M6 closed in Staffordshire due to 'unsafe' bridge
Man took wedding ring off the fingers of 98-year-old bedridden woman
Former Bishop of Lichfield, Keith Sutton, dies
D-Day veteran awarded French honour
Updates on Friday 24 March
Allen Cook
BBC Local Live
I've picked out five pictures from the many you've shared of Staffordshire and Cheshire.
To get your photo to me you can email it or, if you use Instagram, put it on the app with the tag #bbcstoke to show you agree to share it. , external
Your pictures
In-form Crewe striker Chris Dagnall is dubbed "a League Two Michael Owen" by Alex manager David Artell.
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BBC Midlands Today
This lunchtime on Midlands Today - concussion in football players could be identified in a matter of seconds, if virtual-reality technology, tested in Birmingham, is successful.
Virtual reality tests on footballers could spot brain injury
The family of the West Bromwich Albion legend Jeff Astle have conducted a 15-year campaign for more research into a link between dementia and heading a ball.
We'll have the full story from 13:30 on BBC One.
Allen Cook
BBC Local Live
The mansion house at the Shugborough Estate won't reopen at the same time as the rest of the estate this week.
The National Trust, which has taken over the running of the site, says fire prevention work on historic doors means the main hall won't be open until 23 March, external .
Image source, National TrustMost of the rest of the estate is set to open tomorrow after the winter break.
Staffordshire County Council, which leased the Grade I-listed property from the National Trust, handed it back last year to save money.
The trust also adds that the staircase up to the Lichfield apartments needs "vital conservation work" to make it safe, so they won't open until June at the earliest. , external
Graham McGarry
BBC Radio Stoke Sport
A Staffordshire athlete equalled a record for the number of wins in the Stafford half marathon at the weekend.
Cheadle athlete Rebecca Harrison, with five wins, external , is now tied in the women's race's history with Cannock's Christine Kilkenny, who won her fifth race in 1992.
The men's race was won by Jordan Weaver, from Kent, as thousands turned up to support the 4,000 runners. , external
Runners in Stafford Half Marathon
Laura Mcmullan
Reporter, BBC Midlands Today
A former Stoke City defender, who suffered a career-ending head injury two years ago, says the safety of the game could be improved by the use of technology.
Andy Wilkinson retired from the sport after being struck by a ball during an FA Cup tie in 2015.
Image source, Getty ImagesResearchers are claiming that a virtual reality (VR) headset could help football club doctors diagnose concussion more accurately.
After 192 appearances in Wilkinson's 14 years on the books at Stoke, the tough-tackling full-back's career was over at the age of 31.
Quote MessageI just thought, come the Monday morning after the game I'd be fine and just crack on, play another seven years but unfortunately, I've been all around world, seen the best specialists and [they] all came to the same conclusion."
Andy Wilkinson, Stoke City defender
BBC Midlands Today
An increase in house prices nationally is being driven by the Midlands and no longer the London commuter belt.
The online estate agents Rightmove reports record sales and in-demand properties going to sealed bids.
Across the West Midlands, the average asking price in March was £213,000.
A formal merger between South Staffordshire and Walsall colleges has been ruled out by their principals and governors. , external
Image source, Express and StarApologies - we've had a break in posts on our live feed this morning because of technical issues.
Hopefully that's all been resolved and normal service should now have resumed.
Thanks for bearing with us.
Matt Sandoz
Stoke City commentator, BBC Radio Stoke
The Stoke City manager, Mark Hughes, has criticised the Chelsea striker Diego Costa's behaviour on the pitch, saying he "doesn't do himself any favours".
Image source, Tony Marshall/Getty ImagesThe striker had running battles with Ryan Shawcross and Bruno Martins Indi in Saturday's 2-1 defeat for the Potters.
Quote MessageHe's an outstanding player, fantastic centre-forward. I can appreciate the skills that he has because I played many, many years in that position myself so I understand exactly what he's trying to do, but at times he doesn't do himself any favours and, at times, he could be better."
Mark Hughes, Stoke City manager
Emma Thomas
Political reporter, BBC Radio Stoke
A father-of-two, who is seeking asylum in Stoke-on-Trent, says he lies to his children to pretend he has a job because he's so frustrated Home Office rules mean he isn't allowed to work.
Suresh Razbhandai, who's 34, moved to the UK from Nepal with his wife after they say they faced persecution due to being from different religions.
Until recently he was volunteering as a translator for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, but government rules mean even working for free is not allowed.
The Home Office says the policy is designed to protect the labour market for those lawfully residing in the UK.
Quote MessageThey (the Home Office) want me to sit at home and not work. I was only trying to help others. There might be people who really don't want to anything. If I want to do something, what's the harm in that?"
Suresh Razbhandai , Asylum seeker in Stoke-on-Trent
Allen Cook
BBC Local Live
There were plenty of tributes on the BBC Radio Stoke Facebook page yesterday to the news that the rock and roll legend Chuck Berry had died aged 90 .
The guitarist and songwriter is recognised as one of the fathers of rock 'n' roll.
Sylvia Kenny posted, external : "He really was. Made my teenage years great. RIP legend. Thanks for all the music."
While Bill Cawley added a personal memory, external : "Played the Buxton Festival in the mud in 1974, bringing rock and roll to Hollinsclough as well as teaching some roadies the duck walk."
Jennie Aitken
BBC Radio Stoke journalist
The funeral of a Stoke-on-Trent woman who rose to prominence during the 1985 miners strike in north Staffordshire is taking place today.
Brenda Procter served as secretary of the North Staffs Miners' Wives action group before spending time as a councillor with the city council.
Image source, Margaret AstleThe group gave support to miners and their families and set up food centres during the strike.
Brenda Procter was also part of a group who occupied the last local deep pit in north Staffordshire, Trentham Colliery , for three days in 1993.
Her funeral takes place this morning at Longton Central Hall Methodist Church, followed by a celebration of her life at Florence Colliery Club.
Three people have been arrested after the stolen car they were travelling in crashed into a garden fence following a police pursuit. , external
Image source, The Sentinel
Alex Hamilton
BBC Weather
After a wet start to the day with widespread rain, it will become drier and brighter this afternoon with highs of 11C (52F).
You can find a detailed forecast for your area on the BBC Weather site.
Latest weather for the West Midlands
Allen Cook
BBC Local Live
Morning everyone, it's a wet start to the week in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, with the rain coming down steadily.
We'll let you know how the rest of today's looking on the weather front shortly and there'll be updates through today on the news, sport, travel and more.
I'm also going to feature more of your photos of Staffordshire and Cheshire so send yours in on email or, if you use Instagram, put them there with the tag #bbcstoke., external
