Live updates for Devon and Cornwall have finished for the day, but we'll be back at 08:00 on Monday with the latest news, sport, travel and weather.
Dementia carer welcomes initiative for carers to stay in hospital with patients
Jenny Walrond, Health Correspondent
BBC Spotlight
A carer who was allowed to stay in hospital with her husband, who has dementia, says it saved the NHS money and shortened his stay.
The Royal Cornwall, Derriford and Torbay hospitals have signed up to a national initiative called John's Campaign - which calls for more flexibility to help family members look after vulnerable people in hospital.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Carer Prue Willday said: "I had a camp bed in the hospital, when he woke in the night I could touch him. If I had not been there, he would have been there much longer at a greater cost."
'Staggering' cost of electrifying Great Western line
Martyn Oates, Political Editor
The ballooning cost of electrification on the Great Western Main Line - which could be as much as £2.8 billion - has been condemned as "staggering and unacceptable" by an influential committee of MPs.
The Committee was also told it was "highly likely" there would be delays in delivering the project, which would also mean a delay in Devon and Cornwall getting hand-me-down rolling stock.
However, the Conservative MP for Taunton Rebecca Pow told the BBC she'd heard today the Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin was "confident he can get it back on track".
A mother has described coming under a violent attack from her daughter as a campaign is launched to increase awareness of domestic abuse by children on their parents.
BBCCopyright: BBC
One mother, who chose to remain anonymous, told the BBC's Simon Clemison: "She came running down the corridor with the knife above her head."
Weather latest: Windy with a chance of sleet over high ground
Emily Wood
BBC Weather
There will be some clear spells overnight and scattered showers which will turn wintry over higher ground. Feeling cold with frost and the risk of ice forming and it will turn increasingly windy. Minimum Temperature: 2 Deg C (36 Deg F).
BBCCopyright: BBC
There will be a mixture of some sunny spells and scattered showers on Saturday. Some of the showers will be wintry, most likely over higher ground. Feeling cold with strong northerly winds and a significant wind chill. Maximum Temperature: 8 Deg C (46 Deg F).
Murder trial hears how builder died trying to 'protect friends'
Scott Bingham, BBC Spotlight
A Plymouth builder, killed in a New Year's Day attack, died trying to protect his friends, Plymouth Crown Court has heard.
Tanis Bhandari, 27, was stabbed twice in the back and died before he could reach hospital. Four other men were injured.
Giving evidence, Dinah Moore, told the court that the attack was like a "massacre" and said although she'd seen Tanis fighting in the past, on the night in question "he was trying to keep people safe".
Donald Pemberton, 21, and Ryan Williams, 22, both deny murder. The trial continues.
Latest headlines for Devon and Cornwall
Claire Hawke
BBC Local Live
- Cornwall Council has apologised over the introduction of a £60,000 bus lane that is being scrapped three weeks after it was introduced
- Plymouth builder Tanis Bhandari died trying to protect his friends, Plymouth Crown Court has heard in the trial of two men accused of his murder
- A Launceston-based lorry firm, whose driver caused the deaths of two charity cyclists, has had its operating licence revoked
- The cost of the Great Western main line electrification is "staggering and unacceptable" according to a report discussed at the House of Commons
Cornwall Council has apologised for making mistakes in introducing a 200m (219yd) bus lane in Truro that isnow to be scrapped.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Bert Biscoe, cabinet member for transport, toldBBC Radio Cornwall: "I'm very happy to say we are sorry that in design of this scheme we didn't get the psychological predictions right."
Travel news for Devon and Cornwall
BBC Travel
- Long delays between Penryn and Falmouth because of roadworks.
The 26-year-old has missed most of the season after suffering a knee injury in August, but is now back in training.
"He's looked like he's not been away and that gives me a lift and it'll lift the players as he'll be like a new signing when he's fully fit and ready to go," Nicholson told BBC Sport.
Grandfather who has lived in Cornwall for 40 years threatened with deportation
A grandfather who has lived in Falmouth for more than 40 years has been told he could be deported with just 72 hours' notice. Thomas Podgoretsky, 71, moved to Falmouth in 1970 having moved to the UK from his native US.
Murder victims have been killed by their grown-up children in two cases since 2011 in Devon, it has emerged today.
Nicola Channon, from the Safer Devon Partnership which is campaigning to raise awareness of the issue, said relatives or friends are "left to deal with the loss of not one but two family members, with many of the perpetrators being sentenced to life in prison".
Cost of electrification of Great Western main line condemned by MPs
Plymouth 'ready' for first forecast cold snap of the winter
Chris Ellis
BBC News Online
Plymouth is ready for the first forecast cold snap of the winter, according to highways and council bosses.
