BBC Weather

A dull and wet start for most with outbreaks of rain which should clear by this afternoon leaving clear skies with some sunny spells. High: 11C/52F.

Image source, BBC Weather Watcher WolgarstonSci

The evening and night should stay dry with clear skies. Turning chilly with a low of 0C/32F.

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

The trust announced schools would close a week early but the government said they must remain open.

Two men have been arrested in connection with a stabbing in Cannock.

Police were called out at 23:30 to reports a man had been stabbed in the head and the hand on Sycamore Green.

The victim was taken to hospital and his injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.

A 27-year-old and a 34-year-old, both from Cannock, remain in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent.

Super League side Warrington Wolves sign London Broncos prop Rob Butler on a two-year contract.

The attacker and the victim both made their orders before leaving the scene.

Shefali Oza
BBC Midlands Today

It will by a dull and cloudy day with the possibility of brighter spots later and highs of 12°C (54°F).

Warrington Wolves trio Ben Currie, Jason Clark and Matt Davis all sign new contracts with the Super League club.

Lauren Mae Bloomer, 25, from Birmingham, was found seriously injured in Tamworth.

Rich Davis
BBC Weather presenter

It will be a dry day with some bright spells and highs of 10C (50F).

The latest news, sport, travel and weather across the West Midlands and south Cheshire.

Fearful that lockdown will extend until Christmas, households have been ordering smaller turkeys.

An academy trust said it is closing schools to protect families from self-isolation at Christmas.

A 27-year-old man, from Tamworth, is arrested on suspicion of murder, police say.

The un-named officer is dismissed after being found guilty of gross misconduct.

Shefali Oza
BBC Midlands Today

After a chilly start it will be a cloudy day with some light rain or drizzle and highs of 10°C (50°F).

BBC Radio Stoke

Struggling families in Staffordshire are going to be offered food vouchers and other essentials over Christmas.

Image source, PA Media

The county council said it would use £2.2m from the government to pay for the scheme which will be aimed at families eligible for free school meals.

It said it would also help children of adults who can show they are facing financial difficulties including due to Covid-19.

BBC Radio Stoke

More than 1,200 homes are set to be built in Crewe after outline plans received approval from the local council.

Image source, Google

Two proposals of 850, external and 400 homes, external have been agreed by Cheshire East councillors for land off Minshull New Road.

A new primary school, a local centre and other buildings will also be built under the plans.

BBC Business News

Fashion chains Peacocks and Jaeger have fallen into administration, putting more than 4,700 jobs and almost 500 shops at risk.

Image source, Getty Images

It comes after owner Edinburgh Woollen Mill failed to find a buyer for both businesses.

Jaeger has stores in Stoke-on-Trent and Birmingham.

Peacocks has more than a dozen stores across the region.

Tony Wright, joint administrator of the business from FRP Advisory, said talks with potential buyers were still going on.

It was collected by one of the star's hairdressers who also cut Elvis's mother's hair.

Danielle Mather died in hospital after being found in cardiac arrest at a house in Meir, Staffordshire.