We'll be back with our usual mix of news, sport, travel and weather from 08:00 on Monday, but keep an eye out here for more updates this evening.
- Updates from Friday 15 July 2016
Here's the latest forecast for our region.
Stoke City commentator, BBC Radio Stoke
Stoke City have confirmed they're close to signing the highly rated Eygptian teenager Ramadan Sobhi.
The 19-year-old is due to become the clubs first summer arrival after as soon a work permit has been rubber stamped.
Earlier this week, chairman Peter Coates said negotiations over potential targets had been because of the Euro 2016 tournament in France, but was expecting some clarity soon.
A north Staffordshire church is holding a so-called "Pokeparty" for players of the new Pokemon game.
Pokemon Go, which is attracting millions of new players around the world, involves finding virtual Pokemon characters in different real locations.
One of those locations is Christ Church in Stone, which says it wants to attract new worshippers through the craze.
The Church of England's guidance said the game was "a good way to start a conversation that may lead on to other things".
BBC Weather Watchers
The brother of a young boy with cerebral palsy has written to the Queen to tell her about the family's appeal over his medical treatment.
Nine-year-old Ben Baddeley, from Silverdale, had life-changing surgery in 2014 to help him walk, which was paid for an anonymous donor after NHS funding was cut.
His family have since campaigned to raise money to fund his physiotherapy and further treatment.
After sending in his letter, Joshua Baddeley got a reply from the Queen who thanked him for contacting her and wished him her best.
Here's the latest from the newsroom:
- The brother of a man killed in the Bosley explosion last July describes how his death has left a massive hole
- The younger brother of Ben Baddeley, who has cerebral palsy, writes to the Queen about his campaign to fund continuing treatment
- Plans for a new shopping development in Hanley are revealed
Kelvin Barks tell BBC Midlands Today how the death of his brother, William, in the Bosley explosion last July has affected him.
Stoke-on-Trent is staging its Pride event this weekend.
BBC Weather Watchers
BBC Weather Watcher JR sent in this image of sunny Gnosall yesterday.
I'm not sure we'll see blue skies like that today, but that doesn't mean you can't send in your photos.
And if you want to join the growing team of Weather Watchers, find out how you can take part.
Two men have been arrested on suspicion of arson after a large chunk of a wooden boardwalk at a Stafford beauty spot was destroyed in fire.
It happened in the early hours of Wednesday morning at The Acres in Gnosall.
Police say a 19 and 20-year-old from Gnosall and Stafford are currently in custody.
Here's the latest:
- Two men from Stafford and Gnosall are being held on suspicion of arson after a wooden boardwalk fire
- Cheshire East Council is heading to the Supreme Court to try and get legal protection for its local planning powers
- Travellers on a car park in Stoke-on-Trent have been told to move on by the end of the day
BBC Sport Online
Rugeley golfer Rob Rock has always been a leader of fashion on the European Tour, but in the past has been renowned for being professional golf's only hatless player - even to the point that it once cost him a sponsorship deal.
But yesterday he rolled up at Royal Troon looking as if he had stepped out of the 1930s for a round with Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen.
An old-fashioned flat hat, complemented by an eye-catching shirt, which bore the black and white imprint of a famous old picture of the first Open champion, Willie Park.
Rock tees off in his second round quite late on this afternoon, at 15:32.
Leek Post and Times
Two men have been arrested after a crash in Hanley which has left two people in hospital.
The collision involved a BMW and a Golf and happened just after midnight on Chell Road at the junction with Birches Head Road.
Police say a 27 and 30 year-old were detained at the scene and have been bailed as investigations continue.
World, European and Commonwealth champion Adam Peaty gets all emotional at a surprise send-off for the Rio 2016 Olympics.
Ahead of the Wolves friendly tonight, Crewe Alexandra have unveiled their new home and away kits for the 2016-17 season.
The home kit (top) will be worn at tonight's match.
Crewe Alexandra take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in a pre-season friendly at Gresty Road tonight.
Kick-off is at 19:30.
Family, friends and neighbours of the four people killed in an explosion at a mill in Bosley in Cheshire are coming to terms with the tragedy, residents say.
Dorothy Bailey, William Barks, Derek Moore and Jason Shingler died in a huge explosion at the Wood Treatment Ltd plant in Bosley, near Macclesfield, last July.
Special events and services will take place in the villa this weekend.
More than £237,000 has been raised following the disaster.
Here's the latest from the newsroom:
- Events take place in Bosley this weekend to remember the four people who lost their lives in an explosion at a wood flour mill in the village
- Plans are unveiled for a new retail development in the centre of Hanley
- Stoke City say they're close to signing Egyptian teenager Ramadan Sobhi
Political Reporter, WM
MEP Bill Etheridge announces he is to stand as leader of UKIP.
The leadership race was sparked by the resignation of Nigel Farage, who quit following the EU referendum vote.
Many of UKIP's best-known faces have been blocked from contesting the leadership after the Eurosceptic party's ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) said all candidates must have been a member for at least five years.
It's a year since a huge explosion killed four people at a wood flour mill in Bosley, near Congleton.
This weekend events will take place in the village to remember those who died and for the community to show their support.
One of the victims of the explosion has never been found.
Rev Dr John Harries,vicar of St Mary's Church in Bosley, says: "There's one family I've been talking with. They've have done remarkably well.
"They've been very resilient but I think they've been very aware of the support and the prayers that have been going around for them and taking great strength from that."
Port Vale commentator, BBC Radio Stoke
Staffordshire Political Reporter, BBC News
Plans have been unveiled for a new retail development in the centre of Hanley.
It will replace the old bus station and much of Parliament Row, say developers Realis, who were behind the proposals for the failed City Sentral shopping centre.
There would be one as yet unidentified "anchor store" surrounded by 15 smaller units. Realis says it's already had some interest from potential tenants.
Plans, which have yet to be submitted,will go on display to the public in September. Locals will also be given the opportunity to name it.
A car stopped by police for no insurance leads to a rather sssssscary discovery.
It's claimed that children are being put at risk because of the traffic outside a Stoke-on-Trent school.
An 800-signature petition's been handed to the city council calling for the authority to do something about the situation outside Sneyd Green Primary School.
Campaigners want a new car park to be built on a piece of waste land next door.
The Stoke Sentinel
It's the force's first knife amnesty in 10 years and was prompted by a 26% rise in knife crime, year-on-year.
Last time an amnesty was held, more than 1,500 weapons were handed in over five weeks. The latest haul is thought to be more modest.
Once it ends, all the knives collected will go to the British Ironworks Centre where they will be used to help create a giant sculpture featuring tens of thousands of weapons.
Once completed, it will be dedicated to the victims of knife crime.
There's still a week to go on Staffordshire Police's knife amnesty.
Dozens of blades have so far been handed in, including samurai swords, machetes and meat cleavers.
Events will take place in Bosley, near Congleton, this weekend to remember the people who lost their lives in the explosion at a wood flour mill in the village.
Four people died in the blast on 17 July 2015, and one has never been found.
Local resident Sam Alston says the event caused some "deep scars".
Everybody in the village knew somebody that's been affected and inevitably there will be many tears."
Here's what we're looking at in the newsroom this morning:
- Events take place in Bosley, Cheshire, this weekend to remember the people who lost their lives in an explosion at a mill
- Hundreds of parents are backing calls for a new car park to be built next to a Stoke-on-Trent primary school
- Steelite is donating 33,000 pieces of tableware to charity
It will be a cloudy morning with outbreaks of rain. The rain will clear to leave a mostly dry, breezy and cloudy afternoon.
Maximum Temperature: 21C (70F).