Emergency medical technician Kelly Marquis has been awarded a St John Ambulance Chief Officer’s Recognition of Performance for her actions during a case last year.
Kelly and her crew mate were called to an incident involving a patient
who was behaving in an unstable and aggressive manner.
A police officer on scene was concerned about the patient’s welfare and they were unable to persuade them
to get medical help.
On her arrival, Kelly managed to gain the trust of
the patient, calm them down and encouraged them to go to hospital in an ambulance.
Quote Message: Kelly demonstrated a very caring and professional attitude throughout this challenging case. Kelly built up a trust between herself and the patient during the journey to hospital, despite the fact the patient was very unsettled and agitated. This continued until the point of handover to the Emergency Department staff. I and the full management team believe the handling of this situation merits an award of Recognition of Performance.” from Chief Officer Ali Marquis St John Ambulance
Kelly demonstrated a very caring and professional attitude throughout this challenging case. Kelly built up a trust between herself and the patient during the journey to hospital, despite the fact the patient was very unsettled and agitated. This continued until the point of handover to the Emergency Department staff. I and the full management team believe the handling of this situation merits an award of Recognition of Performance.”
Severe weather homeless plan activated
Ed Oldfield
Local Democracy Reporting Service
Torbay has activated its severe weather plan to provide extra shelter for the homeless.
The decision was taken to keep the extra provision in place until Sunday because of the temperature dropping below zero.
The alert means the Leonard Stocks Centre near Torquay town centre has opened up a communal area for up to 16 people.
Users will also have access to showers and laundry, and be given food and drinks at the hostel in Factory Row.
Churches are also being opened up to provide shelter for the homeless.
BBCCopyright: BBC
A similar plan has also been put in place in Exeter.
Woman airlifted to hospital after Cornwall rock fall
The woman was in danger of being cut off by the tide at Mawgan PorthImage caption: The woman was in danger of being cut off by the tide at Mawgan Porth
A woman has been airlifted to hospital after falling on to rocks near Newquay.
Coastguards were called just before 14:30, sparking a major search and rescue operation at Mawgan Porth involving two lifeboats, a rescue helicopter and paramedics.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) confirmed a woman in her 20s fell on to rocks and was in danger of being cut off by the tide.
A lifeboat managed to get the casualty to medics waiting on the beach.
She was airlifted to hospital but is not believed to be seriously hurt.
Ms Hernandez wants to see them at Dartmoor (above), Exeter and Channings Wood.
But Frances Crook, from the Howard League for Penal Reform, says installing just one scanner in each jail won't solve the problems.
Quote Message: You either have technology that deals with the whole problem or you invest in something else. What I would prefer to see, I think, is investment in staff. Prisons are very complicated places and they've cut staff over the last few years. Now they're trying to put new staff in, but they haven't invested in proper staff training and staff development and management training as well." from Frances Crook Howard League for Penal Reform
You either have technology that deals with the whole problem or you invest in something else. What I would prefer to see, I think, is investment in staff. Prisons are very complicated places and they've cut staff over the last few years. Now they're trying to put new staff in, but they haven't invested in proper staff training and staff development and management training as well."
A Prison Service spokesman said: “We are are spending an extra £70m on improvements to
prison safety, security and decency and and have recruited over 4,300 new
officers in the last two years with 1,400 more due to begin training soon.
Staffing levels are now at their highest levels since 2012.”
Two States members appear before magistrates
Freddie Miller
BBC Jersey political reporter
Two sitting States members have appeared at
Jersey's Magistrate's Court charged with failing to declare election expenses.
Deputy Hugh Raymond (below) and Deputy Scott
Wickenden are alleged to have failed to declare expenses and donations within 15 working days of the
election last May.
The pair - who were charged on the 17 December - both reserved their pleas and were released on bail.
They are due back in court next on 10 January, when a third election candidate - who has not been named - is
also expected to appear, charged with the same offence.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Deputy Raymond, who represents Trinity, is an Assistant Health and Infrastructure Minister, while Deputy Wickenden stands in St Helier's No. 1 District.
