Tunstall imam found guilty of terror offences
Arrests after alleged axe threats
Ceramics Biennial starts in Stoke-on-Trent
Mental health staff off work more than doubles
More time to consider putting down stray dogs if owners don't pay
Updates from Friday 22 September 2017
BBC Radio Stoke
People in Leek are being invited to have their say on where to move the town's post office.
The current one, based in Waitrose, closes today, and the plan is to relocate it to The Old Court House on High Street, 800 metres away.
If given the go-ahead, bosses say that they'll be ready to open the new one in November.
Image source, PA
Graham McGarry
Crewe Alexandra commentator, BBC Radio Stoke
Crewe defender Michael Raynes says there's no panic in the dressing room despite the side’s recent results.
The Alex have lost four of their last five in all competitions, and failed to score in three of the last four.
Image source, Rex FeaturesRaynes told BBC Radio Stoke the team are still on the right track.
They face Carlisle United at home tomorrow, with Raynes facing his former club since singing for the club in May.
Bob Hockenhull
BBC Midlands Today
Split in two by HS2 - a farm near Lichfield closes to the public this weekend after more than 90 years in business.
John and Rosemary Barnes will close the gates of Packington Moor Farm as the high speed rail line gets set to cut right through their site.
Three generations of farming will then come to an end for a family that labels HS2 "a vanity project" despite the compensation it's received.
Today the farm closes its doors to the public, although weddings held at the site will continue until the end of the year as it fulfills commitments.
Western Power say there is a power cut in the ST11 area of Stoke-on-Trent.
They hope to have power back on by 13:30.
Allow Twitter content?
This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.
Police are warning members of the public not to take matters into their own hands after a man was confronted by, external "paedophile hunters" in one of Stoke-on-Trent’s biggest parks.
Lee Blakeman
BBC Radio Stoke Sport
Stoke City's Peter Crouch has told fellow striker Saido Berahino to stay patient after failing to appear in the starting line up since the opening game of the season.
The forward hasn't scored in 30 Premier League appearances - his last goal was for West Brom against Crystal Palace 17 months ago.
Crouch says his team mate just needs to stay positive.
Quote MessageI know it can be frustrating at times, there are players that can throw their toys out the pram and make it harder for themselves, what I've always down is keep my head down and work hard and try and get back in the side... that's what I've said to Saido is not to get too frustrated with it... his time will come."
Peter Crouch, Footballer
A family have escaped a fire at a flat in Tamworth.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said crews were called to a second floor flat on Arden Close, Amington, at 00:17 on Friday to reports of a bedroom fire.
The service said the fire was caused by a modified lighter which had been left on flammable materials in the bedroom.
Image source, GoogleQuote MessageThankfully no one was seriously harmed by this fire and we were able to attend before serious damage was caused to the property. Fortunately the parents smelled the smoke before the fire spread throughout the property and were able to evacuate and call us."
Quote MessageAs they did not have working smoking alarms this incident could easily have had a more tragic outcome."
Gary Fox, Station Manager
There was a definite autumn chill in the air this morning, but it's worth it if you can capture these kinds of stunning pictures.
How incredible is this shot taken in Burton-upon-Trent by Poeticverse?
Image source, poeticverseDawn Treader took this gorgeous picture in Congleton, what a peaceful-looking place.
Send in your weather pictures here and we'll feature some of our favourites.
Image source, Dawn TreaderA wide load is making its way through Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent this morning.
Police said on Twitter, it will make move north to Stone and Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Allow Twitter content?
This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.
A massive cycling event takes place this weekend in Staffordshire, the Black Country and Worcestershire.
On Sunday, 15,000 cyclists will follow the 100-mile route of Velo Birmingham through the Midlands, much of it on closed roads.
Here are some of the comments you've been making on Facebook:
Image source, Getty ImagesQuote MessageHow will it effect me? Should one of my family ever need to be cared for by McMillan nurses, money raised from the Velo may help with their care. My husband is diabetic and money raised from the Velo may one day find a cure for the disease."
