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Group mapping graves in Devon for future generations

Group mapping graves in Devon for future generations

Amateur historians have taken it upon themselves to map and document the locations of the graves in a churchyard.Holy Trinity Church in Buckfastleigh, Devon, burnt down in 1992, taking parish records with it and now members of the Holy Trinity Graveyard Project said they wanted to re-record where people were buried so families and genealogists could find them.Group member Jac Denley-Jones said: "There's hundreds of graves up there and people often come here from Australia, Canada, looking for…

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Elections may be cancelled in Plymouth and Exeter

Elections may be cancelled in Plymouth and Exeter

Elections for city councils in Exeter and Plymouth due to take place in 2026 may be cancelled following a government announcement.Ministers have indicated they will agree to postpone elections due next May until 2027, if authorities request it by mid-January.The Liberal Democrat leader of Devon County Council described the move as "double dealing and dishonesty".The government has said any postponement of elections will have to be requested by individual authorities. It said the decision to offer the choice…

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Revealed: genetic process which could be treatment target for deadly fungal disease Candida auris

Scientists have discovered a genetic process which could unlock new ways to treat mysterious and deadly fungal infection which has shut down multiple hospital intensive care units. Candida auris is particularly dangerous for people who are critically ill, so hospitals are vulnerable. While it seems to live harmlessly on the skin of increasing numbers of people, patients on ventilators are at high risk.  Once infected, the disease has a death rate of 45 per cent, and can resist…

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New online Creative Writing degree puts students in charge of their timetable

A new online master’s degree, designed to accommodate the commitments and complexities of modern life, will welcome its first students in January. The MA Creative Writing (Online) degree at the University of Exeter has been tailored specifically to put students in control of their own timetable and to break down barriers to learning for those unable to access a campus-based programme. The two-year part-time degree can be studied flexibly, at the learner’s own pace, from wherever they are,…

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US to host Qatari, Turkish and Egyptian officials for Gaza ceasefire talks | Israel-Palestine conflict News

The United States Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, will hold talks in Miami, Florida, with senior officials from Qatar, Egypt and Turkiye as efforts continue to advance the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire, even as Israel repeatedly violates the truce on the ground.A White House official told Al Jazeera Arabic on Friday that Witkoff is set to meet representatives from the three countries to discuss the future of the agreement aimed at halting Israel’s genocidal war on…

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Flood warnings across south of England as river levels rise

Flood warnings across south of England as river levels rise

Dorset CouncilFurther flooding is expected as river levels continue to rise due to Thursday's rainfallMultiple flood warnings remain in place across the south of England following heavy rainfall on Thursday.The Environment Agency (EA) has issued flood warnings and alerts for Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Dorset, along with numerous flood alerts in Oxfordshire and Berkshire.Travellers are being urged to check their your route before setting off, allow plenty of extra time for their journey and to avoid…

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Reform holds on to seat in Cornwall Council by-election

Reform holds on to seat in Cornwall Council by-election

Seb NobleCornwall political reporter, St Columb MinorBBCBy-election winner Heinz Glanville, centre, with Reform UK Cornwall's Paul Ashton, left, and Roger TarrantReform UK have held on to a seat on Cornwall Council in a tightly fought by-election.Heinz Glanville was elected as the new member for the St Columb Minor and Colan division.He secured 408 votes to finish ahead of Independent candidate John Fitter who polled 325, with the Liberal Democrats finishing third on 296. The by-election was called after…

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Boys, 7 and 9, among five in hospital after Sherborne crash

Boys, 7 and 9, among five in hospital after Sherborne crash

Two boys, a woman and two men are in hospital following a two-vehicle crash in Dorset.The collision, involving a white Range Rover and a blue Renault Clio, happened on the A30 between Castle Town Way and Oborne Road just east of Sherborne on Thursday shortly before 21:15 GMT.Dorset Police said the boys, aged 7 and 9, and a woman in her 30s were taken to hospital by air ambulance. A man in his 30s was also taken to…

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Horse racing workers preparing for busy Christmas

Horse racing workers preparing for busy Christmas

Onyi UbadighaWest of EnglandBBCDaily jobs still have to continue over the festive period at a horse racing yard Workers at a horse racing yard are preparing for one of their busiest times of year. With 32 country-wide fixtures between Christmas and New Years Day, workers have said the public "never see" how much effort goes on behind the scene.At David Pipe's yard in Somerset, workers face freezing early starts and time away from their loved ones. Mr Pipe…

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Somerset pubs ‘facing closure’ over business rate rise

Somerset pubs ‘facing closure’ over business rate rise

Michelle RuminskiSomerset Political ReporterMillie CowardMillie and Jon Coward, the owners of the Bell Inn in Wiveliscombe, say they don't know where they will find an extra £500 a week to pay their future business rates bill A pub owner has said she is genuinely worried how she will keep her doors open as she anticipates a tripling in her business rates following the Autumn Budget. Millie Coward, who owns four pubs in Somerset, said she is anticipating the…

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Volunteers spreading joy to thousands of kids this Christmas

Volunteers spreading joy to thousands of kids this Christmas

Duncan CookGloucestershireARCThousands of gifts have been collected for people in needTens of thousands of items are set to be donated across the west of England to spread joy this Christmas to families in need.From toys for children staying in emergency accommodation to a unique campaign ensuring that young people can enjoy the magic of a pantomime performance, a team of volunteers have been working hard to support families.Everything from toys and food, to sleeping bags and gift packs…

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Missing hitchhiker and the DNA breakthrough that caught killer

Missing hitchhiker and the DNA breakthrough that caught killer

Alistair Binneyin Worcestershire ShutterstockThe body of Celine Figard was found dumped in woods in Worcestershire It is 30 years since a French teenager hitchhiked to the UK to visit her cousin for Christmas and vanished. Those who were close to the case talk about the lasting impact it had on them.Celine Figard was heading to a holiday job at a hotel in Hampshire where her cousin was working as a waiter. The 19-year-old set out to hitchhike almost…

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