Jersey's government says it can't comment on an ongoing case.
Pair released on bail following child neglect arrest
Jenna Hawkey
BBC News Online
Two people who were arrested after a toddler was found alone in a Torquay street have been released on police bail.
The boy, who police said was aged between one and two, was found in Main Avenue at about 13:30 on 2 January.
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "A woman in her 40s and a man in his 30s were arrested on suspicion of child neglect. They have both since been released on police bail until Wednesday 30 January.
"The child has been taken into police protection and is safe and well."
Police investigations are ongoing.
ApexCopyright: Apex
Russian cargo ship detained in Falmouth
Eleanor Parkinson
BBC Spotlight
The Russian cargo ship that ran aground yards form a Cornish beach has been put under detention by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
Surveyors detained the Kuzma Minin because they say the vessel needs to undergo repairs before setting back out to sea.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
The 16,000-ton ship is currently moored in the Carrick Roads in the Fal Estuary after being grounded off Gyllyngvase Beach in December.
The MCA says there have been no signs of pollution from the ship.
Flybe's Chief Operating Officer, Sir Timo Anderson, has welcomed the recognition, which he said owes a lot to the hardworking crews and engineers, and they hope to achieve an even better performance in the year ahead.
Bus numbers increase for fifth consecutive year
Rob Byrne
BBC News Online
The number of bus journeys taken in Guernsey in 2018 increased 2.8% on the year before, the fifth consecutive annual rise.
There were 1,837,789 passenger journeys in 2018, representing an increase in 50,220 passenger journeys.
BBCCopyright: BBC
The biggest growth came in Nightowl fares, which operate on three routes on Friday and Saturday evenings.
An additional 3,355 passengers used the service in 2018 - a growth of 15% on the year before.
Environment and Infrastructure President Barry Brehaut said: "The importance of providing a reliable, frequent and timely service is recognised as being an essential factor in gaining public confidence in the service."
Two suffer 'possible life-changing injuries' in crash
Jenna Hawkey
BBC News Online
Two men suffered possible life-changing injuries in a crash on the A39 on Thursday evening, police have confirmed.
Emergency services were called to the scene near St Kew at about 18:35 following a head-on collision between an Audi and a BMW.
The driver of the Audi, a 23-year-old man, and the driver of the BMW, a 35-year-old man, both sustained multiple serious leg injuries and were taken to Derriford hospital by air ambulance. They remain in hospital.
GoogleCopyright: Google
The two men were airlifted to Derriford Hospital in PlymouthImage caption: The two men were airlifted to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth
The A39 and surrounding roads were closed for more than five hours while emergency services attended the scene.
Investigators are appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash, or the manner or driving of either vehicle prior to the collision, to contact police.
Anyone with dash cam footage is also being asked to get in touch.
Aircraft flips during emergency landing near Honiton
Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online
Honiton Fire StationCopyright: Honiton Fire Station
A light aircraft crash landed in a field near Honiton.
At one surgery in the county, more than 1,000 appointments were missed last year - with each one costing £30 in wasted time.
The British Medical Association urged patients to "play their part" to help the NHS cope with rising demand.
Ian Chorlton is the chair of NHS Kernow and said people need to understand there is a cost - and not just a financial one - every time someone fails to turn up...
Video content
Video caption: NHS Digital GP appointments data shows more than 1.2 million GP hours are wasted each yearNHS Digital GP appointments data shows more than 1.2 million GP hours are wasted each year
Truro to make Treyew Road league return
Brent Pilnick
BBC Sport
Truro City's tenure as Torquay United's tenants is over after the club announced that Tuesday's National League South game with St Albans City will be played at Treyew Road.
The club had been playing their games 100 miles away after leaving their home at the start of the season in order for a supermarket to be built on the site of their old ground.
BBCCopyright: BBC
But plans for the development have stalled and the White Tigers returned last month for an FA Trophy tie.
