Live updates for Herefordshire and Worcestershire have finished for the day but we'll be back from 08:00 on Friday with the latest news, sport, travel and weather.

Installing an artificial pitch at Sixways means the Worcester Warriors ground will be able to be used for "concerts, festivals and other non-rugby events", according to the club's chief executive, Jim O'Toole.

In the past, Sixways has hosted concerts, including one by Status Quo.

The pitch is currently used for fewer than 100 hours per season - and eight to 10 weeks have to be allocated over the summer to refurbish it, the club says.

Louise Brierley
Reporter, BBC Midlands Today

Scientists say legal highs are being smuggled into prisons in letters to inmates. 

Bio-chemists at Sandwell Hospital have analysed correspondence from five jails in the Midlands.

They found sheets of paper soaked with psychoactive substances. 

It's thought that once inside the prison they can change hands for hundreds of pounds.

Kidderminster Shuttle

A baby rhino born at West Midland Safari Park, external has been named Ekozu.

Image source, West Midlands Safari Park

The chairman of the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) has said this afternoon that they are not planning a full merger with West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS). 

EMAS is in talks with its neighbouring service about working more closely together.

Image source, PA

It comes with the East Midlands service struggling financially and having some of the worst response times in England. 

In a statement, EMAS chair Pauline Tagg said they had discussed ways within the NHS to "strengthen our leadership".

She added that discussions had been held with WMAS about its chief executive Dr Anthony Marsh working with them, but options "are still being explored".

BBC Travel

Traffic is queuing on the M5 northbound after an accident between J7 for the A44 (Worcester) and J6 for the A449. 

One lane is blocked.

Sara Thornton
BBC Weather

Mainly dry overnight with just isolated showers affecting some parts, most likely during the evening. Lows of 6C (43F).

There is not a lot of off-street parking around Alvechurch's ground - the Bulls play there tonight in a second versus first clash. Full commentary on BBC Hereford & Worcester's 94.7 FM frequency and online.

A man has been arrested after a woman was forced to perform a sex act in a car outside a pub in Worcester, external, police say.

West Mercia Police say the victim was a woman in her 20s and the incident happened opposite the Wheatsheaf Inn on Henwick Road, between 22:10 and 23;00 on 16 March.

Police want to speak to any witnesses, particularly a man wearing a fluorescent jacket who was riding a bicycle.

A 23-year-old man from Sutton Coldfield was arrested in connection with the incident and was released on police bail until Thursday 19 May, a spokesman said.

Michael Perkins
BBC Hereford & Worcester

Here are some of the main stories we are looking at in Herefordshire and Worcestershire:

- Seven arrests have been made following a drugs operation in Worcester

- Police have arrested a 23-year-old man after allegations of a sexual assault in Worcester

- Worcester Warriors are to install a new artificial grass playing surface at Sixways in time for next season

- Warriors will be the third side in the Premiership to play on an artificial pitch

- Saracens were the first to use an artificial surface in 2013, followed the next season by Newcastle Falcons (pictured).

- Sixways will be the first in the United Kingdom with an organic infill, rather than the more widely used rubber crumb made from shredded car tyres

Image source, Getty Images

Worcestershire-born impressionist and actor Alistair McGowan will host the Intelligently Green Awards ceremony, external, being run by Wychavon District Council.

The awards are about celebrating local green projects, activities and lifestyles that also benefit the community or save money. The ceremony is on 17 June.

Trevor Owens
Sports Editor, BBC Hereford & Worcester

Hereford FC take on leaders Alvechurch tonight - the Bulls are two points behind in second place in the Midland Football League.

You can hear full commentary on the game at Lye Meadow on BBC Hereford & Worcester's 94.7 FM frequency and online this evening in a football special from 19:30.

Three rail firms have been shortlisted to run the West Midlands franchise, including services in this area.

Current operator Govia, which owns London Midland, is in the running for the contract which is due to expire in 2017.

West Midlands Trains Ltd, a subsidiary of Dutch-owned Abellio Transport Group, and Hong Kong-based MTR Corporation are also bidding for the franchise.

Work from the 60-year career of the fashion illustrator Angela Landels is going on display at The Hive in Worcester.

Image source, Angela Landels

Her work has featured in magazines including Tatler and Harpers Queen - she has also produced illustrations for over 70 book covers.

The exhibition will be held on the Lower Ground Floor at The Hive from Saturday, 16 April to Thursday, 5 May.

A day commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Jutland and the Battle of The Somme, to be held in a Herefordshire town, has been awarded a lottery grant of £9,200.

It will be held in Ledbury on 25 June, and will feature historical exhibits including a World War One tank and a continuous film show about the Battle of Jutland and the Battle of The Somme.

Image source, PA

In the naval Battle of Jutland, on the 31 May and 1 June 1916, 13 men from Herefordshire were killed - 290 died in the Somme campaign.

Worcester Warriors have confirmed they are to play on an artificial grass playing surface at Sixways Stadium next season.

Image source, Getty Images

The new pitch is designed to meet all World Rugby synthetic pitch guidelines and will be the first in the UK to feature an organic infill rather than the more widely used rubber crumb made from desiccated car tyres. 

Warriors say the the state-of-the-art, all-weather surface will allow greater use by players at all levels as well as providing commercial opportunities for events and reducing maintenance costs.

Michael Perkins
BBC Hereford & Worcester

Here are some of the main stories we are looking at in Herefordshire and Worcestershire:

- Seven arrests have been made following a drugs operation in Worcester

- Health bosses running the Worcestershire hospitals say they've designed a new rota to try and stop ambulance staff being held up at A&E

- A new generation of artificial grass pitches will be installed at Worcester Warriors Sixways stadium for next year

The £125m energy from waste plant, external, being built just outside Worcester, is expected to be finished by the Autumn.

Kidderminster Shuttle

Users of a "vital" Stourport day centre have been left devastated after it was announced it would shut this week due to dwindling numbers, external. 

Image source, Kidderminster Shuttle