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Six fire engines attended the blazeGary Porter West Midlands Content Editor for StokeOnTrentLive16:01, 30 May 2026Emergency services on High Street, TunstallStoke-on-Trent City Council has issued an update following a building fire in Tunstall. Firefighters rescued four kittens from the blaze-hit town centre building on Friday.A total of six fire engines – including the aerial ladder platform – ended up being deployed to Tunstall where a ‘large’ fire saw part of High Street shut. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed crews rescued four kittens from what they have described as a derelict building.The alarm had been raised at around 5.15am after smoke was spotted pouring from the property.A Stoke-on-Trent City Council spokesperson said: “Members of the council’s building surveyor team have attended the scene of a major fire on High Street, Tunstall. Following an assessment, High Street and Roundwell Street are to remain closed until further notice to allow for contractors to safely demolish parts of the structure and render the building safe. During this time, the public is advised to avoid the area.”Police are appealing for information. A spokeswoman for Staffordshire Police said: “We are appealing for information following a large fire in Stoke-on-Trent. We were called to High Street in Tunstall following reports of a fire.”Officers attended the scene alongside colleagues from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service. High Street remains closed whilst firefighters work to dampen down hotspots. Our investigation is ongoing. We are appealing for anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage to contact us.”Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you – it’s FREEEnsure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search

Getting onto the property ladder in your 20s may seem like an impossible goal for many aspiring homeowners, but research by a major mortgage provider shows that in some parts of the UK, the typical first-time buyer is as young as 27.The West Midlands features prominently on the list, with three areas of Staffordshire appearing amongst those with the lowest first-time buyer ages, according to Lloyds.South Staffordshire and Cannock Chase both recorded an average first-time buyer age of just over 27.As well as highlighting the youngest typical first-time buyers, Lloyds also looked at the most affordable locations across the UK for those attempting to get onto the property ladder, spotlighting areas where buying a home may be more achievable.East Ayrshire in Scotland was identified as the most affordable location, based on the average price paid by first-time buyers. The typical first-time buyer property price in East Ayrshire stands at £147,353, according to Lloyds, which highlighted that the region benefits from excellent links to Scotland’s central belt, with access to Glasgow and neighbouring job centres, reports Birmingham Live.This could allow buyers to combine countryside living with a manageable commute to work.Amanda Bryden, head of mortgages at Lloyds, said: “Our research shows there are still genuine pockets of value for first‐time buyers, particularly for those with an open mind who are willing to be flexible on location and property type.”With ongoing cost-of-living pressures and wider economic uncertainty, it’s completely understandable that some people are feeling cautious.”But there are opportunities out there, and for many buyers, that flexibility can make a real difference.”The data comes from Lloyds Banking Group’s housing statistics records, drawing on mortgage approval information from Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Bank of Scotland customers. Average house prices were assessed across the 12 months leading up to February.Providing general advice to those looking to buy their first home, Ms Bryden urged them to research the property purchasing process thoroughly, speak to a mortgage adviser early on and look into the various types of support available.Last week, Lloyds announced it is launching a new low-deposit mortgage which could help first-time buyers get onto the housing ladder with a deposit of only £5,000.Below are the top 10 locations with the youngest average ages for UK first-time buyers, showing the average age and typical property price for first-time purchasers, according to Lloyds:1. Ribble Valley, North West, 27.0, £219,9802. South Staffordshire, West Midlands, 27.8, £259,6783. Pendle, North West, 27.9, £188,1364. Rutland, East Midlands, 28.1, £281,1305. Cannock Chase, West Midlands, 28.3, £213,3996. North Norfolk, Eastern England, 28.4, £242,3187. Staffordshire Moorlands, West Midlands, 28.5, £219,616=8. Chorley, North West, 28.7, £221,232=8. Mid Suffolk, Eastern England, 28.7, £289,37210. Westmorland and Furness, North West, 28.8, £212,848Below are the top 10 most affordable locations for UK first-time buyers, according to Lloyds, showing the average property price for first-time purchasers:1. East Ayrshire, Scotland, £147,3532. Inverclyde, Scotland, £149,9293. Blackpool, North West, £150,7804. Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire and the Humber, £151,1715. Na h-Eileanan Siar, Scotland, £155,3006. Hyndburn, North West, £155,9117. Clackmannanshire, Scotland, £156,0418. Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, £156,4989. South Tyneside, North East, £157,55110. West Dunbartonshire, Scotland, £159,437Below are the most affordable locations for first-time buyers across each UK region, according to Lloyds, showing the average property price for first-time purchasers:East Midlands, Bolsover, £191,564East of England, Great Yarmouth, £236,447London, Barking and Dagenham, £363,748North East, South Tyneside, £157,551North West, Blackpool, £150,780Northern Ireland, Mid and East Antrim, £175,308Scotland, East Ayrshire, £147,353South East, Gosport, £228,617South West, Plymouth, £216,166Wales, Merthyr Tydfil, £156,498West Midlands, Stoke-on-Trent, £171,569Yorkshire and the Humber, Kingston upon Hull, £151,171Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you – it’s FREE

