Regular updates for Suffolk have stopped until 08:00 on Friday morning, but any breaking news will still appear here overnight.

During the day we've:

• Had an update from the wife of a football fan who has needed round-the-clock care since he was assaulted after a match in March 2015
• Found out what young people in Bury St Edmunds are concerned about ahead of next month's general election
• Seen three examples of what you can do with a shed if you've got a bit of imagination

Scroll down and you can find out more on these, and other stories.

We'll leave you with a green and pleasant country scene from one of our BBC Weather Watchers, "Sunset Alli" in Cockfield:

Graeme Mac
BBC Radio Suffolk sport

There has been official confirmation from Ipswich Town today that manager Mick McCarthy has allowed a number of players to leave the club. , external

Defenders Jordan Spence (pictured) and Steven Taylor, though, are not on the list, and both appear to have a chance at earning new contracts with the club, having initially agreed to shorter-term deals.

Spence had gone more than six months without kicking a competitive ball before joining the Blues in January, but got better throughout his spell at Portman Road, making 17 appearances in total.

The former West Ham player has proved his fitness and versatility, and at 26, could have plenty more to offer.

While Taylor could also have a lot to offer, his fitness is a real concern.

That said, I would be surprised if the 31-year-old is not an Ipswich player come August if he takes up the club's offer of staying on for pre-season, and avoids the treatment table.

Caroline Kingdon
BBC Local Live

A hand-written Naval officer's letter confirming Britain's declaration of hostilities with Germany in 1939 is up for auction this weekend.

Written in pencil on board a ship, dated 3 September 1939, the communication reads: "To: all concerned, home & abroad; From Admiralty - Commence hostilities at once with Germany". (pictured below)

The start of the war in Europe is generally acknowledged to be 1 September 1939, when Germany invaded Poland. Two days later, Britain and France declared war on Germany.

The serving officer was William Henry Martin, who lived in Abercynon, South Wales, before moving to West Hartlepool. He survived the war.

Image source, TW Gaze

The page, which comes from an official naval-issue message pad, was eventually given to his mother as a keepsake. She kept it hidden in a tobacco tin, before it was passed on to the uncle of the present owner, who lives in Norwich.

The document, which is expected to reach £200-£300, is among 500 lots that will come under the hammer this Saturday, as part of Diss Auction Rooms' Militia auction, external.

Included in the sale is a Midshipman's diary of historical interest, because it covers a first-hand account of the last shots fired in the Pacific during World War Two, among other events. It was kept by John G Pike, who had lied about his age in order to join the war effort aged 16. The journal is expected to reach £3000-£5000.

The family of 28-year-old Jamie Finlay, who died at Addenbrooke's Hospital three days after a car crash on the A1088 at Ixworth last week, has paid tribute to him.

Image source, Suffolk Police

The tribute says Jamie, who lived in Woolpit, was "tragically taken too early", and says he was the "affectionate and caring son of Irene Finlay, doting dad to Oscar, Charlie and stepson Blake, loving brother of Cindy, boyfriend of Kerry, and best mate of 'Cheeks'".

The family also praises the "kind support" of the Neurosciences Critical Care Unit at Addenbrooke's, saying their care of Jamie was "wonderful".

Graeme Mac
BBC Radio Suffolk sport

Ipswich Witches, external are in Sheffield for their latest Championship Speedway meeting, and they'll be hoping for and expecting a better result compared with their visit to South Yorkshire last month.

The Tigers won 57-33 that night, but Director of Speedway Chris Louis believes it will be far closer this time around.

Nathan Greaves (pictured), who impressed on his debut for the Suffolk side last week, has previously raced for tonight's opposition, and Louis believes his local knowledge should serve the Witches well.

"I'm sure he will want to put one over Sheffield," Louis told us. "That usually happens when you return to a club. It's going to be quite exciting."

This hut has been shortlisted, along with the Walberswick Ferry hut we've just seen, in the "Historic" category of the Shed of the Year, external competition.

The Museum of Knots and Sailors' Ropework in Ipswich is owned by Des Pawson:

Image source, Cuprinol/PA

We're told the niche shed was purpose built 20 years ago as a museum to display the sheddie's extensive and unique collection of knots and ropework.

Curated from all over the world, you will find everything from fisherman knots to endless slings, granny knots to grommets, which come together to create an interesting rope village.

Image source, Cuprinol/PA

A judging panel will pick an overall winner, whose creation will be crowned Shed of the Year 2017, later this summer on the Channel 4 show Amazing Spaces Shed of the year, external.

You'll be able to hear from all three shed owners during Mark Murphy's programme on BBC Suffolk tomorrow morning from 07:00.

We've moved to Walberswick for the second of the county's entrants in this year's Shed of the Year, external competition, this time in the "Historic" category

The Walberswick Ferry Hut is owned by Dani Church:

Image source, Cuprinol/PA

Established in 1236 as a rowing boat service across the River Blyth from Southwold to Walberswick, Dani is the fifth generation of her family to run and maintain the service.

The description says it's a simple shed filled with everything you need for the service, as well as a rest spot for Dani, and is set on stilts so that it doesn't flood with the tides.

