Allen Cook
BBC Local Live

A motorbiker's been airlifted to hospital after colliding with a road sweeper near Uttoxeter, external and getting trapped under the front of the vehicle.

Staffordshire Fire Service says it happened at around 08:40 today on Stone Road, Bramshall.

Image source, Google

Fire crews released him before paramedics took over.

West Midlands Ambulance Service says he was airlifted to the Royal Stoke University Hospital but the state of his injuries weren't yet known.

Allen Cook
BBC Local Live

The number of armed police on patrol in Cheshire's been scaled back with the reduction of the UK threat level from critical to severe.

Cheshire Police says they will still have extra armed and unarmed officers , externalon duty following last week's bomb attack in Manchester.

The change indicates an attack is highly likely, not imminently expected, external.

The force says it wants people to stay vigilant and report any concerns or suspicions.

Chris King
Reporter, BBC Radio Stoke

With just a week to go until the UK has a general election on 8 June, BBC Radio Stoke is hosting two constituency debates today.

Firstly, for an hour from 11:00, the candidates from Stoke-on-Trent North will be debating their issues, hosted by Perry Spiller.

Then this evening it's the turn of those fighting it out for the Crewe and Nantwich seat in a debate on BBC Radio Stoke from 19:00, hosted by Stuart George.

Paralympian Claire Cashmore says she wasn't allowed on a roller coaster at Alton Towers because she has one arm.

In a tweet, the swimmer from Kidderminster, who won gold and silver medals at the games in Rio last year, said she was refused permission to get on the Smiler ride.

Image source, Getty Images

Alton Towers say the reason was because the Smiler has a different assisted exit procedure to other rides and they have to abide by the policies set by the manufacturers.

Charlie Slater
BBC Weather presenter

Here's how today is shaping up, find out if you can leave the coat behind at home.

You can also keep regularly up-to-date with the latest forecasts by heading to the BBC Weather website.

Allen Cook
BBC Local Live

Hello everyone, another bright and sunny start to the day in Stoke-on-Trent - this was in Yoxall earlier this morning from BBC Weather Watcher Wendles.

Image source, Wendles

There'll be a full weather update along in a few minutes and, through today, the latest news, sport, travel and more.

You can keep sharing your pictures of Staffordshire and Cheshire - do that via email or put them on Instagram, external, adding the tag #bbcstoke to show you agree to share it.

We'll be back with our usual mix of news, sport, travel and weather from 08:00 tomorrow, but keep an eye out here for more updates this evening and into the morning.

Simon Stone
BBC Sport

A lot of rumours are flying around - and the transfer window is a month away from opening yet.

Latest to reach me with BBC Sport is former Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher possibly joining Stoke.

Image source, Getty Images

Fletcher has been outstanding since joining West Brom in January 2015.

His contract is up and Baggies boss Tony Pulis said he wanted Fletcher to stay.

Watch this space for if this turns into a reality for Stoke fans.

Allen Cook
BBC Local Live

Here are six of the photos picked out from the many we've had sent in the past few weeks, taken across Staffordshire and Cheshire.

You can share your photos of the area on email or, if you use Instagram, put them there, external and add the tag #bbcstoke to show you agree to share them.

Graham McGarry
Crewe Alexandra commentator, BBC Radio Stoke

Crewe Alexandra have swooped to sign the experienced Colchester United forward Chris Porter. , external

Image source, crewealex.net

He'll join when his current deal ends on 30 June and the 33-year-old will arrive on the back of scoring 16 goals last season.

He's signed a two-year deal with Crewe with another year as an option.

BBC Politics

In the run-up to 8 June's general election, the BBC has been sharing voters' thoughts.

The BBC's election panel in England is made up of voters with a range of political views drawn from across the nation.

Today it's been asked about tackling crime - in particular, if we need more prisons or fewer.

Here are views from around the region:

Shefali Oza
BBC Midlands Today

We're forecast some rain later in the week, but tomorrow is looking pretty much the same as today - cloudy and warm, with temperatures up to 22C (72F).

Russell Truran
Journalist, BBC Radio Stoke

Video technology's made a first appearance in judging at the Staffordshire County Show amid increased security at the event.

Following the Manchester bomb attack, thousands of visitors have faced bag searches and metal detector scans.

There's also been the video technology first, with some animals being judged purely on pre-recorded films.

They were carried out at farms which didn't have the time to come to the show or which have movement restrictions due to outbreaks of bovine tuberculosis.

You can see more about the debut of video technology at the show on BBC Midlands Today, from 18:30 on BBC One.

BBC Sport

Grimsby Town have signed out-of-contract Port Vale winger Sam Kelly.

Image source, Getty Images

The 23-year-old, who made 18 league starts during two years at Vale, has agreed a two-year deal with the Mariners and is manager Russell Slade's third signing of the summer.

Allen Cook
BBC Local Live

A man's been banned from driving and given community service, external after admitting causing the death of another man in a crash.

Staffordshire Police says victim Warren Trotman, 46, was cycling from Wall Island to his Lichfield home when he was hit by a van in October 2015 on the A5127 Birmingham Road.

Image source, Google

The force says it was being driven by David Stanley who pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to causing death by careless driving.

The 24-year-old from Winslow Road, Milton Keynes was sentenced at Stafford Crown Court to 175 community service, banned from driving for a year and fined £3,500.

Sarah Robertson
Journalist, BBC Radio Stoke

The team behind Stoke-on-Trent's bid to be UK City of Culture in 2021 have revealed more details about their plans for that year.

They include an opening ceremony around the six towns, external and a focus on working together to "make" the city.

After a speaking to almost 3,000 local people, the application was submitted to the government last month.

Organisers say they hope showing some of the plans will boost support for the bid ahead of the shortlist being announced in July.

Crewe Alexandra sign experienced Colchester United forward Chris Porter on a two-year contract.

Liz Ellis
Presenter, BBC Radio Stoke

A photo of a girl from Stoke-on-Trent giving sweets to armed police officers, external has gone viral on social media.

The picture's been shared more than 50,000 times since being posted on Facebook on Saturday.

Image source, David Latham-Heath

David Latham-Heath says his five-year-old daughter Bella was upset after the Manchester bombing last week.

He says she'd asked if she could buy police officers in Talke a treat for protecting her and he posted the photo to thank them.

Graham McGarry
Crewe Alexandra commentator, BBC Radio Stoke

Crewe Alexandra's latest signing Michael Raynes says it was the manager's ambition that made him want to join the club, not just the money.

Image source, Pete Norton/Getty Images

The 29-year-old defender signed a two-year contract at the Alexandra Stadium last week.

BBC Weather Watchers

The sun is shining this morning over Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, and our BBC Weather Watchers have already been uploading photos reflecting it.

These two are from Pete at Bradwell, in Longport, and Jon in Barlaston.

Image source, Pete at Bradwell

Image source, Jon