The city's salt barn at the Prince Rock Depot is stocked up with 1,250 tonnes of salt and the 400 community salt bins around the city have also been topped up for people to use locally on roads and footpaths.
Temperatures are expected to plummet to just above freezing across many parts of the South West.
£30,000 bus lane scrapped after less than a month
Miles Davis
BBC News Online
A controversial 200m (219yds) bus lane that cost more than £30,000 is being withdrawn by Cornwall Council less than a month after it was introduced.
BBCCopyright: BBC
The bus lane on Tregolls Road in Truro was introduced on 2 November to make it easier for buses to get into town from the new park and ride service at Tregurra.
Rower's 'delight' at new international accolade
Cornwall's olympic rower Helen Glover has said she's "humbled" to be named World Female Crew of the Year, along with her partner Heather Stanning.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
The gold medallists - who are also World and European champions as well as overall world cup winners - won the title from rowing’s international federation, FISA.
“I’d like to thank everyone who helped us make this possible...We now want to drive on in training every day to continue to improve and be the best we can be in the Olympic season ahead,” Glover said.
Weather latest: Warning of gale force gusts with wintry showers overnight
Cloudy with a few isolated showers which will become more frequent this evening. It will feel increasingly cold with blustery northerly winds. And there is a warning of gale force winds this evening and overnight with gusts up to 70mph around the coast.
BBCCopyright: BBC
It will be a cold, windy and showery night, with some of the showers turning wintry over the moors with a chance of sleet. Frost possible in a few sheltered spots. Minimum Temperature: 3 Deg C (50 Deg F).
University tennis table theft appeal made by police
Death of Rocky the police cat
Facebook
A celebrated cat who took up residence at an island police station has died.
An HGV company that has lost its licence following the deaths of two charity cyclists, showed a "reprehensible approach to road safety", a traffic commissioner tribunal heard.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Traffic Commissioner Sarah Bell said the actions of Launceston-based hauliers Fry's Logistics 'contributed to the death' of cyclists Andrew McMenigall and Toby Wallace who were killed near Newquay in July 2013 by lorry driver Robert Palmer.
A361 snow plan in place as severe winter predicted
Extra gritters and snow ploughs will be made available for the A361 North Devon link road in the event of severe winter weather, a council has confirmed.
- Security is being stepped up for tomorrow's local derby between Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City, one of the region's biggest public events since the terror attacks in Paris
- A lorry firm, whose driver caused the deaths of two charity cyclists, has had its operating licence revoked
- Officials are shocked at reports of child-parent attacks in the South West
- Carers of people with dementia are being allowed to stay overnight with them at the Royal Cornwall, Derriford and Torbay hospitals
Fatal New Year's Day stabbing left 'body, on top of body, on top of body', court hears
Scott Bingham, BBC Spotlight
An eyewitness to a New Year's Day stabbing which left a Plymouth builder dead, described the scene as "body, on top of body, on top of body".
Four other men were injured. Donald Pemberton, 21, and Ryan Williams, 22, deny murder, wounding and assault. The trial continues.
Truro man denies dog attack
A man from Truro has denied responsibility for a dog attack that left a man with a serious head injury.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Paul Lindsay-Jones, 52, from Salmon Row, Truro, pleaded not guilty to the charge of owning a dog which caused injury whilst dangerously out of control and will appear in court in February.
Peter Fitzgerald needed almost 200 stitches in his head after being attacked on a playing field in Truro in June.
Should first aid teaching be made compulsory in schools?
Bill Buckley
BBC Radio Devon
Should all school children be taught first aid at school?
There are tens of thousands of medical emergencies every year in the UK, yet research shows too few of us would know what to do if we had to step in and help.
Now a new campaign - Every Child a Lifesaver - is aiming to get first aid lessons made a compulsory part of the curriculum. Have you used or received first aid? Let me know on today's phone-in by calling 0345 3011034.
Travel news for Devon and Cornwall
BBC Travel
- There is congestion on the A39 in Cornwall between Carland Cross and Trispen
- In Plymouth there is congestion between the Pomphlett Road junction and the Gdynia Way junction
- There is congestion on the A30 for traffic travelling eastbound between Bodmin and Millpool
- All Skybus flights are now operating on time following earlier delays
Woman arrested in connection with Tiverton school bomb threat
Chris Ellis
BBC News Online
A woman has been arrested in connection with a bomb threat at a primary school in Tiverton.