The wooden rowing boats are based on the Suffolk punt design and carry up to 12 passengers at a time.

Image source, Cuprinol/PA

Three of the county's towns feature in this year's "Shed of the Year, external" competition, where voting is now open.

The first one we're going to take a closer look at, is in the "Workshop/Studio" category - it's the Glass Hut, created by Serena Wall in Southwold:

Image source, Cuprinol/PA

It's described as a a celebration of the joy of childhood and the British seaside.

It has been handmade in wood and glass and each individual piece has been decorated by hand, using techniques such as silk screen printing and glass fusing.

The designs have all been inspired by Serena's own letters, photographs and imagery from her childhood which come together as a perfect personal space to sit in and reflect on her childhood and her parents.

Image source, Cuprinol/PA

Graeme Mac
BBC Radio Suffolk sport

Dare I say it, there will be sighs of relief from many Ipswich Town supporters on hearing the news that midfielder Jonathan Douglas has officially left the club today.

Image source, PA

The 35-year-old, who not so long ago had played a key role in a Brentford side that made the Championship play-offs, did not enjoy the best of spells at Portman Road, and was often criticised from the stands.

His final appearance for the Blues was a surprise recall to the side that drew 1-1 with Birmingham City in early April, and the Irishman was even jeered on the day by some supporters for passing the ball back to a teammate (the key word there being back, as opposed to forward).

An apparent disdain for Douglas from many supporters was countered in equal measure by manager Mick McCarthy's high praise and respect for him, adding to the growing discontent around the club over the last 18 months or so.

"He's been different class. He's a model professional. He could have had two goals this year but they were both disallowed," he said.

Hopefully, with the Irishman now out of the door, and McCarthy apparently staying, all parties can move forward (yes, forward as opposed to back).

Town have today confirmed their retained list following the completion of the 2016/17 Championship season.

Brenner Woolley
BBC Radio Suffolk sport

Peter Wright from Mendham says he's looking forward to making his Premier League, external play-off debut against Phil Taylor at the O2 Arena tonight.

Image source, Getty Images

"I've been close to the play-offs before but I've made it this time, and I want to go and win the Premier League now," Wright told the PDC website. "I've seen these great guys win it in recent years and I want to be one of those great guys too."To be in the top four alongside Phil, Michael (van Gerwen) and Gary (Anderson) is immense and I'm really happy with how the season has gone."I've learned a lot over the years and I know how to beat people now, especially Michael because he's the man we all want to beat."

Brenner Woolley
BBC Radio Suffolk sport

Mendham darts player Peter Wright (pictured) is two wins away from securing the biggest title of his career.

Image source, Getty Images

The 47-year-old UK Open winner faces Phil Taylor in the Premier League, external semi-finals at the O2 Arena in London tonight.

The winner will play either defending champion Michael van Gerwen or Gary Anderson in the final later in the evening.

Kelly McCormack
BBC Radio Suffolk

A young boy has told police he was grabbed by a man in Haverhill yesterday afternoon on Greenfields Way, close to the primary school and the doctors' surgery.

The 10-year-old said the man ran up behind him, grabbed his back and tried to pull his trousers down.

Police would like to talk to anyone who was in the area at about 16:00 who may have seen the incident.

A Hollesley Bay prisoner who absconded this morning has been recaptured.

James Fryer, 29, was detained by police in the Sutton area just before midday following a call from a member of the public, and will be returned to custody in due course.

BBC Weather

It should feel nice and warm this afternoon with a top temperature of 17C (63F), although there's a chance of a shower later.

Our BBC Weather Watchers have been enjoying the break in the rain to take some great photos for us.

Here are just a few, we hope you like them:

A 29-year-old man has been reported as missing from Hollesley Bay Prison, external, near Woodbridge, following a roll call this morning.

Image source, Suffolk Police

James Fryer is serving an indeterminate sentence for robbery and receiving stolen goods, and is believed to have connections in Birmingham, officers say.

Members of the public are advised not to approach him, but to call the police immediately.

Brenner Woolley
BBC Radio Suffolk sport

Ipswich Witches, external will return to the scene of their biggest defeat of the season later, when they race at Sheffield Tigers in the Championship, external.

Image source, Stephen Waller

Despite watching his side lose 57-33 at Owlerton in April, Witches team boss Ritchie Hawkins believes they are capable of getting something from tonight.

“We need to carry on where we left off, we are in good form,” Hawkins told the club website. "“We need to be looking at winning matches everywhere.

"The meeting at Sheffield earlier in the year does not have any relevance. I think we have to go everywhere looking to win meetings because we have a very good team.”

Vikki Irwin
BBC Radio Suffolk political reporter

Here in Bury St Edmunds, students at West Suffolk College have revealed there's a wide range of subjects which could affect the way they vote:

Alfie: "My age group is not represented by politicians."

For this group of students, it's university fees, zero-hours contracts, and the NHS:

Faye and Lindsay: "More funding for further education and the arts."

Nat and Robbie: "Brexit, immigration and the NHS."