A Staffordshire care home is inviting members of the community to attend a free mobility session.Shoemaker Place Care Home in Stone, part of the Borough Care group, will be hosting a mobility and physio session in collaboration with Active Life Physio Care.The session, which will include mobility advice and free walking aid assessments, will take place on Friday 12 June from 2pm to 4pm.Sharon Parkes, Customer Relationship Manager at Borough Care, said: “Members of the local community can bring their loved ones along for free mobility checks and physio advice.”Anyone caring for a loved one with mobility issues across Stoke-on-Trent, North Staffordshire and Stone who believe they might benefit from the session is welcome to attend.Active Life Physio Care provides private home visit and care home physiotherapy across Staffordshire to help older adults maintain mobility, confidence and independence.A spokesperson for Active Life Physio Care said: Join Active Life Physio Care for a friendly and informative presentation about how physiotherapy can help improve mobility, reduce pain, prevent injury and support a better quality of life.”To find out more about Borough Care, visit the website here.

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Staffordshire nurse Angelista will join the upcoming 13th season of the dating reality show Love Island as an original contestant when the series premieres on Monday, June 1, 2026, according to Closer Online.The 24-year-old healthcare professional, who goes solely by her first name, will enter the villa alongside other newly announced cast members including Sean Fitzgerald, Ellie Chadwick, Lola Deal, and Samraj Toor.Before entering the villa, Angelista stated that her main objective for participating in the series is to establish a genuine romantic connection rather than engaging in reality television conflicts.

“Finding love is my goal,” revealed Angelista.

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The Staffordshire native explained that she prefers to stay out of arguments, choosing instead to remain a passive observer of any house tension.”I’m not here for drama, I’m non-confrontational. It’s entertaining to watch from the sidelines, I just don’t want to be involved in it,” said Angelista.

Angelista also shared her specific turn-offs regarding potential partners, noting that she dislikes individuals who constantly seek public attention or display arrogant behavior.”Someone who wants to be in everyone’s face all the time,” confessed Angelista.She further clarified the specific traits that repel her when getting to know a romantic interest.

“centre of attention all the time, that’s an ick. Someone that’s obnoxious I don’t like,” said Angelista.

A phone mast is on fire. Smoke can be seen rising into the sky near Tunstall Asda.StokeonTrentLive was alerted to the blaze just after 4pm this afternoon.One StokeonTrentLive reader said: “There’s a phone mast on fire in Tunstall.” Another added: “There is a fire behind the large Tunstall Asda.”StokeonTrentLive has approached Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service for a statement following the blaze.This is a live blog. For the very latest on this incident follow our live blog below.

Police are at the scene of a two-vehicle crash. A car and a pick-up truck have been in collision on Hillside Avenue, in Endon.StokeonTrentLive was alerted to the collision at 8pm tonight. Two police cars are at the scene.StokeonTrentLive has approached Staffordshire Police for a statement following the crash. Any witnesses can call the police on 101.This is a live blog. For the very latest on this collision follow our live blog below.

Firefighters were called to a ‘large’ fire in the Staffordshire Moorlands earlier today (Wednesday 27 May).Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service attended a fire on Mill Hayes Road in Knypersley which involved around 200 tyres.In a social media statement, a spokesperson for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue said: “Crews are currently at the scene of a large fire on Mill Hayes Road, Knypersley. “Three crews are currently extinguishing a fire which involves around 200 tyres. “People are advised to avoid the area and local residents are urged to keep windows and doors closed.”Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service have been approached for a comment.

A man has been charged with murder after another man was seriously assaulted outside a bar in Lichfield.Police said they were called to reports of two men being punched at the Ricco and Loren bar in Market Street in the city at 23:25 BST on Sunday.One of the men died in hospital on Tuesday afternoon, the second victim was also taken to hospital but has since been discharged.Billy Allison, 36, from Solihull, was charged with murder and grievous bodily harm with intent.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves says the government should be buying more UK-made ceramics to help save ‘British jobs and British heritage’.Ms Reeves visited Dunoon Ceramics in Stone on Tuesday, following her announcement last week of a £120 million support package for the ceramics sector.She said the funding would help the industry modernise and cope with surging energy costs, but admitted that more could be done for struggling manufacturers in Staffordshire and elsewhere.Ms Reeves has written to ministers instructing them to ‘buy British’ wherever possible, focusing on procurement in shipbuilding, steel, energy and AI.But she believes the same logic should apply to British-made ceramics, acknowledging the importance of the industry in place like Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.Along with rocketing energy costs, UK ceramics firms have also had to contend with cheaper foreign imports, and there have been calls for greater protection of the ‘Made in England’ label.Ms Reeves said: “Ceramics brings something like £1.2 billion a year to the UK economy, and particularly in this area it’s incredibly important for jobs and livelihoods. And actually more than that, it’s a way of life and a heritage that we should be incredibly proud of in our country.”I know that there is more to be done to support the ceramics industry, but this £120 million fund is more than a sticking plaster. It’s about trying to get to grips with some of the high costs in this sector, the costs of energy.