GoogleCopyright: Google
Police were alerted at 09:15 and evacuated all pupils at Heathcoat Primary School to a nearby church.
Just after 11:00 officers arrested a 32-year-old woman in connection with the incident. Police has since confirmed it was a hoax call and no-one was in any danger.
The seaweed that closed a Cornish beach
Miles Davis
BBC News Online
Pictures of seaweed on a Cornish beach that prompted a public health warning have been released by Cornwall Council.
Cornwall CouncilCopyright: Cornwall Council
The council had said the previously "unidentified viscous liquid" at Long Rock near Penzance was thought to be "petroleum-based" and put up warning signs - but has now confirmed it is harmless.
Officials shocked at child-parent attacks in the South West
Officials have spoken of their shock after receiving a number of reports of domestic violence involving children attacking their parents.
BBCCopyright: BBC
The Safer Devon Partnership - which includes the police and health service - has today launched a campaign to highlight the issue. They want people to know that help is available.
How good a driver are you?
Laurence Reed
BBC Radio Cornwall
What does this sign mean and what is the stopping distance of an HGV travelling at 50 mph?
Highways AgencyCopyright: Highways Agency
Recent research shows that around half of British drivers would fail their test if they took it again today, even though 97% claim to be good drivers!
Let me know how you think you would get on by calling today's phone-in on 01872 222222.
Security increased at Plymouth v Exeter match to 'reassure' public
Simon Hall, Home Affairs Correspondent
BBC Spotlight
Tomorrow’s Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City match will have extra security following the Paris attacks.
BBCCopyright: BBC
It’s one of Devon and Cornwall’s biggest public events since the tragedy, with up to 15,000 spectators expected. One senior officer said the police presence would be “low key, but designed to reassure”.
"We don’t want anything spoiling what should be a great day out," he added.
Croll, who can also play at left-back, has yet to make his debut as a professional footballer, but was an unused substitute in Palace's Premier League win at Watford in September.
He is the second Palace player to join Plymouth on loan following midfielder Hiram Boateng's move in July.
Rowing champions claim yet another international title
Olympic champion Helen Glover - who's from Cornwall - and her rowing pairs partner Heather Stanning have won another award.
GB Rowing TeamCopyright: GB Rowing Team
They've been named World Female Crew of the Year by rowing’s international federation, FISA, after a public nomination.
The GB Rowing Team are also World and European Champions as well as overall World Cup winners.
Ex soldier guilty of cashpoint attack which was caught on CCTV
A public warning issued over an 'unidentifiable viscous liquid' washed up near Penzance has been withdrawn, after the substance turned out to be seaweed.
Cornwall Council issued a warning at 20:00 on Thursday about what was thought to be a 'petroleum-based' substance found on beaches in Mounts Bay.
But the council has now confirmed the material is marine algae and warning signs are being removed.
Dementia carers allowed to stay overnight in South West hospitals
Carers of people with dementia are being allowed to stay overnight with them in hospital.
BBCCopyright: BBC
The Royal Cornwall, Derriford and Torbay hospitals have signed up to a national initiative called John's Campaign to get more flexibility for family members caring for vulnerable people during a stay in hospital.
Haulier loses licence following deaths of cyclists
Miles Davis
BBC News Online
Traffic Commissioner Sarah Bell has revoked the HGV operator's licence for Launceston-based Fry's Logistics Limited, after one of its drivers caused the deaths of two cyclists.
Families, via lawyers Leigh DayCopyright: Families, via lawyers Leigh Day
Public toilets in a Plymouth park which were once labelled a 'sex den' for men are to be torn down. The loos on the fringes of Central Park are one of several sets across the city earmarked for demolition.
Cornish heritage hit by climate change, warns National Trust
Press Association
Rare book collections, stately home gardens and 18th Century tapestries are among the heritage being affected by a changing climate, the National Trust has warned.
More erratic weather, changes to rainfall and rising temperatures are already having an impact on National Trust properties and land, the organisation said, forcing it to find new ways of managing the heritage in its care in the face of climate change.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Problems include the discovery of mould and spider beetles in the rare book collection at Lanhydrock, Cornwall, prompting the installation of damp proofing and environmental controls.
More than 134,000 people provide unpaid care for someone in Devon, according to Carers UK.
It has released the figures on Carers Rights Day, and says half of those providing substantial care to a disabled, seriously-ill or older loved one in the UK may be missing out on vital support.
Hundreds of events are taking place in communities throughout the UK today to help carers find out more about their rights.
Man, 87, found after extensive overnight coastal search
An 87-year-old man has been found safe and well after an extensive overnight coastal search.
