News

A motorcyclist who died in a crash in Burton-on-Trent is named by police.

Cambridge United bring in Tamworth goalkeeper Jonathan Hedge to replace the departing Danny Naisbitt.

Crewe's Matt Tootle insists he was right to choose the Alex over Liverpool or Everton as he prepares for this weekend's League Two play-off final.

A woman is in a critical condition in hospital after a serious assault in Abbey Road, Stoke-on-Trent, at around 11am today...

Police are appealing for information after a robbery at a Stoke-on-Trent bookmaker's where the cashier was threatened with a...

STAFFORDSHIRE Police are appealing for information following a robbery at a Stoke-on-Trent bookmaker's

Burton boss Gary Rowett says he could sign as many as eight or nine new players this summer, but says he will not be rushed.

The cost of fuel means Midlands Air Ambulance is facing "a challenging time" as it marks 21 years since its first rescue.

Port Vale midfielder Rob Taylor is one of four players to have signed a new contract at Vale Park.

DETECTIVES have been questioning potential witnesses one week on from a fatal stabbing.

A service has taken place to dedicate a new memorial at Britain's National Memorial Arboretum to the Britons who died in the Falklands War.

Sunday Politics West Midlands looks back at the week's political headlines in 60 seconds

Special forces soldiers killed in the Falklands War are remembered at the National Memorial Arboretum.

Leyton Orient sign out-of-contract Port Vale midfielder Anthony Griffith on a two-year contract.

One woman was taken to hospital after being led to safety by fire crews after a fire in Stoke-on-Trent in the early hours of the morning (Saturday, May 19).
Two other people were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene in High Street, Rookery at around 3.45am.
An ambulance, an incident support officer, paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and BASICS doctor attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: "Ambulance crews were first on the scene at the fire. A male and female in their twenties managed to escape the premises. They were treated at the scene by ambulance crews.
 "A female in her fifties was led to safety by ambulance crews and treated for smoke inhalation. The patient was conveyed to the University Hospital North Staffordshire for further assessment and treatment."

West Midlands Ambulance Service were called to a collision between two cars on the A53 Buxton Road near Leek in the early hours of this morning (Saturday, May 19).
Two people were taken to hospital after the crash in Upper Hulme, Leek in 1.45am.
Three ambulances, an incident support officer, paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and a BASICS doctor were sent to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: "On arrival at the scene crews found a two car collision.
 "Ambulance crews treated one male in his twenties for serious leg injuries. A second male, thought to be in his twenties, received minor chest and abdominal injuries.  
 "The patients were conveyed to University Hospital North Staffordshire for further assessment and treatment."

The founder of Keele Observatory returns to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

ADAM Yates says he watched former club Crewe reach the League Two play-off final with mixed feelings.

The 28-year-old Port Vale defender, who started his career as a trainee at Gresty Road in 2002, tuned in to see Alex beat Southend 3-2 on aggregate to set up a winner-takes-all clash against Cheltenham at Wembley.

And the popular right-back admitted he felt Vale could have been the ones lining up for next Sunday's final.

"I was pleased Crewe got through, but I did feel a bit jealous," he said. "It could so easily have been us heading to Wembley instead.

"If it hadn't been for administration, I've got no doubts that we would have made it.

"If you add on the 10 points that were taken away from us, we would have been only just short, and you have to take into account the defeats we suffered while the players weren't getting paid.

"You can't be at the top of your game with worries about your family.

"Our own season fell apart with all the off-field problems. That was all completely out of our control."

Yates, who made the right-back position his own at Vale Park last season with 39 starts, nevertheless found some positives from a difficult campaign.

"Everything that went on has helped us become a tighter group," he said.

"The players can hold their heads high with how they handled themselves in a tough situation."

Yates, who lives in Milton, left Crewe in 2004 and later spent three years with Morecambe before joining Vale on a free transfer in June, 2009.

And he is certain Micky Adams can lead his team to promotion glory next term.

"Hopefully the gaffer can keep hold of the players he wants and then perhaps add a few signings when Keith Ryder comes in," he added.

"I am sure we will have a real good crack at promotion."

POLICEMAN John Swinnerton was faced with his own real life emergency – when he helped his wife give birth at their home.

John found himself dialling 999 when his heavily pregnant wife, Sarah, went into labour in their bedroom.

The pair had planned a home birth, but the baby started to arrive long before the midwife could attend.

And before John could even speak to the operator, his new baby daughter Isobella was here.

Now the couple say they wouldn't change a thing after their 8lb 15oz bundle of joy was found to be in perfect health.

Father-of-three John, who lives in Alsager and works for Staffordshire Police, told how the drama unfolded after Sarah's contractions began at 4.30am on May 1.

The 35-year-old constable said: "We had always planned to have a home birth. We had our first baby in hospital and our second at home.

"But you obviously have a midwife with you, and by the time we phoned up it was too late for her to get here in time.

"It all happened in about an hour-and-a-half, much quicker than we expected.

"We planned to have a water birth, so I was there with our home birthing pool, trying to pump it up in time.

"Sarah was saying she wanted to push. We spoke to the midwife on the phone, and she said to call an ambulance.

"I phoned an ambulance and then Sarah said the head was out. I went upstairs and before long, Isobella was here."

There were initial worries when the baby at first appeared not to be breathing.

But seconds later the couple could finally relax as Isobella began to cry and an ambulance crew arrived.

John said: "They helped me cut the cord and said everything was OK. She's absolutely lovely.

"It's certainly a story to tell my mates down the pub."

Isobella is a third child for the married couple, who also have daughter Scarlett, aged five, and three-year-old son James.

Sarah said her biggest worry was not having painkillers on standby.

The 34-year-old social worker said: "Giving birth with no pain control was definitely an experience.

"People have said it must've been really romantic but I didn't quite see it like that at the time.

"It was the second time we've had one at home, so it was just a case of doing what came naturally. Although it wasn't quite as dramatic last time.

"Thank goodness John was there, that's all I've been thinking. It was an experience, but hopefully not one we will have to go through again."

ATTACK victim Jonathan Robbins was left needing 23 stitches in his face after being slashed with a Stanley knife by his friend in...