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Warnings over new year swims

Warnings over new year swims

Jonathan MorrisSouth WestPA MediaKnow your limits and check the conditions, the RNLI saysPeople planning New Year sea swims are being urged to think carefully before entering cold, rough water after two swimmers went missing on Christmas DayTwo men - a man in his 40s and antiques dealer Matthew Upham, 64 - were reported missing from a swim at Budleigh Salterton in Devon.The RNLI said winter sea temperatures of 6-10C (42.8-50F), far below the 15C (59F) point where cold…

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South West receives 107 ambulances to help ease winter pressures

South West receives 107 ambulances to help ease winter pressures

More than 100 new ambulances will be rolled out across the South West to help emergency services through the busy winter period.The South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust (SWASFT) will receive the vehicles as part of a £75m project funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).The government scheme aims to boost frontline services, with a fleet of more than 500 double-crewed ambulances being provided nationally. NHS trusts across the country have been under pressure with…

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People asked to avoid area after gas leak at business park

People asked to avoid area after gas leak at business park

A main road in Cornwall has been closed and a 500m (1,640ft) cordon is in place following a gas leak.Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service advised people to avoid the area and to find an alternative route due to the leak near to Tresillian Business Park, in Truro. Crews from Truro Fire Station were called to the incident at about 08:25 GMT and closed the A390 and B3275.Fire crews are working alongside Devon and Cornwall Police and engineers who…

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St Ives expecting 40,000 revellers for New Year’s Eve

St Ives expecting 40,000 revellers for New Year’s Eve

St Ives Business Improvement DistrictFancy dress costumes filled the narrow streets of St Ives last year St Ives Business Improvement District (BID) said they expect about 40,000 partygoers in the town for New Year's Eve.Town managers said it was the third largest street party in the UK after London and Edinburgh.Extra police, street marshals and ambulance crews are due to be on hand to help deliver a safe event.Mayor Johnnie Wells said the event could be a "victim…

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Frome police inspector finishes year-long run challenge for women

Frome police inspector finishes year-long run challenge for women

Bea SwallowWest of EnglandBBCRachel Clark says she wanted to "promote and highlight women's safety" by encouraging residents to tag along for her final runA female police inspector is completing the final leg of her 'mile-a-day' runs to raise awareness of women's' safety while running, particularly during darker evenings. Rachel Clark, from Frome in Somerset, will be handing out personal safety alarms during her last run later to help combat violence against women and girls.She has been encouraging residents…

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Abandoned phone box in Oldcroft highlights ‘rich’ local history

Abandoned phone box in Oldcroft highlights ‘rich’ local history

Bea SwallowWest of EnglandBBCKathy Cook and Roger Deeks are part of the team restoring the disused phone boxVolunteers say an abandoned phone box which has been transformed into a mini museum is uncovering a "rich" history from the local area.Kathy Cook and Roger Deeks are part of the team restoring the disused phone box in Oldcroft, Gloucestershire, which fell into disrepair around 15 years ago.The group have since hosted talks, events and nature walks around the community focal…

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Annual picture round-up of the West’s best moments in 2025

Annual picture round-up of the West’s best moments in 2025

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…

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West Bay cliff fall blocks beach on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast

West Bay cliff fall blocks beach on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast

A visitor has called it "a miracle" no-one was hurt when a section of cliff collapsed on to a beach on Dorset's Jurassic Coast.Suzanne Sears was taking a walk near West Bay when she heard "a deep cracking noise" coming from the cliffs before the rockfall shortly after 16:00 GMT on Tuesday.The Maritime and Coastguard Agency confirmed a rescue team was sent to a report of a cliff fall at West Bay and "no one was found to…

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The biggest news stories of the year

The biggest news stories of the year

Stephen StaffordSouth of EnglandOXFORD UNIVERSITY MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORYTwo hundred huge footprints were discovered in an Oxfordshire quarryAs 2025 draws to a close, have a look back at the biggest stories we have reported on across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Dorset, Berkshire and Oxfordshire.January: Walking with dinosaursAt the start of the year, scientists discovered a window into the prehistoric past in an Oxfordshire quarry.Dewars Farm Quarry has long been linked with dinosaurs and last year researchers found…

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Cornish Politics – review of the year

Cornish Politics – review of the year

Seb NobleCornwall political reporterBBCIt was a good year for the Liberal Democrats - with Leigh Frost's party taking over running Cornwall Council There is an old Cornish new year's tradition which involves sweeping clean outside your front doorstep and then creating a line made from sand.Sanding the Step is designed to bring good luck for the coming 12 months - depending on who is first to cross through the line on 1 January. It has been a year…

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Warnings over new year sea swims

Warnings over new year sea swims

Jonathan MorrisSouth WestPA MediaKnow your limits and check the conditions, the RNLI saysPeople planning New Year sea swims are being urged to think carefully before entering cold, rough water after two swimmers went missing on Christmas Day.Two men - a man in his 40s and antiques dealer Matthew Upham, 64 - were reported missing from a swim at Budleigh Salterton in Devon.The RNLI said winter sea temperatures of 6-10C (42.8-50F), far below the 15C (59F) point where cold…

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