BBC Somerset

Carys NallyWest of EnglandGetty ImagesBridgwater Carnival is the UK's oldest carnival and is visited by thousands of people each yearThe UK's oldest carnival is returning this weekend, when more than 150,000 are expected to descend on the area.This year's Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, which has been running since 1847, will feature an illuminated procession, fairground rides, concerts and fireworks.The event is set to take place on Saturday - and below, we've rounded up everything you need to know…

A council has installed two height barriers at a park and ride car park to deter illegal encampments. The work is to try to deter unauthorised visitors on the site at Silk Mills in Taunton, Somerset. Somerset Council is advising motorists with tall vehicles not to drive in as both the entry and exit points now have height restrictions.Councillor Richard Wilkins, the lead member for transport and waste services at Somerset Council, said: "These barriers are a practical…

Five climate activists have been fined for a protest at the UK's largest milk factory.They were all sentenced at Bristol Magistrates' Court after being found guilty of aggravated trespass.It follows the arrest of ten people after the entrance of the Muller Bridgwater factory in Somerset was blocked in 2022.Five people - Carol Wood, 56, Philip Sleigh, 69, Catherine Cannon, 47, Christopher White, 32, and Oliver Stevens, 23 - were given a nine-month conditional discharge, ordered to pay £200…

Onyi UbadighaWest of EnglandFamily handoutChloe (L), with mum Wendy, raised more than £1,100 through her 12-hour swimming challengeA teenage girl with ADHD, who said being in water helps her find peace when she is feeling overwhelmed, has completed a 12-hour swim to fundraise for her town's only public pool.Chloe, 17, from Minehead, Somerset, swam from 05:00 until 17:00 GMT on Monday in aid of St Michael's Swimming Pool, which is a community organisation run by volunteers.Speaking after the…

The RSPB has closed a hide at one of its nature reserves after a number of cases of bird flu were identified.The charity confirmed Canada Geese and Mute Swans at Ham Wall, near Glastonbury in Somerset, were found to be carrying the disease, though numbers were "relatively low", it said, with fewer than 20 cases identified in eight weeks.None of the birds were found in public areas, so the reserve remains open except for the Avalon Hide. "This…

Jack Killah,West of England and Matty Edwards,West of EnglandStar SchemeChard RFC in Somerset is one of the clubs giving opportunities to young people through the schemeA charity has helped more than 1,000 disadvantaged children across the country have access to rugby.The charity - Star Scheme - takes away practical barriers to children playing the sport by paying for transport, fees and kit.First piloted during the pandemic at Chew Valley Rugby Club, the project has now expanded to almost…

An environmental group which plants 20,000 trees and hedgerows a year across Somerset is on the lookout for more volunteers to offer their land.Reimagining the Levels (RtL) was borne out of the 2014 floods in the county and tries to reduce the impact of flooding by slowing the flow of waters.The group has planted more than 120,000 trees so far, helping private land owners to provide shelter and diversity.Kate Towers, from Compton Dundon, said the scheme was "good…

BBCThe new one-way system affects Salmon Parade and East Quay in BridgwaterA council has decided to review a controversial one-way system after a petition against it was signed by more than 5,000 people.As part of the Celebration Mile works in Bridgwater, Somerset, East Quay and Salmon Parade have been made one-way to traffic.Councillor Bill Revans, the Liberal Democrat leader of Somerset Council said: "We've listened carefully to residents and local businesses, and are already taking another look. It…