‘Chance of snow’ in South West on cold Christmas Day

There could be snowfall in the south-west of England on Christmas day, a forecaster has said.Even though forecasters have not predicted a white Christmas on 25 December, there's "a very small chance" of snow falling on Dartmoor as afternoon rain showers push into parts of Devon and Cornwall, the Met Office said.Devon and Cornwall are expected to see a low of -1C (30F) and a high of 5C (41F) on Thursday with easterly winds causing big waves for…

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Australia’s NSW passes tough anti-protest, gun laws after Bondi attack | Protests News

Palestinian, Jewish and Indigenous groups say they will launch constitutional challenge to anti-protest laws described as ‘rushed’.The state of New South Wales (NSW) will have the toughest gun laws in Australia as well as wide-reaching new restrictions on free speech in the wake of the Bondi Beach mass shooting, which left 15 people dead.Less than two weeks after the attack on a Jewish celebration, new legislation was passed by the state’s legislative assembly in the early hours of…

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Devon couple set up free Christmas Day lunch for those in need

Olivia ProwseOlivia Prowse, here with husband Mat, says helping others beats sitting at homeA woman who will spend Christmas making free lunches for people in need says it is "the right thing to do".Olivia Prowse, 58, from Loddiswell, Devon, has organised the event on 25 December, alongside husband Mat, to help people who would otherwise be alone or struggling on Christmas Day.Mrs Prowse said 13 people had signed up to attend the event in the village near Kingsbridge,…

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Bristol couple write children’s book to honour night-shift staff

BBCTim and Katie Hodkinson wanted to recognise the sacrifices of night-shift staff during the festive periodWhile most families are spending time together over the next few days, many healthcare workers will be on shift looking after those who need it most. Now Dr Tim Hodkinson and his wife, dental nurse Kate Hodkinson, have released a children's book, 'Twas the Night Shift Before Christmas', to honour medical staff who work over the festive period instead of spending time with…

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South West traders say Christmas has been ‘stressful but fun’

James TrevettCombe Garden Centre manager James Trevett (left) said the Christmas period was a "stressful fun" timeTraders in the South West say Christmas continues to be a vital time of year - even if it is "stressful".The festive period is traditionally an important time for businesses with many building displays and stocking up to target shoppers looking for gifts.Some businesses in Devon and Cornwall have decided to focus purely on the festivities by becoming Christmas tree farms or…

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John Inman’s legacy lives on through dame costumes in Weymouth

Sophie CridlandSouth of EnglandBBCAbout 20 of John Inman's pantomime dame costumes are now owned by Weymouth pantomime dame Jamie RidingA larger than life wig, more make up than you feel comfortable in and a big frilly dress are what makes a traditional pantomime dame.The comedic character is traditionally a male in drag and the late actor, John Inman, played the dame many times.Some of the Are You Being Served? TV legend's costumes have been handed down to the…

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RNLI volunteers prepare to help those in need over Christmas

Darren Blight"Knowing we can make a difference is what keeps us going," says Wes FosterRNLI volunteers said it was "never easy leaving loved ones" at Christmas to attend a coastal emergency, but "making a difference" made it worthwhile.Wes Foster, a member of the Plymouth RNLI team, said: "Being on call means we're always ready to step away from the celebrations at a moment's notice to help someone in need."Johnny Bray, from Lizard lifeboat crew, in Cornwall, said "we're…

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Kingston Maurward House roof repair plans ‘would cause harm’

Trevor BevinsLocal Democracy Reporting ServiceLDRSKingston Maurward House has been described as "a fine example of a Georgian English country housePlans to use a synthetic covering to repair the roof of a Grade 1 listed manor house "would cause harm" to the building's historic status, experts have said. The agricultural college based at Kingston Maurward House, near Dorchester in Dorset, has applied to replace a flat roof to prevent leaks.But Historic England said the materials proposed would be "not…

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Winterstoke Road Bridge to be demolished amid £11m scheme

Bea SwallowWest of EnglandNorth Somerset CouncilWinterstoke Road Bridge was built in the early 1940s and is now reaching the end of its safe lifespanA historic bridge which played a vital role in a town's war effort will be demolished when the railway tracks fall quiet on Christmas Day.Winterstoke Road Bridge in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, was built in 1941 to provide access to the RAF's aeroplane production factory in Oldmixon.North Somerset Council said due to its age, "it is now…

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US bars five Europeans over alleged efforts to ‘censor American viewpoints’ | European Union News

The United States has imposed visa bans on five Europeans, including a former European Union commissioner, accusing them of pressuring tech firms to censor and suppress “American viewpoints they oppose”.In a statement on Tuesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterised the individuals as “radical activists” who had “advanced censorship crackdowns” by foreign states against “American speakers and American companies”.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of list“For far too long, ideologues in Europe have led organized efforts to…

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Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,399 | Russia-Ukraine war News

These are the key developments from day 1,399 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.Published On 24 Dec 202524 Dec 2025Click here to share on social mediashare2ShareHere is where things stand on Wednesday, December 24:Fighting Russian forces began a “massive attack” on Ukraine on Monday night, killing three people and targeting 13 regions with 650 drones and 30 missiles, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a post on X. Those killed in the overnight attack included a four-year-old girl in…

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Wasteful Nigeria edge past Tanzania to make winning start to AFCON 2025 | Football News

Nigeria seal a 2-1 win against a plucky Tanzania to open their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 account with a win in Fez.Published On 23 Dec 202523 Dec 2025Click here to share on social mediashare2ShareAdemola Lookman has secured a 2-1 win for a wasteful Nigeria against Tanzania in Fez, Morocco, in their opening Africa Cup of Nations match.After the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Nigeria coach Eric Chelle would have hoped for more…

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