Rescue teams, including the police and both Penlee lifeboats, used search lights and night vision cameras to look for the pensioner around Newlyn Harbour.
The man had been reported missing at 22:00 and was found by security staff at Vospers in Penzance at about 01:30 this morning.
Pigs, cream and 150,000 cans of Coke - the bizarre spills on West roads
A list of the bizarre items spilled on South West roads – from 150,000 Coke cans to pigs and cider – has been released. Highways England published the list after 24 tonnes of lard closed the M11 for 24 hours to highlight the strange and often dangerous challenges it faces on a daily basis.
Travel news for Devon and Cornwall
BBC Travel
- At Tedburn St Mary, the A30 is partially blocked near Five Mile Hill heading towards Exeter due to an accident.
- In Cornwall, Pool Druid's Road is blocked near Wilson Way - also due to an accident.
- The A396 in Rewe is blocked in both directions near Green Lane after a collision.
- In St Erth Praze the B3302 Calais Road is partially blocked near Conker Road
- In Falmouth, Swanpool Road is blocked in both directions near Bickland Water Road
Latest headlines for Devon and Cornwall
Claire Hawke
BBC Local Live
- Warning signs are being put up on beaches in Mounts Bay warning children and dogs to stay away from an 'unidentified viscous' substance which has been washed up
- Security is being stepped up for tomorrow's local derby between Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City, one of the region's biggest public events since the terror attacks in Paris
- A lorry firm, whose driver caused the deaths of two charity cyclists, has had its operating licence revoked
- Carers of people with dementia are being allowed to stay overnight with them at the Royal Cornwall, Derriford and Torbay hospitals
- An 87-year-old man has been found safe and well after a huge search by the emergency services in Penzance last night
Weather latest: Rain clearing to leave sunny spells and isolated showers
Bee Tucker
BBC Weather
Wet with heavy and persistent rain this morning. This should ease to leave a drier afternoon with some sunny spells and just a few isolated showers.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Winds will be strengthening through the day, making it feel quite chilly by the evening. Maximum temperature: 10 Deg C (50 Deg F).
The NHS says 115 people in Devon are currently waiting for a kidney, liver, heart or lung transplant.
Forty five of those patients have been waiting for more than two years and 18 people in Devon have died without getting a transplant in the last four years.
It's launching a new campaign to encourage more of us to sign up to the Organ Donor Register.
Security stepped up at football derby after terror attacks
Simon Hall, Home Affairs Correspondent
BBC Spotlight
Security is being enhanced for tomorrow’s local derby between Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City following the Paris terror attacks.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Senior police officers say the game, which will attract 15,000 spectators, has been the subject of a series of safety reviews.
However, they say there is no evidence of a specific threat.
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Latest PostOur live coverage across the day
Live updates for Devon and Cornwall have finished for the day, but we'll be back at 08:00 on Monday with the latest news, sport, travel and weather.
Dementia carer welcomes initiative for carers to stay in hospital with patients
Jenny Walrond, Health Correspondent
BBC Spotlight
A carer who was allowed to stay in hospital with her husband, who has dementia, says it saved the NHS money and shortened his stay.
The Royal Cornwall, Derriford and Torbay hospitals have signed up to a national initiative called John's Campaign - which calls for more flexibility to help family members look after vulnerable people in hospital.
Carer Prue Willday said: "I had a camp bed in the hospital, when he woke in the night I could touch him. If I had not been there, he would have been there much longer at a greater cost."
'Staggering' cost of electrifying Great Western line
Martyn Oates, Political Editor
The ballooning cost of electrification on the Great Western Main Line - which could be as much as £2.8 billion - has been condemned as "staggering and unacceptable" by an influential committee of MPs.
The Committee was also told it was "highly likely" there would be delays in delivering the project, which would also mean a delay in Devon and Cornwall getting hand-me-down rolling stock.
However, the Conservative MP for Taunton Rebecca Pow told the BBC she'd heard today the Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin was "confident he can get it back on track".
Daughter attacked mother with knife
BBC Spotlight
A mother has described coming under a violent attack from her daughter as a campaign is launched to increase awareness of domestic abuse by children on their parents.
One mother, who chose to remain anonymous, told the BBC's Simon Clemison: "She came running down the corridor with the knife above her head."
Weather latest: Windy with a chance of sleet over high ground
Emily Wood
BBC Weather
There will be some clear spells overnight and scattered showers which will turn wintry over higher ground. Feeling cold with frost and the risk of ice forming and it will turn increasingly windy. Minimum Temperature: 2 Deg C (36 Deg F).
