BBC Somerset

Bea SwallowWest of EnglandPA MediaAs 2025 draws to a close and the countdown to the new year begins, we are taking time to look back at the most memorable moments of 2025.Early snowfall, packed stadiums, epic festivals and long-standing traditions have delivered a series of striking pictures from across the region. Here are just a few...Longleat Safari ParkThe first few days of January brought the first snowfall of the year. As temperatures plunged into minus figures, zebras at…

Emergency provision to protect rough sleepers has been enacted by two local authorities, with temperatures expected to fall below zero celsius before the end of the week.North Somerset Council and Bristol City Council's Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) measures will ensure that people will have access to shelter at night.North Somerset Council said it was working with the YMCA Rough Sleeper Outreach team, who would identify those in need and offer accommodation and support.The measures in Bristol will…

A man has been banned from keeping horses for seven years after the RSPCA found animals in his care to be "severely underweight" and "in need of urgent care".Kevin Roper, of Turnpike Road in Axbridge, Somerset, admitted an animal welfare offence and was ordered to pay £400 costs and a £240 victim surcharge during sentencing at North Somerset Magistrates' Court on 15 December.An RSPCA investigation found he had failed to give his three cob-type horses "the care they…

Pete SimsonPolitics West ProducerPA MediaCouncils across the West have already suffered serious shortfalls in their budgetMost of us think of Christmas as being about mince pies, mulled wine and Santa.But there is one tradition that befalls our local councils does not involve anything remotely festive. They have to work out how their financial settlements from the government will effect their overall budgets next year.In the West of England, like elsewhere in the country, several local authorities have either…

Alexandra BassinghamWest of EnglandBBCRichard Clothier said he was "surprised, honoured and humbled" to be appointed MBEA carbon neutral British cheddar producer and a leader in women's sport are among those named on the New Year Honours list. Richard Clothier, managing director of Wyke Farms, in Somerset, is an innovator in sustainable agriculture and food production, and said he was "surprised, honoured and humbled" to be appointed MBE. Sarah Massey, who was managing director of the Women's Rugby World…