Friday 26th June

Friday, 26 June 2026 06:30

The hottest June day on record has been recorded in Somerset. A teenage boy has been found not guilty of killing a nine-year-old girl. Tatworth Primary School has been recognised for its success in science education... and more

The hottest June day on record has been recorded in Somerset. The Met Office says temperatures reached 36.7 Celsius at Merryfield yesterday afternoon. Other locations around the county recorded similar figures.

Meanwhile, a yellow weather warning is in place for thunderstorms today, following the red heat alert over the last 48 hours. The alert is Somerset-wide and parts of the county that were affected by flash flooding earlier in the month are hoping not to see similar events this time around.

A teenage boy has been found not guilty of killing a nine-year-old girl in her home in Weston-Super-Mare. The 16-year-old, who can't be named due to his age, was on trial accused of murder and manslaughter, following the death of Aria Thorpe. A jury returned verdicts of not guilty on both charges, at Bristol Crown Court. A pathologist previously told the court that Aria died of a single stab wound to her chest on the 15th of December last year.

Housing developers should provide more money to help prevent flooding in Somerset, say the Parrett Internal Drainage Board. They’ve called for new local housing developments to receive permanent pumps, rather than relying on temporary systems. The Environment Agency is currently investing £9m into upgrading existing pumping stations across the county.

A half-day road closure is planned in Stoke-sub-Hamdon next month. The High Street will be closed from the junction with Ham Hill to allow Wessex Water to carry out works.

Teachers, alongside parents and pupils at Tatworth Primary School in Chard are celebrating, after being recognised for their success in science education. The school is one of 136 educational institutions that have achieved the Primary Science Quality Mark for a commitment to excellence in science leadership, curriculum design, teaching and learning.

More from News

Thursday 25th June

MP Sarah Dyke, has called for more money to help better equip schools in future heatwaves. The A361 near Glastonbury shut yesterday, after a gritter caught fire. A night at the opera is coming to Yeovil and Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 24th June

Somerset Council has activated its ‘Severe Weather Emergency Protocol’. Many schools are closing their doors for 48 hours. Great Western Railway is advising essential travel only... and more
Tuesday 22nd June

Police have appealed for information following an incident in Yeovil. The Met Office has issued a rare red extreme heat warning. Somerset Council in inviting locals to have their say on how the county could change in the future... and more
Monday 21st June

Somerset Council is set to lose tens of millions of pounds from selling off properties. Hundreds of people gathered at Glastonbury Tor to mark the summer solstice. The police and crime commissioner has expressed her support for a social media ban for under 16s.... and more
Friday 19th June

An amber heat health alert has been issued for Somerset with high temperatures expected to continue into next week. Schools across Somerset are taking part in a pilot scheme teaching children about money laundering. Ham Hill Country Park has been recognised with a top award for its efforts to protect the countryside... and more
Thursday 18th June

Children in care in Somerset are not receiving a good enough service, according to inspectors. NHS Somerset says dental care in the county is improving for the first time since the pandemic. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is holding a topless open-water swim...and more
Wednesday 17th June

Avon and Somerset Police say they'll be carrying out enhanced patrols for drink and drug driving during and after England's opening World Cup game tonight. Somerset Chamber of Commerce is warning that the conflict in Iran is having a serious impact on local businesses. A master thatcher based in Ilminster says the traditional craft of thatching is under threat because of a lack of training opportunities...and more
Tuesday 16th June

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal two-vehicle crash on the A358 near Ilminster. A man from Norton-sub-Hamdon has appeared in court charged with drink driving. An original Mr Blobby costume from the former Blobbyland theme park at Cricket St Thomas has been put up for sale... and more