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“I’m determined to use government procurement to buy more things made in Britain. We’re spending billions more on investment in infrastructure, and I want that money to be spent here in the UK, creating good jobs, whether that is in the energy industry, in shipbuilding, for defence, in road and rail construction.”I want those jobs here in Britain and ceramics is another good example of where we should be using British pounds to support British jobs and British industry.”Ms Reeves expressed support for Stoke-on-Trent Central MP Gareth Snell’s ‘Backstamp Bill’, which would require country of origin marking for ceramic products sold in the UK.She added: “I very much support what he’s doing to try and ensure that there’s greater honesty or clarity about where things are actually made, and the government will absolutely work with Gareth to do everything we can.”And I’ve heard as well today about concerns over stuff coming in from overseas that isn’t properly labelled or marked. So I encourage people, when they go out and buy new mugs or plates, whatever it might be, to look at where it’s made.”It’s great to be able to support British jobs and British heritage as well. That’s what these reflect, it’s part of who we are as a country.”The £120 million support package will be made up of £60 million of capital investment for energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects, alongside £60 million in revenue support to help firms manage higher electricity costs.The government is working with the sector to finalise the details of the scheme, and applications for support will open in the summer.

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Dunoon’s director, Alan Smith, welcomed the funding announcement but said he would need to ‘delve down ‘ into the detail. The family-run company was established more than 50 years ago and still makes all its fine bone china in Staffordshire.Dunoon employs 80 people and exports to 51 countries worldwide.Mr Smith said that while manufacturing in the UK is ‘very difficult’ due to the higher costs, the ‘Made in England’ label is valued all around the world.He said: “The big problem for the ceramics industry at the moment is that we have seen a huge increase in gas prices. It means that finding the funds for investment is more difficult, with all the extra costs of gas and employment costs and National Insurance costs that we’ve sustained over the last few years.”But we are very pleased that the government seem to be listening and recognise that ceramics is a vital industry for the country.”With our fine bone china, the ‘Made in England’ brand is so important to us worldwide. That’s what we keep pushing and we don’t compromise on quality of design.”But the concern is the ever-increasing costs that we have to sustain. It makes it very difficult to do business in the UK, but that’s what we intend to do.”Mr Smith added that he wanted to see ‘better ties’ with Europe, which is Dunoon’s biggest export market.

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When a bushfire reached a planned burn area in Ross Creek State Forest in February 2024, the conditions on the ground helped make a huge differencePrepared by DEECAAt approximately 11 pm on 13 February 2024, the familiar beep of a Vic Emergency app alert sounded for residents just west of Ballarat. A bushfire spread from private property into the Ross Creek State Forest, along Staffordshire Reef Road.By 2 am the next morning the threat to communities was reduced, and by early the following day, the fire was contained.The reason Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) and CFA were able to control the blaze so quickly?A multi-year planned burn operation along Careys Road, adjacent to the forest, that fire behaviour analysts from both FFMVic and CFA have been able to conclude reduced the fire’s intensity and helped halt its spread.’The fire ran into a planned burn area from 2023 and really dropped the intensity, basically stopping it in its tracks and enabling us to track the edge of the fire and round it up,’ said Sam Basham, FFMVic’s Manager of District Forest and Fire Planning in Ballarat.Sam’s job is to oversee fuel management works in the Midlands District, including planned burning and mechanical fuel management like slashing and mowing.He was one of the first on the ground at the Staffordshire Reef Road fire, witnessing embers spotting far ahead of the blaze and heading towards houses.The Careys Road planned burn – part of a network of fuel reduction burns in Ross Creek State Forest – gave Sam and the crew a safe place to carry out a backburn.Backburning involves lighting a new, independent fire along a designated control line – such as a road, track, or cleared break – ahead of an approaching fire front, removing fuel so that the fire has nothing left to burn.’The Careys Road burn is part of a broader strategy. We’ve got several burns in this location, and they all work together to create a barrier between the private property and the public and state forest interface.’Assessing the impact’Following the fire, we reached out to our CFA counterparts, and our own investigators within FFMVic, to determine how much of a role this burn played in the fire’s containment,’ said Sam.Musa Kilinic, a Predictive Services Specialist in Fire Risk at CFA, visited the fireground to assess the impact.’We looked at the fuels on the ground, as well as the weather patterns and fire spread forecast,’ he said.A reconstruction of the fire by Musa and his team of scientists showed that the planned burn directly reduced the fire spread and intensity.’Most of the embers that landed in the planned burn area quickly self-extinguished – and that was directly related to the low fuel availability in the planned burn area.’If the planned burn hadn’t been done, the fire could’ve potentially spread several more hours, at rates anywhere between 100 and 300 metres per hour.’This means that the fire size ultimately could’ve been anywhere between 40 and 150 hectares greater than what actually occurred.’Right across the state, planned burns like this one on Carey Road are part of a specialised bushfire risk reduction strategy that helps keep communities safe.

/CFA News Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here.