A "large increase" in graffiti has been spotted around Falmouth, police have said.
The images are usually sprayed on to private property, officers added.
Falmouth and Helston Police said graffiti is criminal damage which will "incur personal costs to get it removed".
Anyone with information or who might be responsible is asked to call police on 01326 30628.
Falmouth and Helston PoliceCopyright: Falmouth and Helston Police
Police say this design (pictured) is one that commonly appears in the townImage caption: Police say this design (pictured) is one that commonly appears in the town
Gritters out in Cornwall
Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online
Cornwall Council will be gritting roads in the Newquay and St Austell areas to the Devon border from 15:00.
Channel Islands Air Search looking forward to new aircraft
BBC Radio Jersey
The team that fly the Channel Islands Air Search plane is looking forward to having an infrared camera back once its new aircraft is in the sky.
The new plane is due to make its first test flight - five years after the last one was written off in a crash.
It is due to be sent for painting and final checks before it's delivered to its base in Guernsey.
Chief officer, John Fitzgerald said thanks to the new equipment, the team will be able to do "a lot more".
Channel Islands Air SearchCopyright: Channel Islands Air Search
Quote Message: The original aircraft had an infrared camera and that's the main asset we've not had in the current [leased] aircraft. The new camera on board will be a lot more powerful and we'll see more detail from it." from John Fitzgerald Chief officer, Channel Islands Air Search
The original aircraft had an infrared camera and that's the main asset we've not had in the current [leased] aircraft. The new camera on board will be a lot more powerful and we'll see more detail from it."
Plymouth road reopens after lorry gets stuck under bridge
Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online
Embankment Road in Plymouth has reopened after a lorry got stuck under a bridge earlier.
Cold weather alert issued by Met Office
Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online
The Met Office has issued a cold weather alert for parts of England - including the South West.
It said there is a "60% probability" of severe cold weather until 6 January.
It is warning this weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services.
Met OfficeCopyright: Met Office
Different lorry stuck under bridge for second day in a row
Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online
A lorry has got stuck under a bridge on Embankment Road in Plymouth, police have said.
Live Reporting
All times stated are UK


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Video caption: New Leeds prison scanner catches drug smugglingNew Leeds prison scanner catches drug smuggling 
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GoogleCopyright: Google The two men were airlifted to Derriford Hospital in PlymouthImage caption: The two men were airlifted to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth 

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Video caption: NHS Digital GP appointments data shows more than 1.2 million GP hours are wasted each yearNHS Digital GP appointments data shows more than 1.2 million GP hours are wasted each year 

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Falmouth and Helston PoliceCopyright: Falmouth and Helston Police Police say this design (pictured) is one that commonly appears in the townImage caption: Police say this design (pictured) is one that commonly appears in the town 

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Latest PostGuernsey medical technician honoured with award
Jenna Hawkey
BBC News Online
Emergency medical technician Kelly Marquis has been awarded a St John Ambulance Chief Officer’s Recognition of Performance for her actions during a case last year.
Kelly and her crew mate were called to an incident involving a patient who was behaving in an unstable and aggressive manner.
A police officer on scene was concerned about the patient’s welfare and they were unable to persuade them to get medical help.
On her arrival, Kelly managed to gain the trust of the patient, calm them down and encouraged them to go to hospital in an ambulance.
Severe weather homeless plan activated
Ed Oldfield
Local Democracy Reporting Service
Torbay has activated its severe weather plan to provide extra shelter for the homeless.
The decision was taken to keep the extra provision in place until Sunday because of the temperature dropping below zero.
The alert means the Leonard Stocks Centre near Torquay town centre has opened up a communal area for up to 16 people.
Users will also have access to showers and laundry, and be given food and drinks at the hostel in Factory Row.
Churches are also being opened up to provide shelter for the homeless.
A similar plan has also been put in place in Exeter.
Woman airlifted to hospital after Cornwall rock fall
BBC Radio Cornwall
A woman has been airlifted to hospital after falling on to rocks near Newquay.
