Friday 21st June

Friday, 21 June 2024 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A team of firefighters from Yeovil Fire Station's Red Watch have completed a 270-mile round trip visiting every fire station in Somerset raising money for good causes. Toxic algae which has formed on Chew Valley Reservoir has forced all water-based activities on the reservoir to be suspended. An actor who grew up near Chard has won a top award at the Cannes Film Festival...and more.

A team of firefighters from Yeovil Fire Station's Red Watch have completed a 270-mile round trip visiting every fire station in Somerset. The marathon raised money for the Firefighters Charity and the Little Princess Trust which supports a relative of a Yeovil firefighter who's being treated for a rare form of cancer.

An actor who grew up near Chard has won a top award at the Cannes Film Festival. Josh Taylor took the Best Actor Award for playing the lead role in The Chocolate Club described as a festive romantic comedy that was filmed in Cornwall. Josh who lived at Cricket St Thomas before taking up an acting career also stars in the Riders series which can be viewed on Amazon Prime.

Potentially toxic algae which has formed on Chew Valley Reservoir has forced all water-based activities on the reservoir to be suspended. Scientists say it’s normal for algae to form on warmer waters, but that it can be harmful to marine and human life. They say due to pollution and climate change, the formation of algae in open waters is on the increase.

An archaeological team on the Quantock have made discoveries from more than a thousand years ago. They've been excavating on the Cothelstone Estate where they've found a burial site from the Saxon times.

A bookshop in Shepton Mallet that raises money for local charities is celebrating five years of trading. Since its launch, the Community Bookshop at 15 the High St in Shepton has raised more than thirty thousand for local good causes.

More from News

Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more