People gathered in front of trees with their backs to us as they look outwards - some with binoculars. The sun is rising in the distance, casting the shadows of the people and the trees behind them.

Council celebrates countryside volunteers and urges others to join in

• Staffordshire County Council is taking the opportunity to thank its countryside volunteers during National Volunteers’ Week.

• Volunteers help visitors, assist with conservation work, and support a variety of wildlife projects.

• Last year saw a 30% rise in volunteers and SCC is encouraging more people to get involved.

Martin Rogerson with members of campaign with travel assistance cards at a bus stop

Travel made easier: New inclusive transport campaign launches

• Staffordshire County Council launches new campaign making public transport easier for those with disabilities

• Campaign raises awareness of barriers disabled people face and offers resources, such as Travel Assistance Cards to show to drivers

• Campaign runs until September 2026 and includes a dedicated webpage with resources

A mother deer and her fawn on the grass at Chasewater Country Park

Please do not disturb baby deer that appear ‘abandoned'

• Countryside visitors are urged not to touch or move fawns huddled alone in undergrowth.

• Deer mothers often leave their young hidden in long grass while they go off in search of food.

• People are also reminded not to feed any deer as it can lead to devastating consequences.

A man dressed in running gear standing with a blue painted Staffordshire Bull Terrier sculpture with artwork on it.

Get moving with the Staffy Trail this summer

• The Staffy Trail launches ‘Get Moving’ week from 30 May, encouraging people to explore the trail by walking, running and cycling.

• New Strava routes across Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford and Tamworth make it easy to get active while discovering Staffordshire.

• Visitors are encouraged to stop off at local cafés and businesses along the way and make a day of it.

Anthony Screen with Trading Standards' Simon Sumner and Made in Staffordshire's Ailsa Nicol at the County Show stand

Businesses getting expert trading advice at Staffordshire County Show

• Businesses getting free advice from Trading Standards at Staffordshire County Show

• Trading Standards officers have joined the Made in Staffordshire stand to speak with local producers and traders

• Staffordshire County Show takes place at County Showground on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 May

Items for sale at Car Boot Sale

Watch out for fakes at car boot sales this Bank Holiday

• Trading Standards warns buyers of fake goods at car boot sales this bank holiday weekend

• Counterfeit items can be unsafe, such as clothes and makeup containing dangerous chemicals and poorly made electrical items posing a fire hazard

• Tips for avoiding fakes include being wary of very low prices and checking the quality of packaging

Two young girls standing with their mother next to a Staffordshire Bull Terrier sculpture covered in art including clouds, sunshine, a rainbow and famous Stoke-on-Trent buildings.

Young winner encourages families to explore the Staffy Trail this half term

• Nancy Lovatt, aged 10, has won a family day out to Drayton Manor Resort after entering a prize draw.

• More than 1,000 people are now exploring the free Staffy Trail across the county.

• Families can unlock rewards, discover Staffordshire landmarks and win more prizes by completing the trail this half term.

Charred ground in a woodland area, where a wildfire had been as a result of a disposable barbecue.

Hot weather sparks fresh wildfire warnings at Staffordshire's country parks

• Reminders not to light open fires or litter at Staffordshire's country parks have been issued, with this bank holiday weekend set to be scorcher.

• These warnings come as the Fire Service reports a 70% rise in outdoor fires compared to last year.

• People are also being urged not to take part in unsupervised open water swimming.