Allen Cook
BBC Local Live

The cyclist who was airlifted to hospital after suffering serious injuries in a crash near Alrewas was involved in a "freak accident, external" the ambulance service says.

West Midlands Ambulance Service says the man, who was in his 30s, was in a group of around 50 riders last night on the A513, between Alrewas and Kings Bromley, external.

Image source, West Midlands Ambulance Service

They say they were going at around 25mph when he "came together" with another rider and, reportedly, went over the handlebars and landed on his head.

Paramedics say he was wearing a helmet but was unconscious with serious head injuries when they arrived and he was airlifted to hospital.

Amy Woodfield
BBC Local Live

Police have charged two people over the death of five-year-old Charlie Dunn who drowned following an incident at Bosworth Water Park in July last year.

Lynsey Dunn and Paul Smith, Charlie's mother and step-father, are accused of manslaughter by gross negligence.

Image source, Family handout

The 28 and 36-year-olds, from Glascote Heath in Tamworth, have also both been charged with seven child neglect offences.

Paul Smith has also been charged with two counts of witness intimidation, one count of threats to damage or destroy property by fire and eight driving offences.

They are both due to appear at Leicester Crown Court on 5 July.

Lee Blakeman
Port Vale commentator, BBC Radio Stoke

Port Vale are expected to make further signings this week after two yesterday.

Image source, Rex Features

Cristian Montano joined from League One side Bristol Rovers yesterday while goalkeeper Rob Lainton (pictured) also signed a two-year contract after his release from Bury.

BBC Radio Stoke understands manager Michael Brown is targeting another keeper as he rebuilds his squad.

Express and Star

Two young brothers and their sister saved their mother's life when they called 999 for help after she had an epileptic fit., external

Image source, Express and Star

Lee Thomas
Newsreader, BBC Radio Stoke

A school says it's "immensely proud" of the support they've seen from the local community after one of its pupils, external was hit by a car.

Staffordshire Police says the 11-year-old boy was airlifted to Birmingham Children's Hospital with life-threatening injuries after the collision on Newcastle Road, Madeley yesterday.

Image source, Google

The force says today his condition is now stable in the hospital.

In a statement, Madeley High School confirmed the boy was one of its students and says fellow pupils and staff, who may have seen the crash, are being given support.

Crewe Alexandra manager David Artell is happy to commit his future to the club by signing a contract at Gresty Road.

BBC Weather Watchers

The hot weather is continuing and Staffordshire has been basking in the sunshine for another day.

That's led to some great BBC Weather Watcher photos - these two from users Terry eyre in Alton and Thornhill Watch in Hednesford.

Image source, Terry Eyre

Image source, Thornhill Watch

BBC News Travel

Two lanes have been closed on the M6 southbound in Cheshire, external after a crash between junctions 19 and 18.

Highways England says there are severe delays in the area.

Image source, Highways England

Staffordshire Newsletter

Sunlight reflected off a mirror sparked a blaze at a Gnosall home., external

Ros Chimes
Reporter, BBC Radio Stoke

Thousands more people are expected to visit the Royal Cheshire County Show as it enters its final day.

The warm weather means, organisers say, it's been a bumper year for people coming through the gates of the event in Tabley.

Last year, 75,000 visited the event, external and there are hundreds of animals on show, local and regional food producers and a 35m (115ft) high ferris wheel, external this year.

Allen Cook
BBC Local Live

A planned new law to allow the high-speed rail line HS2 to be extended from Birmingham to Crewe has been included in the Queen's Speech.

Image source, HS2

The Queen announced the government's legislative programme for the next two years at the State Opening of Parliament.

The planned new bill for HS2 will include the right to compulsorily get the land needed to build and run the line.

BBC Midlands Today

Reports of children being emotionally abused increased by almost 60% in the West Midlands last year.

That's according to new figures released by the NSPCC, external, which says it received 1,017 calls in 2016-17 from people concerned about children, up from 641 calls in 2014-15.

The charity fears the problem could be the tip of the iceberg and is urging the government to investigate.

Traffic's been stopped on the M6 northbound near Stoke-on-Trent as Highways England say they're dealing with an overturned caravan.

BBC News England

A single to raise money for those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire has been released.

Stars including Stoke-on-Trent-born singer Robbie Williams recorded Bridge Over Troubled Water, external to help raise money for those affected.

The cover of the Simon and Garfunkel classic was organised by Simon Cowell.

At least 79 people are now missing, presumed dead, following the fire in west London a week ago.

Today will be a sunny day for most of us but an unlucky few could see very different weather.

The Met Office is warning , externalthat some parts of the West Midlands could face torrential downpours, frequent lightning and even a chance of hail from late on this afternoon.

Areas affected could even be subject to sudden localised flooding affecting roads, homes and businesses.

Image source, Met Office

The Sentinel

A disgraced music teacher forcibly kissed a 13-year-old schoolgirl – on a break, external from band practice.

Image source, The Sentinel

Allen Cook
BBC Local Live

One person's thought to have suffered serious injuries in a crash near Crewe.

Cheshire police say they were called at 09:45 to the A534, near Haslington.

The force say they believe a motorbike and a van have been involved in a crash which has shut the road from the Crewe Green roundabout to Wheelock, near Sandbach., external

BBC Midlands Today

The West Midlands Ambulance Service says it has seen an increase in heat-related call-outs of more than a third.

While some people are enjoying the high temperatures, the service says elderly, babies and young children are all more vulnerable., external

They say on the 12 June they had almost 970 such calls ,but on Monday they had more than 1,340.

The advice from doctors is to drink lots of water and stay out of the sun between 11:00 and 15:00.

Lee Blakeman
BBC Radio Stoke reporter

A meeting involving Staffordshire Police and local council leaders is taking place today to discuss how prepared they are for a major incidents.

Image source, AFP/GETTY

It comes following recent terror attacks in London and Manchester and the fire at the Grenfell Tower.

It's been organised by Staffordshire's police and crime commissioner Matthew Ellis who says it is a vital time for them to be reviewing their plans for the county.

Lee Blakeman
Port Vale commentator, BBC Radio Stoke

Port Vale will start and end their first season back in League Two with away fixtures.

They go to Crawley on the opening day while they end the campaign at Cambridge.

Image source, Nathan Stirk/Getty Images

The League Two fixtures, released this morning, also reveal Crewe Alexandra start with a home game against Mansfield while they end the season at home to Cheltenham.

Vale and Crewe play each other at Vale Park on Saturday 26 August and at the Alexandra Stadium on Easter Monday, 2 April 2018.