There will be a mixture of some sunny spells and scattered showers on Saturday. Some of the showers will be wintry, most likely over higher ground. Feeling cold with strong northerly winds and a significant wind chill. Maximum Temperature: 8 Deg C (46 Deg F).
Murder trial hears how builder died trying to 'protect friends'
Scott Bingham, BBC Spotlight
A Plymouth builder, killed in a New Year's Day attack, died trying to protect his friends, Plymouth Crown Court has heard.
Tanis Bhandari, 27, was stabbed twice in the back and died before he could reach hospital. Four other men were injured.
Giving evidence, Dinah Moore, told the court that the attack was like a "massacre" and said although she'd seen Tanis fighting in the past, on the night in question "he was trying to keep people safe".
Donald Pemberton, 21, and Ryan Williams, 22, both deny murder. The trial continues.
Latest headlines for Devon and Cornwall
Claire Hawke
BBC Local Live
- Cornwall Council has apologised over the introduction of a £60,000 bus lane that is being scrapped three weeks after it was introduced
- Plymouth builder Tanis Bhandari died trying to protect his friends, Plymouth Crown Court has heard in the trial of two men accused of his murder
- A Launceston-based lorry firm, whose driver caused the deaths of two charity cyclists, has had its operating licence revoked
- The cost of the Great Western main line electrification is "staggering and unacceptable" according to a report discussed at the House of Commons
Council apology over short-lived bus lane
BBC Radio Cornwall
Cornwall Council has apologised for making mistakes in introducing a 200m (219yd) bus lane in Truro that isnow to be scrapped.
Bert Biscoe, cabinet member for transport, toldBBC Radio Cornwall: "I'm very happy to say we are sorry that in design of this scheme we didn't get the psychological predictions right."
Travel news for Devon and Cornwall
BBC Travel
- Long delays between Penryn and Falmouth because of roadworks.
- In Modbury a broken down bus is causing problems around the A379 junction.
- On the A361 between Chivenor and Braunton, there are also queues of slow-moving traffic because of roadworks.
- In Kennford on Haldon Hill towards Exeter there is a broken down vehicle blocking one lane - approach with caution.
- On the A38 there are hold ups between Saltash, Carkeel Roundabout and Trematon
Met Office warn of strong winds affecting Devon and Cornwall
Council admits bus lane is 'counter-productive'
Miles Davis
BBC News Online
Motorists in Truro have seen their journey times triple thanks to a controversial bus lane that is now being scrapped by Cornwall Council.
The council said the £60,000 bus lane was not working and Bert Biscoe, cabinet member for transport said the delays caused were "counter-productive".
Fairhurst's return lifts Torquay squad
Brent Pilnick, BBC Sport
Torquay United manager Kevin Nicholson says striker Waide Fairhurst's return to fitness has given the club a boost.
The 26-year-old has missed most of the season after suffering a knee injury in August, but is now back in training.
"He's looked like he's not been away and that gives me a lift and it'll lift the players as he'll be like a new signing when he's fully fit and ready to go," Nicholson told BBC Sport.
Grandfather who has lived in Cornwall for 40 years threatened with deportation
West Briton
A grandfather who has lived in Falmouth for more than 40 years has been told he could be deported with just 72 hours' notice. Thomas Podgoretsky, 71, moved to Falmouth in 1970 having moved to the UK from his native US.
Two child-parent murders in Devon in four years
BBC Spotlight
Murder victims have been killed by their grown-up children in two cases since 2011 in Devon, it has emerged today.
Nicola Channon, from the Safer Devon Partnership which is campaigning to raise awareness of the issue, said relatives or friends are "left to deal with the loss of not one but two family members, with many of the perpetrators being sentenced to life in prison".
Cost of electrification of Great Western main line condemned by MPs
Plymouth 'ready' for first forecast cold snap of the winter
Chris Ellis
BBC News Online
Plymouth is ready for the first forecast cold snap of the winter, according to highways and council bosses.
The city's salt barn at the Prince Rock Depot is stocked up with 1,250 tonnes of salt and the 400 community salt bins around the city have also been topped up for people to use locally on roads and footpaths.
Temperatures are expected to plummet to just above freezing across many parts of the South West.
£30,000 bus lane scrapped after less than a month
Miles Davis
BBC News Online
A controversial 200m (219yds) bus lane that cost more than £30,000 is being withdrawn by Cornwall Council less than a month after it was introduced.
The bus lane on Tregolls Road in Truro was introduced on 2 November to make it easier for buses to get into town from the new park and ride service at Tregurra.
