year. 

We'll also hear the latest on campaigning for the Stoke Central seat which steps up a gear today. 

Those stories and more, including your weather forecast, on BBC One from 13:30.

Allen Cook
BBC Local Live

A lovely picture of a stag at Tatton Park, Cheshire, taken and sent in by Sheryl Walker.

Image source, Sheryl Walker

While Ryan Mottram got a close-up of this swan in Middlewich, Cheshire and shared it via the BBC Radio Stoke Facebook page, external.

Image source, Ryan Mottram

If you want to share a photo you've taken of the area recently, send it in on email or, if you use Instagram, put it there with the tag #bbcstoke to show you agree to share it, external.      

Lee Thomas
Newsreader, BBC Radio Stoke

Our top stories this lunchtime include:

- A fire that saw a 38ft (11.6m) high straw Peter Rabbit sculpture burn to the ground is being treated as arson, police say

- Saido Berahino served an eight-week suspension before leaving West Brom, Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has said

- Part of a waterway near Stafford has been polluted, external

Stoke manager Mark Hughes says he was "aware" that Saido Berahino had received an eight-week ban while he was at previous club West Brom, while Tony Pulis says Albion looked after Berahino "more than most".

Crewe cancel the loan deal for Scunthorpe striker Jonny Margetts because he has already played for two clubs this season.

Owen Phillips
BBC Sport Online

Image source, Rex Features

Chairman Ben Robinson says he has been "disappointed" by the turnout from Burton Albion supporters for their home matches this season.

Albion average 4,925 from 14 home league matches so far in 2016-17.

The figure means the Brewers have the lowest crowds in the Championship.

Liz Ellis
Presenter, BBC Radio Stoke

A man from Kidsgrove says he's being made homeless after his grandparents died over Christmas. 

Seamus Clooney has told BBC Radio Stoke he had been caring for them for 16 years, but found out that he's not allowed to stay in the flat he shared with them. 

The tenancy had been passed to his grandmother after his grandfather died and housing association Affinity Sutton, external say it can't be passed on again. 

They say they understands it's an upsetting time for Mr Clooney and add that they will do everything they can to find him other suitable accommodation.

Allen Cook
BBC Local Live

A fire that saw a 38ft (11.6m) high straw Peter Rabbit sculpture burn to the ground is being treated as arson, police say.

Image source, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service

The blaze at Snugbury's factory in Hurleston, Nantwich , externalstarted at around 17:30 yesterday, according to Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

In a statement on Twitter, the firm says it is "very sad" to confirm the fire was started deliberately., external

Cheshire Police say "the consequences could have been worse had the fire not been put out so quickly".

Charlie Slater
BBC Weather presenter

It's been a dry, bright and chilly morning and here is how this afternoon is shaping up.

You can also get latest updates from the BBC Weather website.

Stoke City boss Mark Hughes says striker Saido Berahino served an eight-week Football Association ban when he was at West Brom.

Matt Sandoz
Stoke City commentator, BBC Radio Stoke

Saido Berahino could feature this weekend against his old club West Brom, Stoke City Manager Mark Hughes has said.

He made the comments after confirming the striker served an eight-week suspension before joining the Potters.

Image source, Gareth Copley/Getty Images

That move happened less than a fortnight ago but Berahino had not played for West Brom since September.

His relationship with the club broke down during the 2014-15 campaign.

After the transfer, he admited he was "lost" at West Brom and apologised to fans for his behaviour

BBC Sport

The West Brom manager Tony Pulis says he doesn't "give a damn now" about his former striker Saido Berahino. 

He's been speaking to the press this morning and was asked about the FA ban of Stoke City's Berahino in September.

Image source, Getty Images

Pulis said he wished the striker "all the best" but was happy he was "not my problem anymore".

He said West Brom had looked after Berahino but that relations had broken down some time ago.

"It's Mark Hughes's opportunity now to get the kid playing. If he gets the kid playing he's got a really good player." 

Listen to the full interview here. , external

Allen Cook
BBC Local Live

Part of a waterway near Stafford has been polluted. , external

The Environment Agency said it had a report yesterday of pollution in the Pasturefields Brook in Hixon.

Image source, Environment Agency

It says staff are working to contain it and reduce its impact on the area.

The agency says it's investigating what kind of pollutant it is and is urging people and animals to stay out of the water, until they finish their work.

Graham McGarry
BBC Radio Stoke Sport

Stoke City were aware of Saido Berahino's FA suspension at West Brom before signing him, Potters manager Mark Hughes has said.

The striker, 23, joined the Potters for £12m in the January transfer window.   

Hughes said Berahino had "issues at his previous club for 18 months" and served his suspension for a "Football Association disciplinary matter".

Lee Blakeman
Newsreader, BBC Radio Stoke

Our top stories this morning include:

- Police are investigating claims by the Labour Party that UKIP leader Paul Nuttall rented a house to mislead by-election voters about his home address

- A 38ft (11.6m) high straw Peter Rabbit sculpture in Cheshire has been badly burnt in a fire

- Saido Berahino served an eight-week suspension before leaving West Brom, Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has said