Monthly Archives: December 2025

More than 100 arrests in county lines operation across South West

More than 100 arrests in county lines operation across South West

Anna VarleSouth West home and social affairs correspondentBBCMore than 100 arrests were made across the South West in a week of police action against drugs and child exploitationPolice have seized guns and arrested more than 100 people across the south west of England in a week of police action against drugs and child exploitation.Operation Scorpion targets gangs who use young people to traffic drugs into the region from major cities. Police said 122 people were arrested across the…

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Exe estuary takeover plan sparks fears of new charges

Exe estuary takeover plan sparks fears of new charges

Miles DavisDevon political reporterBBCIan Garcia, commodore of Topsham Sailing Club, says there is not enough information available on Exeter City Council's plans for a harbour revision orderPlans for a council to take over the running of a major estuary in Devon are facing opposition from water users concerned at the possibility of new charges being imposed.Exeter City Council wants to use a harbour revision order (HRO) to take charge of the Exe estuary, which runs from Exeter Quay…

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New treatments hoped for brain tumour patients in Plymouth

New treatments hoped for brain tumour patients in Plymouth

Craig RussellCraig Russell was unaware a tumour was growing inside his brain for 15 yearsMillions of pounds of funding could change the outcome for patients with brain tumours, according to scientists in Devon.The University of Plymouth has been awarded £2.8m to develop its research, which experts and patients said could result in life-changing treatments.The funding has come from the charity Brain Tumour Research and will be used to repurpose existing drugs and move more quickly towards clinical trials.Brain…

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Transport costs force Somerset schools to celebrate digitally

Transport costs force Somerset schools to celebrate digitally

Three rural schools have recorded a virtual Christmas celebration because of a rise in transport costs.The pupils would normally come together to celebrate in Somerset but school leaders say doing so now would cost them "thousands", so they have recorded three videos that will be edited into one to celebrate.Hannah Maggs, the executive headteacher at Cameley Primary School in Temple Cloud, said their alternative was a "lovely way" to "teach the Christmas story".The schools hope the new approach…

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Somerset museum gets almost £1m to display Norman treasure

Somerset museum gets almost £1m to display Norman treasure

A grant of almost £1m will mean a hoard of Norman-era treasure found in the Somerset countryside can be put on permanent display.The Chew Valley Hoard, which features 2,584 coins dated from just after the Battle of Hastings in 1066, is thought to be the highest-value treasure acquisition on record at £4.3m.It was found in 2019 by a group out metal detecting in the Chew Valley, who split the findings with the landowner.The National Lottery grant of £993,345…

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National Trust launches £330k appeal to buy Cerne Giant’s ‘lair’

National Trust launches £330k appeal to buy Cerne Giant’s ‘lair’

National TrustStanding at 180ft (55m) tall, the Cerne Giant is sculpted into the chalk hillside above Cerne AbbasA £330,000 appeal to buy the land surrounding the Cerne Abbas Giant has been launched.The National Trust is hoping to raise the money to help fund the purchase and care of 138 hectares (341 acres) surrounding the ancient naked figure sculpted into the chalk in Dorset.So far over £2m has been raised to buy the swathe of land known as giant's…

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Boat users set for increase in Dorset harbour fees

Boat users set for increase in Dorset harbour fees

Boat users of three harbours in Dorset could face higher fees, according to a report.Dorset Council is looking to implement a minimum 3.4% increase to charges at Bridport, Lyme Regis and Weymouth harbours, although some exceptions have been made.The proposed changes, outlined in the report to the Harbours Advisory Committee, aim to keep the facilities financially sustainable while remaining competitive with other ports.Winter mooring fees at West Bay and Lyme Regis would remain unchanged and, following feedback, boat…

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Venezuela denounces US-ordered ‘forced sale’ of oil company Citgo | Oil and Gas News

A Delaware judge has ordered the sale to settle debts, as Venezuela says US military buildup is targeting its oil reserves.Published On 3 Dec 20253 Dec 2025Click here to share on social mediashare2ShareVenezuelan Vice President and Minister of Petroleum Delcy Rodriguez has condemned a US court’s decision to authorise the “fraudulent” and “forced” sale of Venezuelan oil company Citgo in the United States to pay off billions of dollars in debts.“We energetically reject the decision adopted in the…

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Ilhan Omar denounces Donald Trump for calling Somali immigrants ‘garbage’ | Donald Trump News

Progressive United States Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has hit back against Donald Trump after the president criticised her and renewed his attacks on the Somali community in Minnesota.During a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Trump embarked on a racist tirade, describing Omar and other Somali immigrants as “garbage” and calling for them to leave the US.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of list“His obsession with me is creepy,” Omar wrote on social media in response. “I hope he gets the…

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EFL Trophy round-up: Holders Peterborough out; Harrogate win among shocks

EFL Trophy round-up: Holders Peterborough out; Harrogate win among shocks

Holders Peterborough United went out and Harrogate Town belied their status as the lowest-placed team still in this season's Vertu Trophy among 14 ties in the last 32 on Tuesday.After an uneventful first half away to League Two promotion contenders Swindon Town, League One strugglers Peterborough dominated the second period but conceded the only goal of the game when Robins captain Ollie Clarke slotted in the 88th-minute winner.Harrogate are a point from safety after taking two points from…

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