Coastguards were called just before 14:30, sparking a major search and rescue operation at Mawgan Porth involving two lifeboats, a rescue helicopter and paramedics.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) confirmed a woman in her 20s fell on to rocks and was in danger of being cut off by the tide.
A lifeboat managed to get the casualty to medics waiting on the beach.
She was airlifted to hospital but is not believed to be seriously hurt.
Call for body scanners in prisons
BBC Radio Devon
Video content
Devon and Cornwall's Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez has renewed her calls for body scanners to be introduced in prisons in the South West.
The X-ray scanners are being installed in 10 prisons in England to help cut drug smuggling, but none of Devon's prisons is included in the scheme.
Ms Hernandez wants to see them at Dartmoor (above), Exeter and Channings Wood.
But Frances Crook, from the Howard League for Penal Reform, says installing just one scanner in each jail won't solve the problems.
A Prison Service spokesman said: “We are are spending an extra £70m on improvements to prison safety, security and decency and and have recruited over 4,300 new officers in the last two years with 1,400 more due to begin training soon. Staffing levels are now at their highest levels since 2012.”
Two States members appear before magistrates
Freddie Miller
BBC Jersey political reporter
Two sitting States members have appeared at Jersey's Magistrate's Court charged with failing to declare election expenses.
Deputy Hugh Raymond (below) and Deputy Scott Wickenden are alleged to have failed to declare expenses and donations within 15 working days of the election last May.
The pair - who were charged on the 17 December - both reserved their pleas and were released on bail.
They are due back in court next on 10 January, when a third election candidate - who has not been named - is also expected to appear, charged with the same offence.
Deputy Raymond, who represents Trinity, is an Assistant Health and Infrastructure Minister, while Deputy Wickenden stands in St Helier's No. 1 District.
Jersey's government says it can't comment on an ongoing case.
Pair released on bail following child neglect arrest
Jenna Hawkey
BBC News Online
Two people who were arrested after a toddler was found alone in a Torquay street have been released on police bail.
The boy, who police said was aged between one and two, was found in Main Avenue at about 13:30 on 2 January.
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "A woman in her 40s and a man in his 30s were arrested on suspicion of child neglect. They have both since been released on police bail until Wednesday 30 January.
"The child has been taken into police protection and is safe and well."
Police investigations are ongoing.
Russian cargo ship detained in Falmouth
Eleanor Parkinson
BBC Spotlight
The Russian cargo ship that ran aground yards form a Cornish beach has been put under detention by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
Surveyors detained the Kuzma Minin because they say the vessel needs to undergo repairs before setting back out to sea.
The 16,000-ton ship is currently moored in the Carrick Roads in the Fal Estuary after being grounded off Gyllyngvase Beach in December.
The MCA says there have been no signs of pollution from the ship.
Motorists warned of broken-down lorry
Flybe - 'one of the most punctual airlines in the world'
BBC Radio Devon
Exeter-based airline Flybe was among the most punctual airlines in the world in 2018, according to analysis released this week.
More than 77% of their flights were on time last year - ranking eighth among Europe's major airlines and 10th in the world for low-cost airlines.
The company, which operates more than 450 flights a day, is the only UK operator to feature in two top 10 lists.
In 2017, Flybe was named the most punctual UK-based airline in the Which report on the 'Best and Worst Airlines'.
Flybe's Chief Operating Officer, Sir Timo Anderson, has welcomed the recognition, which he said owes a lot to the hardworking crews and engineers, and they hope to achieve an even better performance in the year ahead.
Bus numbers increase for fifth consecutive year
Rob Byrne
BBC News Online
The number of bus journeys taken in Guernsey in 2018 increased 2.8% on the year before, the fifth consecutive annual rise.
There were 1,837,789 passenger journeys in 2018, representing an increase in 50,220 passenger journeys.
The biggest growth came in Nightowl fares, which operate on three routes on Friday and Saturday evenings.
An additional 3,355 passengers used the service in 2018 - a growth of 15% on the year before.