Rower's 'delight' at new international accolade
Cornwall's olympic rower Helen Glover has said she's "humbled" to be named World Female Crew of the Year, along with her partner Heather Stanning.
The gold medallists - who are also World and European champions as well as overall world cup winners - won the title from rowing’s international federation, FISA.
“I’d like to thank everyone who helped us make this possible...We now want to drive on in training every day to continue to improve and be the best we can be in the Olympic season ahead,” Glover said.
Weather latest: Warning of gale force gusts with wintry showers overnight
BBC Weather
Cloudy with a few isolated showers which will become more frequent this evening. It will feel increasingly cold with blustery northerly winds. And there is a warning of gale force winds this evening and overnight with gusts up to 70mph around the coast.
It will be a cold, windy and showery night, with some of the showers turning wintry over the moors with a chance of sleet. Frost possible in a few sheltered spots. Minimum Temperature: 3 Deg C (50 Deg F).
University tennis table theft appeal made by police
Death of Rocky the police cat
Facebook
A celebrated cat who took up residence at an island police station has died.
Sgt Colin Taylor of Isles of Scilly Police mourned the loss of Rocky on Facebook.
Devon Derby: Extra police, including drone, set to monitor Plymouth v Exeter
Exeter Express & Echo
Additional police units will be called in this weekend when Exeter head to local rival Plymouth Argyle in the Devon Derby.
HGV company's 'reprehensible approach to safety'
Miles Davis
BBC News Online
An HGV company that has lost its licence following the deaths of two charity cyclists, showed a "reprehensible approach to road safety", a traffic commissioner tribunal heard.
Traffic Commissioner Sarah Bell said the actions of Launceston-based hauliers Fry's Logistics 'contributed to the death' of cyclists Andrew McMenigall and Toby Wallace who were killed near Newquay in July 2013 by lorry driver Robert Palmer.
A361 snow plan in place as severe winter predicted
North Devon Journal
Extra gritters and snow ploughs will be made available for the A361 North Devon link road in the event of severe winter weather, a council has confirmed.
Truro City help Reid return to form
Brent Pilnick, BBC Sport
Exeter City striker Jamie Reid is returning to the form which saw him picked for Northern Ireland's Under 21 side, according to boss Paul Tisdale.
Reid, 21, has been recalled from a loan spell at Truro City after scoring three goals in five matches for the National League South.
"Jamie's gone down there and very quickly recovered the form I think he probably had two or three years ago," Tisdale told BBC Sport.
BBC drama leads to tourism website boost as bosses hope for 'mini-Poldark' effect
Chris Ellis
BBC News Online
A BBC daytime drama has helped boost the number of visitors to the Visit South Devon website, managers have said.
The Coroner, which aired on 16 November on BBC One, resulted in a 44% increase in visitors to the website.
Visit South Devon hopes it will have a "mini-Poldark" effect for the local economy and result in a boost in tourism.
Behind the blue line: Exclusive access with Devon and Cornwall Police's underwater search unit
Latest headlines for Devon and Cornwall
Chris Ellis
BBC News Online
- An "unidentified viscous liquid" discovered on a beach in Cornwall was seaweed, Cornwall Council have confirmed
- Security is being stepped up for tomorrow's local derby between Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City, one of the region's biggest public events since the terror attacks in Paris
- A lorry firm, whose driver caused the deaths of two charity cyclists, has had its operating licence revoked
- Officials are shocked at reports of child-parent attacks in the South West
- Carers of people with dementia are being allowed to stay overnight with them at the Royal Cornwall, Derriford and Torbay hospitals
Fatal New Year's Day stabbing left 'body, on top of body, on top of body', court hears
Scott Bingham, BBC Spotlight
An eyewitness to a New Year's Day stabbing which left a Plymouth builder dead, described the scene as "body, on top of body, on top of body".
Tanis Bhandari, 27, was stabbed twice in the back outside the King's Arms pub in Tamerton Foliot.
Four other men were injured. Donald Pemberton, 21, and Ryan Williams, 22, deny murder, wounding and assault. The trial continues.
Truro man denies dog attack
A man from Truro has denied responsibility for a dog attack that left a man with a serious head injury.
Paul Lindsay-Jones, 52, from Salmon Row, Truro, pleaded not guilty to the charge of owning a dog which caused injury whilst dangerously out of control and will appear in court in February.
Peter Fitzgerald needed almost 200 stitches in his head after being attacked on a playing field in Truro in June.
Should first aid teaching be made compulsory in schools?
Bill Buckley
BBC Radio Devon
Should all school children be taught first aid at school?
