BBC Weather

It will be cold, dry and sunny today with just a few patches of cloud at times. Moderate winds and a high of 1C (34F).

Clear spells are forecast this evening and tonight which will keep it cold and dry. Winds will get stronger and the low will be -6C (21F).

You can keep up-to-date with your local forecast by going to the BBC Weather website.

Everyone in the borough legitimately out during lockdown is being urged to get tested weekly.

More than two million doses of coronavirus vaccine have now been administered in the Midlands area.

Figures covering the period between 8 December and 7 February show that included 2,036,609 first doses and 70,639 second doses.

Image source, Getty Images

The majority of the vaccinations given out in the Midlands so far have gone to people over the age of 70, but 731,353 people under the age of 70 have had their first jab now.

A total of 10,992,933 doses of one of the vaccines were given out across England in that period.

Sophie Calvert
Political Reporter, BBC Radio Stoke

Staffordshire County Council has approved a council tax increase of 4.99%.

The local authority said it meant people who live in Band D properties will see a rise of £1.24 a week in the coming financial year.

Conservative leader Councillor Alan White says the increase is needed to pay for the growing cost of social care.

He said: “We need central Government to take the lead in finding sustainable long-term solutions.”

Councillor Charlotte Atkins, Labour group leader described the rise as "shameful".

In setting the budget for 2021-22 Staffordshire County Council says it has a shortfall of £33m.

The next phase of the HS2 high-speed rail line through Staffordshire and Cheshire has been given approval by MPs this lunchtime.

Known as Phase 2a, the 30-mile stretch will take the line from the West Midlands to Crewe and should be complete some time between 2035 and 2040.

Work on the first phase, between London and Birmingham, is already under way and should be complete between 2028 and 2031.

Image source, Siemens/PA

The government has promised to plant 78 hectares of woodland as part of this next phase as part of efforts to compensate for the 9.8 hectares of ancient woodland that will be lost.

Dr Kieran Mullan, MP for Crewe & Nantwich said: “It is crucial to bringing new jobs and opportunities to our town and for creating better local rail connections as we free up the currently overly congested line West Coast Main Line."

The child suffered "significant bruising, swelling to the face, eyes and ears", police say.

Police raid a party in Cheshire where several households had gathered after booking the event online.

BBC Weather

More cold weather is forecast today, with easterly winds, and it should be dry and sunny. High: 1C (34F).

Image source, BBC Weather Watcher Di's walk

It should stay cold into tonight with a risk of frost and ice. Dry with a low of -3C (27F).

You can stay up-to-date with the weather for your area by going to the BBC Weather website.

The pandemic saw donations stall, but work will now begin in April after £92,000 was raised.

Warrington Wolves release Tonga international prop Leilani Latu by mutual consent, with immediate effect.

Barry Burkhill "did not intervene in bullying" in the meeting hosted by Jackie Weaver, it is claimed.

Labour's Charlotte Nichols says she is "horrified" to receive anti-Semitic and homophobic abuse.

Villagers whose home were hit by Storm Christoph are surprised to find they do not qualify for support.

BBC Weather

Temperatures won't rise much above above freezing today and there could be a bit more snow.

And it's forecast to remain the same until the weekend.

Image source, Liesa

A motorist from Staffordshire tells police in West Yorkshire he visited Bradford to buy food.

Some areas could continue to see disruption due to snow and ice, the Met Office is warning. , external

Image source, Met Office

Parts of Staffordshire and Warwickshire are covered by a yellow warning for ice and snow until the end of Wednesday.

Yellow warnings signify there could be travel disruption and a slight chance of power cuts or communities being cut off.

Some bus routes are being affected across Birmingham, Coventry and Rugby.

BBC Weather

It will be another cold day with scattered snow flurries but also sunny spells at times with highs of 1°C (34°F).

John Jackson, 52, known as Adam, was "a true gentleman", his sister says.

Lewis Tunnicliffe was filmed moving into his wife's care home after the pair were separated by Covid.

Jackie Weaver became an internet sensation after a recording of the chaotic Zoom meeting went viral.