Matt Lee
Reporter, BBC Radio Stoke

Firefighters in Cheshire will stop responding to medical emergencies from today over a national pay dispute.

Since last summer, Cheshire fire and rescue service has been responding to cardiac arrests on top of crews' normal duties - sometimes arriving before ambulance crews to begin life-saving treatment.

It's an arrangement that's been in place for a few years in parts of the south of the county.

Image source, Thinkstock

The Fire Brigades Union, external says it was told the extra duties would be reflected in a pay increase, but a 2% offer has been rejected.

As a result, from next week, its members will no longer take part in medical responses.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, external says it's "extremely disappointed".

Jodie Looker
Newsreader, BBC Radio Stoke

A 10-year-old girl's suffered life-changing injuries after being involved in a crash in Newcastle-under-Lyme on Saturday night.

The incident, involving two cars, happened on Hempstalls Lane and at the junction with Beattie Avenue at about 22:30.

Image source, Google

The girl had to have her lower leg amputated below the knee and a 39-year-old woman who was driving one of the cars is in hospital for observation.

A 35-year-old man was arrested at the scene after providing a positive road side breath test and has been released under investigation, Staffordshire Police said.

Rich Davis
BBC Weather presenter

After a chilly start it should be a dry morning with some sunny or bright spells.

Cloud will thicken this afternoon bringing isolated showers with top temperatures of around 16C (61F).

Monica Rimmer
Journalist, BBC Online

Good morning and welcome to the live page for Staffordshire and Cheshire.

We'll be bringing you the latest news, sport, travel and weather updates between now and 18:00.

If you'd like to get in touch, you can reach us on Facebook , externalor tweet @BBCRadioStoke, external.