Summary

  • Biker's death leaves 'a big void that will never be filled'

  • Arson warning after Cannock Chase 'targeted'

  • 'Significant job losses' expected by union over campus closure

  • Michael Brown: Port Vale name caretaker boss as manager

  • Updates from Wednesday 3 May 2017

Live Reporting

Allen Cook

  1. Cameras to spy on drivers 'abusing' car park

    The Stoke Sentinel

    A hotel near the city's main train station is looking to take action against car park abuse by installing vehicle recognition cameras.

  2. Gypsy funeral to be held in Hartshill

    Hundreds of people are expected to line the streets of Hartshill, Stoke-on-Trent this lunchtime to pay their respects to the man known as the king of the gypsies.

    Lawrence Boswell was the last in a line of Romany gypsies who could trace their history in the city back 400 years.

    Hartshill churchGoogle

    He died last month at the age of 83 and his funeral takes place at midday in Hartshill church (pictured above).  

  3. Reaction as Hull beaten by Sunderland, Bournemouth & Stoke safe

    Big day at the bottom - reaction after a dramatic afternoon for teams in the bottom half of the Premier League.

    Read More

  4. Vale need another clear-out, says Brown

    Caretaker manager Michael Brown hopes to be given the job of rebuilding Port Vale following their relegation from League One.

    Read More

  5. Port Vale: Skipper Purkiss wants to stay

    BBC Sport

    Port Vale captain Ben Purkiss hopes the club will keep him for next season. 

    Vale were relegated to League Two following Sunday's goalless draw at Fleetwood. 

    Ben PurkissGetty Images

    But Purkiss wants to stay and says he will give his all for the team.   

  6. Football: Failure to win sees Port Vale relegated

    BBC Sport

    Port Vale were relegated to League Two despite drawing their final game of the season at Fleetwood Town, who had to settle for a play-off spot.

    scoresBBC Sport

    Needing to win and hope at least one other result went their way, Vale sat back for the first hour before a desperate finale, as it emerged they needed just one late goal to survive.

    Anthony de Freitas went close for the visitors late on but fired just over.

    And Vale's four-year stay in League One ended as they failed to find a winner.

  7. Football: Hughes pleased to have Butland back

    BBC Sport

    Stoke manager Mark Hughes is confident Jack Butland's injuries are behind him. 

    Butland kept his first clean sheet since returning from a long-term ankle injury in Saturday's goalless draw with West Ham. 

    Jack ButlandPA

    It was the 24-year-old's first Premier League appearance at home since 12 March 2016 - 413 days ago.  

  8. Weather: Mostly dry and sunny

    BBC Weather

    Some mist and a few foggy patches first thing but a generally dry day with some sunshine. Highs of 16C (61F).

    Find the latest forecast here. 

    The latest weather for the West Midlands

  9. Latest updates for Staffordshire and Cheshire

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