Elf world record attempt for Dorset seaside town

Post published:November 25, 2025
Post category:BBC Dorset
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People are being encouraged to dress up as Christmas elves this weekend in an attempt to break a world record.The event has become a fixture for Weymouth ahead of their Christmas light switch on.Elf attire in the form of ears, hats and collars are encouraged to help the seaside town officially claim the title of elf capital of the UK.Locals and visitors are welcome to join the entourage of Santa's little helpers on Saturday to try and beat…

Gritter naming challenge launched by BCP Council

Post published:November 25, 2025
Post category:BBC Dorset
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Residents are being asked to suggest names for a council's fleet of gritters ahead of the winter.Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council has more than 13 vehicles that look after 780 miles (1,250) of roads across the three Dorset towns.It said the fun initiative was a way to "celebrate the hard work of our highways teams".The top suggestions will be chosen early in December, with the winning names displayed on the gritters.Other councils have had similar competitions with…

Devon project using online games to help stroke recovery

Post published:November 25, 2025
Post category:Devon News
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Andrea OrmsbyandBriohny Williams,South WestBBCBernie Kielty said the project "showed me I could live again"A stroke survivor says he has gained more strength and independence with help from a research project at the University of Exeter.Bernie Kielty, 74, from Whimple, Devon, has worked with academics for over a year using a bespoke online game to improve his mobility after a stroke six years ago left him unable to "use anything on my left-hand side". The university research is exploring…

Sinkhole car in Redruth still stuck after three weeks

Post published:November 25, 2025
Post category:BBC Cornwall
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BBCMalcolm McKenzie's Mini fell into the old mine workings on 1 NovemberThe owner of a car that has been stuck in a sinkhole for more than three weeks is no closer to getting it out and is finding the situation "really stressful". It is believed the 10ft (3m) wide hole opened up due to old mine workings in Redruth, Cornwall.The owners of a bakery beside the collapse are unable to use part of the building and some nearby…

Devon man faces no further police action after fatal house fire

Post published:November 24, 2025
Post category:Devon News
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A man arrested in connection with a fatal property fire will face no further police action, a force has said.A murder investigation was launched into a fire at a terraced house on Honestone Street in Bideford on 28 October and a number of arrests were made.A man in his 30s, from Bideford, was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and was released on police bail. Devon and Cornwall Police said following an extensive investigation,…

Devon man shot himself after police returned guns, inquest told

Post published:November 24, 2025
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BBCA conclusion of suicide was recorded at the inquest into the death of Richard HaddockThere were "missed opportunities" when a farmer shot himself eight months after lawfully-held firearms were returned to him, an inquest has heard.Richard Haddock, 66, died at his Devon farm in June 2023 after his guns were seized by police in 2021 following concerns raised by a friend.Exeter Coroner's Court heard Mr Haddock shot himself two days after admitting six charges of contravening Environment Agency…

Ambitious international programme will equip leaders for rapidly evolving higher education landscape

Post published:November 24, 2025
Post category:Exeter Uni News
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A new ambitious international programme will give university leaders the knowledge and skills needed in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape. The Leadership Compass: Charting the Future of Excellence in Higher Education has been designed exclusively for the Sharjah Council for Higher Education and Scientific Research by the University of Exeter. It allows leaders of both organisations to learn from each other and embed courageous leadership and responsible and effective governance in their institutions. The programme will also…

Newquay to Gatwick flights ‘vital’ for Cornwall

Post published:November 24, 2025
Post category:BBC Cornwall
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BBCThe first Skybus plane on the Newquay to London Gatwick route took off on SundayFlights between Newquay and London will make it more appealing for people to work and study in Cornwall, businesses have said.Skybus started operating services to and from London Gatwick on Sunday after stepping in to replace Eastern Airways following its collapse.The airline has agreed a short-term contract for the daily route, which is subsidised by the government and Cornwall Council due to its economic…

Sensory room opens in Penzance Gym to offer a ‘safe space’

Post published:November 24, 2025
Post category:BBC Cornwall
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A gymnastics club has opened a special education needs and disabilities (Send) facility. Penzance Gymnastics Club CIC was awarded community capacity funding this year from Cornwall Council which it used to create room, organisers said.They added that had worked closely with local community establishments for disadvantaged children and had bought a variety of specialised equipment to help people with many different needs. Double Olympic gold medal rowing champion Helen Glover opened the room on Monday, saying: "It can…

Stratford recycling company Unimetals files for liquidation

Post published:November 24, 2025
Post category:Devon News
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Recycling company Unimetals, which has dozens of sites across the UK, has filed for liquidation.The company's head office is in Stratford-upon-Avon, and has sites scattered around the country, including London, Halesowen, Staffordshire, Greater Manchester and Devon.It is unclear when the firm will go into liquidation, and how many jobs are at risk."We have worked tirelessly to explore every possible option to secure new financing for Unimetals Recycling (UK) Ltd, with the aim of meeting our financial obligations and…

Patagonia snowstorm deaths were avoidable tragedy, survivors say

Post published:November 24, 2025
Post category:BBC Cornwall
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Visit Isles of ScillyVictoria Bond was among five killed in a snowstorm in ChileSurvivors of a deadly snowstorm in Patagonia that claimed the life of a British woman want new safety measures introduced to stop more "senseless loss of life" in the future.Five people, including Victoria Bond from Cornwall, died in Chile's Torres del Paine National Park, which is a popular destination for hikers, on 17 November.Chile's government, the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf), travel agency Vertice and staff…

Woman who lived on Exeter streets said life was ‘unbearable’

Post published:November 24, 2025
Post category:Devon News
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YMCA ExeterAmelia Teare, in the red dress, said life on the streets was "really scary" as a vulnerable womanA woman who turned her life around after spending months living on the streets, said it became "unbearable".Amelia Teare, 29, from Dorset, struggled with addiction and slept in doorways across Exeter for about three months after she "lost her way" during lockdown."Being a vulnerable female specifically it's really scary being alone and outside. I didn't want to change, I didn't…