There are tens of thousands of medical emergencies every year in the UK, yet research shows too few of us would know what to do if we had to step in and help.
Now a new campaign - Every Child a Lifesaver - is aiming to get first aid lessons made a compulsory part of the curriculum. Have you used or received first aid? Let me know on today's phone-in by calling 0345 3011034.
Travel news for Devon and Cornwall
BBC Travel
- There is congestion on the A39 in Cornwall between Carland Cross and Trispen
- In Plymouth there is congestion between the Pomphlett Road junction and the Gdynia Way junction
- There is congestion on the A30 for traffic travelling eastbound between Bodmin and Millpool
- All Skybus flights are now operating on time following earlier delays
Woman arrested in connection with Tiverton school bomb threat
Chris Ellis
BBC News Online
A woman has been arrested in connection with a bomb threat at a primary school in Tiverton.
Police were alerted at 09:15 and evacuated all pupils at Heathcoat Primary School to a nearby church.
Just after 11:00 officers arrested a 32-year-old woman in connection with the incident. Police has since confirmed it was a hoax call and no-one was in any danger.
The seaweed that closed a Cornish beach
Miles Davis
BBC News Online
Pictures of seaweed on a Cornish beach that prompted a public health warning have been released by Cornwall Council.
The council had said the previously "unidentified viscous liquid" at Long Rock near Penzance was thought to be "petroleum-based" and put up warning signs - but has now confirmed it is harmless.
Officials shocked at child-parent attacks in the South West
BBC Spotlight
Officials have spoken of their shock after receiving a number of reports of domestic violence involving children attacking their parents.
The Safer Devon Partnership - which includes the police and health service - has today launched a campaign to highlight the issue. They want people to know that help is available.
How good a driver are you?
Laurence Reed
BBC Radio Cornwall
What does this sign mean and what is the stopping distance of an HGV travelling at 50 mph?
Recent research shows that around half of British drivers would fail their test if they took it again today, even though 97% claim to be good drivers!
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Met Office issues wind warning
Security increased at Plymouth v Exeter match to 'reassure' public
Simon Hall, Home Affairs Correspondent
BBC Spotlight
Tomorrow’s Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City match will have extra security following the Paris attacks.
It’s one of Devon and Cornwall’s biggest public events since the tragedy, with up to 15,000 spectators expected. One senior officer said the police presence would be “low key, but designed to reassure”.
"We don’t want anything spoiling what should be a great day out," he added.
Argyle bring in Palace defender Croll
Brent Pilnick, BBC Sport
Plymouth Argyle have signed 20-year-old Crystal Palace centre-back Luke Croll on loan until 2 January.
Croll, who can also play at left-back, has yet to make his debut as a professional footballer, but was an unused substitute in Palace's Premier League win at Watford in September.
He is the second Palace player to join Plymouth on loan following midfielder Hiram Boateng's move in July.
Rowing champions claim yet another international title
Olympic champion Helen Glover - who's from Cornwall - and her rowing pairs partner Heather Stanning have won another award.
They've been named World Female Crew of the Year by rowing’s international federation, FISA, after a public nomination.
The GB Rowing Team are also World and European Champions as well as overall World Cup winners.
Ex soldier guilty of cashpoint attack which was caught on CCTV
North Devon Journal
An ex-soldier has been ordered to pay £1,000 compensation to a tattoo artist he attacked at a cashpoint machine.
Seaweed on beach prompts false alarm
Miles Davis
BBC News Online
A public warning issued over an 'unidentifiable viscous liquid' washed up near Penzance has been withdrawn, after the substance turned out to be seaweed.
Cornwall Council issued a warning at 20:00 on Thursday about what was thought to be a 'petroleum-based' substance found on beaches in Mounts Bay.
But the council has now confirmed the material is marine algae and warning signs are being removed.
Dementia carers allowed to stay overnight in South West hospitals
Carers of people with dementia are being allowed to stay overnight with them in hospital.
The Royal Cornwall, Derriford and Torbay hospitals have signed up to a national initiative called John's Campaign to get more flexibility for family members caring for vulnerable people during a stay in hospital.
Weather causes problems for Brittany Ferries
Haulier loses licence following deaths of cyclists
Miles Davis
BBC News Online
Traffic Commissioner Sarah Bell has revoked the HGV operator's licence for Launceston-based Fry's Logistics Limited, after one of its drivers caused the deaths of two cyclists.
Miss Bell said the firm's disregard for rules contributed to the deaths of Land's End to John O'Groats cyclists Andrew McMenigall and Toby Wallace on the A30 in Cornwall in 2013.
