somerset

A new website for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) has launched to give people a space to share their experiences.The Unstoppables, a Yeovil-based group, began as a monthly in-person meet-up. They have since launched an online platform so members can share their experiences more often.Eve is registered blind and is one of the Unstoppables, she said: "It's made a huge difference and changed my life completely. I feel listened to."Unstoppables is open to all…

Joe SkirkowskiWest of EnglandPA MediaLando Norris became the 11th Briton to win the F1 World ChampionshipsLando Norris may have only just been crowned Formula 1 world champion but he is already being immortalised in his home county of Somerset.The 26-year-old won the F1 title after a third place finish in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix gave him the points needed to make the triumph possible.He was honoured with a pedestrianised street called Lando Lane named after him at…

Plans to double the number of homes in a village by building on "precious farmland" have been opposed by some residents.Protesters gathered earlier to object to North Somerset Council's local plan, which proposes 1,800 new homes in Backwell by 2041. Residents have said farmland, earmarked for about 1,000 houses, is crucial for future food security.Resident Loraine Hopkinson said: "We're a village of under 2,000 houses so another almost 2,000 houses is doubling the size of the village and…

Clara BullockandJoe Sims,BristolPA MediaLando Norris became world champion over the weekendFormula 1 World Champion Lando Norris has inspired many young people to take up the sport, his former karting trainer said.The 26-year-old, who was born in Bristol and grew up in Glastonbury, was crowned champion in Abu Dhabi. His third-place finish in the 2025 season finale ensured he beat rival Max Verstappen to the drivers' championship by just two points.Rob Dodds, who coached Norris in karting at BKC…

Dawn Limbu,BristolandJohn Darvall,BBC Radio BristolChloe DockerChloe Docker says she was spiked at an event in AugustA woman who believes she was spiked is calling for all venues to install lower bar areas to help more people safely order and monitor their own drinks.Chloe Docker, who lives with muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair, believes her drink was spiked while she attended a private event in August.She said the usual advice to prevent drink spiking, such as always buying…

A swimmer said she was feeling "proud" after winning British championships and breaking records in the pool.Caroline Faithfull, from South Petherton in Somerset, has a lifetime haul of 272 medals and is a member of the Down Syndrome GB swim team.In October, she won gold, silver and bronze medals at the European championships in Portugal and broke more swimming records.Ms Faithfull, who is preparing for the World Championships in January, said: "It's a little bit surreal, but I…