Friday 26th June

Friday, 26 June 2026 at 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.

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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