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BBC Radio Devon presenters take on three-legged challenge

BBC Radio Devon presenters take on three-legged challenge

BBCMichael Chequer was joined by breast cancer survivor Louise ButcherBBC radio presenters endured wind and rain on the first day of a 1,000-mile three-legged charity challenge for Children in Need.Caroline Densley and Michael Chequer from BBC Radio Devon intend to cover 12.5 miles (20.12km) over the two-day challenge. The pair have walked each mile tied to a different person, including volunteers and staff from Children in Need-funded projects.Densley, who began the challenge at Exmouth Lifeboat Station, said the…

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Ex-solicitor accused of rapes in Plymouth court and police cells

Ex-solicitor accused of rapes in Plymouth court and police cells

BBCSome of the alleged offences took place in the cells at Plymouth Magistrates' CourtA former criminal defence solicitor has been charged with the sexual assault and rape against eight men and a woman in the cells of a police station and a magistrates' court, a court has heard.Alan Harris, 71, is on trial at Winchester Crown Court, accused of 18 charges of indecent assault, eight charges of sexual assault, three charges of rape and one of another serious…

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Body recovered after safety work at burned house in Bideford

Body recovered after safety work at burned house in Bideford

A body has been recovered following safety work at the scene of a property fire, police have said. A murder investigation had been launched into the fire at a terraced house on Homestone Street at around 20:30 GMT on 28 October, and a number of arrests were made.Devon and Cornwall Police said a man had remained unaccounted for and work involving structural engineers has been taking place at the scene.The body was recovered on Sunday once part of…

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Exmoor road to close as part of police investigation

Exmoor road to close as part of police investigation

A road will be closed on Wednesday as part of an ongoing police investigation.The A396 will be shut between Wheddon Cross and Timberscombe in West Somerset from 09.30 to 16:30 GMT.Somerset Council said the closure was requested by Avon and Somerset Police, in relation to "an ongoing investigation".Drivers have been told to plan ahead, with the bus between Dunster and Minehead being diverted. Source link

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Cornwall’s new Reform leader says party is not in crisis

Cornwall’s new Reform leader says party is not in crisis

The new leader of Reform UK in Cornwall has said the party in the county is not in crisis but going through a "blip". Cllr Paul Ashton was appointed the party's Cornwall leader on 21 October but a week later saw five members leave over concerns about national and local priorities, to form a new Cornish Independent Non-Aligned Group. Mr Ashton said the party had had a "bit of a reset, new leadership, new vision, new strategy and…

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Devon’s Turner Twins climb Himalayan mountain with 1920s kit

Devon’s Turner Twins climb Himalayan mountain with 1920s kit

The Turner TwinsHugo (left) and Ross Turner wanted to show whether vintage climbing kit could handle the testTwin brothers have conquered a Himalayan mountain, one dressed in modern clothing, the other wearing a replica of kit worn by British explorers 100 years ago.Hugo and Ross Turner, from Christow in Devon, have taken part in a number of extreme adventures and said they wanted to see how their bodies reacted in the freezing temperatures of Mera Peak, near Everest,…

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Increased funds from Torbay Council too late, says land charity

Increased funds from Torbay Council too late, says land charity

Torbay Coast and Countryside TrustTorbay Coast and Countryside Trust looked after 80% of Torbay's landscapes, including Berry HeadA conservation charity which leased and maintained coastal areas said it did not receive increased funds from a council in time to prevent it from financial collapse.Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust (TCCT), which received a management fee from the council, entered voluntary administration in October.The trust looked after 80% of Torbay's landscapes and more than 40 miles (64km) of coast paths…

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Frome traffic scheme for ‘safer school streets’ made permanent

Frome traffic scheme for ‘safer school streets’ made permanent

Frome Town CouncilThe scheme in Frome has been rolled out permanently A project which aims to keep children safe on the school run has been made permanent following an 18-month trial.Roads around a number of schools in Frome will now have traffic calming measures in place year-round, including speed reductions and timed road closures.The Frome Town Council scheme encouraged children to walk or cycle to school and involved Avanti Park School, Critchill School, Oakfield Academy and Trinity Church…

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Agreement renewal strengthens research, education and patient benefits in Cornwall

A partnership between the University of Exeter and the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) has been renewed, strengthening a relationship to foster leadership in health research, education, and innovation to benefit patients in Cornwall and beyond. The third iteration of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations is designed to advance world-class education and research, develop a skilled, research-active healthcare workforce across Cornwall and the wider South West, and enhance population health. The two organisations already…

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Car falls into sinkhole in Redruth car park

Car falls into sinkhole in Redruth car park

An empty parked car has fallen into a sinkhole.The Mini car fell into a hole about 2m (6.6ft) deep on Sunday in a car park behind Berrymans Bakery on Trew Parc, in Redruth, Cornwall.Cornwall Council said its contractor Cormac secured the site and believed it to have been caused by a mining feature. Dan Berriman, from Cornwall Mining Consultants, said engineers "need to understand what is going on" before any action to remove the car is taken.Mr Berriman…

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New dental university being considered in Weymouth regeneration

New dental university being considered in Weymouth regeneration

A new university specialising in dentistry is one of the projects being considered as part of a town's regeneration.Dorset Council said its cabinet was set to work with partners on a number of ideas aimed at turning Weymouth into a "thriving coastal destination".The council said a new Allied Health Professional University in the town, with funding already allocated for a dental faculty, was one of the proposals being considered. The plans for the university are being developed in…

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Police investigate series of burglaries in East Cornwall

Police investigate series of burglaries in East Cornwall

Detectives have launched an investigation after a series of burglaries in East Cornwall.Police said two homes in St Cleer were targeted on Monday 20 October, with jewellery and cash being stolen from the properties on Well Lane and Trecarne View.Det Insp Claire Nicholls said police believe both incidents were part of a series of burglaries across the Liskeard area and nearby villages.She added: "The incidents have increased in the past few weeks with thieves targeting rural and secluded…

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