South Devon steam railway fires up trains for winter gala

Post published:January 3, 2026
Post category:Devon News

South Devon Railway is kicking off the new year with the return of its Winter Steam Gala.The three-day event which finishes on Sunday gives visitors the chance to ride behind a mix of heritage locomotives.The seven-mile heritage steam line runs through the picturesque River Dart valley, connecting Buckfastleigh to Totnes.Five engines will be in service, including two special guests, a Hunslet Works 1589 built in 1929 and Bagnall 2572 Judy, visiting from Bodmin Railway. Ernie Elsworth Wilson, general…

Beavers Chip and Willow make their home at Mapperton Estate

Post published:January 3, 2026
Post category:BBC Dorset

Mapperton EstateChip and Willow were released before Christmas but went in opposite directionsOwners of a country estate are hopeful that love is in the air for two beavers released there as part of a wildlife project.Chip and Willow are the latest additions to Mapperton Wildlands in Dorset, replacing Twiggy and Woody who escaped following storms in 2024.The Eurasian beavers, introduced from different locations, were released into an upgraded enclosure on the estate near Beaminster on 20 December.Upon arrival,…

Horse rescued after getting stuck in pond on Carbis Moor

Post published:January 3, 2026
Post category:BBC Cornwall

A horse that got stuck in a pond on moorland had to be hauled out by firefighters.The animal was found 3ft (0.9m) deep in mud and water on Carbis Moor near St Austell, Cornwall, on the morning of 2 January.Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said crews first cleared vegetation and undergrowth from the bank of the pond, before using a winch to haul out the 22-year-old horse.The horse was then placed in the care of its owner and…

South weekly quiz: What did Atlantic rowers rescue?

Post published:January 3, 2026
Post category:BBC Dorset

Test your knowledge of news from Hampshire, Berkshire, Dorset, Oxfordshire and the Isle of Wight with our quiz. Source link

Railways in the West of England: What next for 2026?

Post published:January 3, 2026
Post category:BBC Somerset

BBCGWR is expected to be brought back into public ownership in 2026It is set to be a year of change for train services in the West of England.From Great Western Railway (GWR) returning to public ownership to work beginning on the long-awaited Portishead line - what other developments could be in store?We look at what what you can expect to see in the next 12 months.Public ownership for GWRHeidi Alexander said the Labour government was addressing overcrowding on…

Practical tips to save on energy bills this winter

Post published:January 3, 2026
Post category:BBC Somerset

Getty ImagesBleeding radiators can released trapped air and allow heat to circulate properlyEvery winter brings a drop in temperatures and rising concerns about heating costs. With the energy price cap set to increase in January, we have gathered together some practical advice to help you keep warm and cut costs over the colder months.This month, millions of households will see a slight rise in their energy bills, as the energy regulator Ofgem increases the price cap by 0.2%.The…

Medal of Devon soldier who guarded Florence Nightingale auctioned

Post published:January 3, 2026
Post category:Devon News
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NOONANSFlorence Nightingale asked for Private Samuel Vickery to be her "orderly and effective bodyguard"A British military award medal given to a Devon-born soldier who kept Florence Nightingale safe during the Crimean War is being put up for auction.Noonans Mayfair said the Distinguished Conduct Medal was awarded to Pte Samuel Vickery of the Coldstream Guards for hand-to-hand fighting at the Battle of Inkermann on 5 November 1854.Pte Vickery was part of the force which "held the Russian enemy at…

Radio station at Lizard marks 125 year anniversary

Post published:January 3, 2026
Post category:BBC Cornwall

National TrustLizard Wireless Station was opened on 1 January 1901A radio station that played a "pivotal role" in the history of wireless communication is celebrating its 125th anniversary.The Lizard Wireless Station in Cornwall opened on 1 January 1901 and was able to communicate with ships up to 80 miles away, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible at the time.Later that same month the station received a wireless signal from St Catherine's Point on the Isle of…

Pedestrian seriously injured in A390 crash

Post published:January 2, 2026
Post category:BBC Cornwall

A pedestrian suffered serious injuries in a car crash in St Austell.The man, who is in his 40s, was hurt in the accident on Trevanion Road at the junction with Sawles Road at about 07:30 GMT.He is from the St Austell area and his next of kin are with him in hospital, Devon and Cornwall Police said.The force said the driver of a red Peugeot 207 stopped at the scene and was assisting the police investigation and it…

Rough sleeping plan activated across south of England

Post published:January 2, 2026
Post category:BBC Dorset

Beds will be available for rough sleepers over the coming days with temperatures expected to remain below freezing at night.Many local authorities across the south of England have activated their Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), which means free emergency accommodation is available to everyone.SWEP is activated when temperatures are set to fall below zero for at least three nights in a row and overnight lows could fall to -6C on Saturday morning."Those sleeping on the streets are at…

Man arrested after alleged NYE Glastonbury spiking

Post published:January 2, 2026
Post category:BBC Somerset

Getty ImagesFour people were taken to hospital and have since been dischargedA man has been arrested after four people were taken to hospital following an alleged spiking incident at a New Year's Eve event.Avon and Somerset Police said officers were called by paramedics who were treating several people who started feeling unwell at the event on the High Street in Glastonbury.Officers arrested a man at the scene on suspicion of administering a noxious substance and he remains in…

Opticians’ 10,000km sight loss charity race in Devon and Cornwall

Post published:January 2, 2026
Post category:Devon News
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Opticians are starting a challenge to run, walk and cycle 6,214 miles (10,000km) in 2026 - one kilometre for each person estimated to be living with sight loss across Devon and Cornwall.Optician Tom Mannering said: "This number has real meaning for us and sight loss impacts people on a daily basis."The extreme challenge is the brainchild of the team at Huxter and Davy Opticians which has branches in Kingsbridge, Torpoint, Looe, and Padstow, as a way of "giving…