Plymouth 'sex den' toilets to be demolished
Plymouth Herald
Public toilets in a Plymouth park which were once labelled a 'sex den' for men are to be torn down. The loos on the fringes of Central Park are one of several sets across the city earmarked for demolition.
Cornish heritage hit by climate change, warns National Trust
Press Association
Rare book collections, stately home gardens and 18th Century tapestries are among the heritage being affected by a changing climate, the National Trust has warned.
More erratic weather, changes to rainfall and rising temperatures are already having an impact on National Trust properties and land, the organisation said, forcing it to find new ways of managing the heritage in its care in the face of climate change.
Problems include the discovery of mould and spider beetles in the rare book collection at Lanhydrock, Cornwall, prompting the installation of damp proofing and environmental controls.
South West carers 'need to know their rights'
BBC Radio Devon
More than 134,000 people provide unpaid care for someone in Devon, according to Carers UK.
It has released the figures on Carers Rights Day, and says half of those providing substantial care to a disabled, seriously-ill or older loved one in the UK may be missing out on vital support.
Hundreds of events are taking place in communities throughout the UK today to help carers find out more about their rights.
Man, 87, found after extensive overnight coastal search
BBC Radio Cornwall
An 87-year-old man has been found safe and well after an extensive overnight coastal search.
Rescue teams, including the police and both Penlee lifeboats, used search lights and night vision cameras to look for the pensioner around Newlyn Harbour.
The man had been reported missing at 22:00 and was found by security staff at Vospers in Penzance at about 01:30 this morning.
Pigs, cream and 150,000 cans of Coke - the bizarre spills on West roads
Western Morning News
A list of the bizarre items spilled on South West roads – from 150,000 Coke cans to pigs and cider – has been released. Highways England published the list after 24 tonnes of lard closed the M11 for 24 hours to highlight the strange and often dangerous challenges it faces on a daily basis.
Travel news for Devon and Cornwall
BBC Travel
- At Tedburn St Mary, the A30 is partially blocked near Five Mile Hill heading towards Exeter due to an accident.
- In Cornwall, Pool Druid's Road is blocked near Wilson Way - also due to an accident.
- The A396 in Rewe is blocked in both directions near Green Lane after a collision.
- In St Erth Praze the B3302 Calais Road is partially blocked near Conker Road
- In Falmouth, Swanpool Road is blocked in both directions near Bickland Water Road
Latest headlines for Devon and Cornwall
Claire Hawke
BBC Local Live
- Warning signs are being put up on beaches in Mounts Bay warning children and dogs to stay away from an 'unidentified viscous' substance which has been washed up
- Security is being stepped up for tomorrow's local derby between Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City, one of the region's biggest public events since the terror attacks in Paris
- A lorry firm, whose driver caused the deaths of two charity cyclists, has had its operating licence revoked
- Carers of people with dementia are being allowed to stay overnight with them at the Royal Cornwall, Derriford and Torbay hospitals
- An 87-year-old man has been found safe and well after a huge search by the emergency services in Penzance last night
Weather latest: Rain clearing to leave sunny spells and isolated showers
Bee Tucker
BBC Weather
Wet with heavy and persistent rain this morning. This should ease to leave a drier afternoon with some sunny spells and just a few isolated showers.
Winds will be strengthening through the day, making it feel quite chilly by the evening. Maximum temperature: 10 Deg C (50 Deg F).
NHS pleads for organ donors
BBC Radio Devon
The NHS says 115 people in Devon are currently waiting for a kidney, liver, heart or lung transplant.
Forty five of those patients have been waiting for more than two years and 18 people in Devon have died without getting a transplant in the last four years.
It's launching a new campaign to encourage more of us to sign up to the Organ Donor Register.
Security stepped up at football derby after terror attacks
Simon Hall, Home Affairs Correspondent
BBC Spotlight
Security is being enhanced for tomorrow’s local derby between Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City following the Paris terror attacks.
Senior police officers say the game, which will attract 15,000 spectators, has been the subject of a series of safety reviews.
However, they say there is no evidence of a specific threat.
'Unidentified liquid' on beaches near Penzance
BBC Radio Cornwall
A public warning has been issued after an "unidentified viscous liquid" was discovered on beaches in Mounts Bay.
Cornwall Council said the liquid may be "petroleum based" and warned the public to keep away.
The Environment Agency is investigating the exact nature of the liquid affecting the area from Marazion to Wherry Town.
Good morning: Live updates on the latest news, sport, travel and weather
Chris Ellis
BBC News Online
We'll be bringing you all the news, sport, travel and weather you need for Friday.
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