Environment and Infrastructure President Barry Brehaut said: "The importance of providing a reliable, frequent and timely service is recognised as being an essential factor in gaining public confidence in the service."
Two suffer 'possible life-changing injuries' in crash
Jenna Hawkey
BBC News Online
Two men suffered possible life-changing injuries in a crash on the A39 on Thursday evening, police have confirmed.
Emergency services were called to the scene near St Kew at about 18:35 following a head-on collision between an Audi and a BMW.
The driver of the Audi, a 23-year-old man, and the driver of the BMW, a 35-year-old man, both sustained multiple serious leg injuries and were taken to Derriford hospital by air ambulance. They remain in hospital.
The A39 and surrounding roads were closed for more than five hours while emergency services attended the scene.
Investigators are appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash, or the manner or driving of either vehicle prior to the collision, to contact police.
Anyone with dash cam footage is also being asked to get in touch.
Aircraft flips during emergency landing near Honiton
Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online
A light aircraft crash landed in a field near Honiton.
Local fire crews were called to a field in Colestocks at about 13:15 on Thursday.
The small plane had attempted an emergency landing due to a mechanical failure, but flipped when it dug into the ground.
The pilot was not injured and crews made the aircraft safe, Honiton Fire Station said.
Missed GP appointments 'cost NHS England £216m'
BBC Radio Cornwall
Health managers in Cornwall have said too many people are missing GP appointments without cancelling them properly.
It comes as it's revealed patients who miss GP appointments are costing NHS England £216m a year.
At one surgery in the county, more than 1,000 appointments were missed last year - with each one costing £30 in wasted time.
The British Medical Association urged patients to "play their part" to help the NHS cope with rising demand.
Ian Chorlton is the chair of NHS Kernow and said people need to understand there is a cost - and not just a financial one - every time someone fails to turn up...
Video content
Truro to make Treyew Road league return
Brent Pilnick
BBC Sport
Truro City's tenure as Torquay United's tenants is over after the club announced that Tuesday's National League South game with St Albans City will be played at Treyew Road.
The club had been playing their games 100 miles away after leaving their home at the start of the season in order for a supermarket to be built on the site of their old ground.
But plans for the development have stalled and the White Tigers returned last month for an FA Trophy tie.
Their last game at Plainmoor was on New Year's Day, when only 52 'home' fans made up the 2,812 attendance against their tenants.
'Large increase' in graffiti in Falmouth
Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online
A "large increase" in graffiti has been spotted around Falmouth, police have said.
The images are usually sprayed on to private property, officers added.
Falmouth and Helston Police said graffiti is criminal damage which will "incur personal costs to get it removed".
Anyone with information or who might be responsible is asked to call police on 01326 30628.
Gritters out in Cornwall
Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online
Cornwall Council will be gritting roads in the Newquay and St Austell areas to the Devon border from 15:00.
It said it will work on its precautionary salting routes.
Channel Islands Air Search looking forward to new aircraft
BBC Radio Jersey
The team that fly the Channel Islands Air Search plane is looking forward to having an infrared camera back once its new aircraft is in the sky.
The new plane is due to make its first test flight - five years after the last one was written off in a crash.
It is due to be sent for painting and final checks before it's delivered to its base in Guernsey.
Chief officer, John Fitzgerald said thanks to the new equipment, the team will be able to do "a lot more".
Plymouth road reopens after lorry gets stuck under bridge
Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online
Embankment Road in Plymouth has reopened after a lorry got stuck under a bridge earlier.
Cold weather alert issued by Met Office
Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online
The Met Office has issued a cold weather alert for parts of England - including the South West.
It said there is a "60% probability" of severe cold weather until 6 January.
It is warning this weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services.
Different lorry stuck under bridge for second day in a row
Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online
A lorry has got stuck under a bridge on Embankment Road in Plymouth, police have said.
On Thursday, a different lorry got stuck at the same place.
The road is closed while the lorry is turned around.
Some bus services are delayed as a result.