Lynsey Pledger
Quote MessageAll taking part on the public highway. A definition of highway is an area of land which the public at large have an absolute right to use to pass and repass without let or hindrance. I appreciate the need to close roads to carry out road repairs, or install or repair utilities but for a sporting event?"
David Denning
Quote MessageYes okay, the money will be raised for Macmillan nurses etc, but what about district nurses or carers that may already be visiting a member of your family, but can’t get through because the roads are closed?"
David Austin
Quote MessageVelo Birmingham? Hardly any of it is in Birmingham."
Dale Harper
BBC Sport
Image source, BBC SportStoke boss Mark Hughes was absolutely fuming after Tuesday's Carabao Cup defeat by Championship side Bristol City and he will get a reaction from his side.
The Potters will set it out to make it difficult for Chelsea, and they showed against Manchester United earlier in the month what they are capable of against the top teams.
Chelsea are no pushovers, though, and will be ready for a battle.
Lawro's prediction: 1-1
Jennie Aitken
Reporter, BBC Radio Stoke
The number of mental health staff off work with anxiety or depression has doubled since 2012 in north Staffordshire.
There's been a rise nationally with the number of workers taking leave for their own mental health issues going up by a quarter.
Image source, PAFigures for the West Midlands region show the increase for north Staffordshire is by far the highest.
Five years ago, 44 workers were off sick for at least four weeks because of mental health issues, by 2016 that went up to 91.
The North Staffs Combined Healthcare NHS Trust says it's seen an increase in reported stress, but they've invested more in staff counselling and support, including talking therapies.
The trust has also brought in a project to better support staff who have been subject to violence or aggression in the workplace.
BBC Radio Stoke
Councillors in Newcastle-under-Lyme say more time is needed to consider changing a policy about how the authority deals with stray dogs.
Dogs are rehomed or put down when they are not returned to their owners.
Image source, Dogs TrustCurrent rules allow owners to retrieve their dogs even if they can't afford a £70 fine, as long as they pay within four weeks.
The council says more and more people aren't paying up and it is considering stopping the offer of a deferred payment option.
BBC Midlands Today
A major international ceramics festival begins in the Potteries later today.
The British Ceramics Biennial is taking place as Stoke-on-Trent finalises its bid to become UK City of Culture in 2021.
The event includes exhibitions and interactive workshops.
BBC Midlands Today
Fifteen thousand cyclists will take to the region's roads on Sunday for the first Velo Birmingham.
The race is proving controversial as some businesses along the 100-mile route are concerned that road closures in Staffordshire, the Black Country and Worcestershire will damage trade.
Many roads will be closed throughout the area - check whether you'll be affected on the website., external
Image source, Velo Birmingham
Charlie Slater
BBC Weather presenter
After a foggy start for some, there'll be some decent sunshine around this morning, but cloud will increase later bringing some rain with highs of 17C (63F).
Latest weather for the West Midlands
Monica Rimmer
Journalist, BBC Online
Welcome to Stoke and Staffordshire Live on Friday morning.
We'll be bringing you all the news, sport, travel and weather as it happens.
If you'd like to get in touch you can email, tweet us on @bbcradiostoke, external or message via Facebook, external.
Mark Lawrenson takes on Kingsman actor & Arsenal fan Mark Strong in the next round of Premier League matches.
Read MoreWe'll be back with our usual mix of news, sport, travel and weather from 08:00 tomorrow.
Keep an eye out here for more updates this evening and into the morning.
BBC Radio Stoke
After being cancelled earlier this year because of health and safety concerns, the Mow Cop Killer Mile is taking place this evening.
Image source, GoogleWith a total climb of more than 550 feet, the organisers say it's one of the hardest races in the area.
It was first run 35 years ago in 1982.
