Western Morning News

Hundreds of appointments and operations were cancelled at South West hospitals, external because of today’s scheduled strike by junior doctors.

BBC Weather

A breezy, mild and mostly cloudy afternoon. There will also be some breaks in the cloud at times, allowing for some brighter spells, especially inland. Winds will be moderate south westerly, but fresh around the coasts. 

Little change is expected overnight with mostly cloudy skies and some clearer intervals. The odd drizzly shower will continue and it will be mild once again. Winds will be fresh around the coasts, moderate inland. Minimum Temperature: 10C (50F).

Lynne French, BBC News Online

Christmas drivers could face a roadside drugs test for the first time from today as part of Devon & Cornwall Police, external's annual crackdown on unfit drivers. 

Image source, PA

Officers will be able to take swabs from drivers' mouths if they suspect they're under the influence.

Insp Richard Pryce said neither alcohol or illegal substance would be tolerated, adding: "The punishments for drug driving are the same as drink driving and are rightly severe."

BBC Radio Cornwall

The US singer Lionel Richie has said he's looking forward to some 'very special' shows in the UK next summer, including a gig at Cornwall's Eden Project.

Image source, Eden Project

This will be Lionel’s first ever headline show in the South West and his first UK show since his legendary performance at Glastonbury.

In a statement, Lionel said: “I had such a great time in the UK this year and I can’t wait to visit new places and meet new people. Performing at Glastonbury for the first time was such a thrill for me and given me an appetite to do new things in the UK. I know these shows are going to be very special.”

Cornish Guardian

The Liberal Democrats have selected Launceston businesswoman Gemma Massey, external as their candidate to contest the forthcoming Cornwall Council by-election in the town - the vacancy was caused by the resignation of former Lib Dem Alex Folkes.

Matt Pengelly
Local Live

Today's banner picture on BBC Local Live: Devon and Cornwall is an aerial shot of Topsham in Devon.

You can tell it wasn't taken today because the sun is shining! If you'd like to send us your pictures, get in touch on email.

Jenny Walrond, Health Correspondent
BBC Spotlight

Hospitals across the south West are facing disruption, despite a 24-hour strike by junior doctors being called off last night.

I'm told hospitals had already made efforts to reschedule operations and appointments to minimise the impact for patients. Here are the statistics for local hospitals:

- Royal Devon & Exeter: 14 operations and 217 outpatient appointments postponed.

- Derriford: 29 operations and 210 outpatients appointments affected.

- Royal Cornwall Hospital: 7 operations and 80 outpatients appointments delayed.

- North Devon District Council: 10 operations and 97 outpatients appointments. 

Torquay Herald Express

Five people have been arrested on suspicion of burglary, external after an attempted raid on an electrical retail store in Torquay on Monday night. 

Devon and Cornwall Police said three men were in custody, while two others - a man and a woman - were being treated at hospital for minor injuries.

Bill Buckley
BBC Radio Devon

As Devon & Cornwall Police launch their Christmas drink drive campaign, is it time to reduce the legal limit? How about a zero tolerance approach? 

Some campaigners are calling for a radical change to drink drive laws, saying this is one of the most lenient countries in Europe.

What do you think? Give me a call on today's phone-in on 0345 3011034.

BBC Travel

- In Tavistock Old Launceston Road is partially blocked between Rocky Hill and Courtlands Road due to an accident.

- In Exeter there's very slow traffic on Alphington Road around Marsh Barton Road at the Seven Stars traffic lights.

- There are a number of road closures planned in Devon this evening, affecting the A38, A30 and the M5. Check out the @BBCTravelSW Twitter feed, external for more details.

Lynne French, BBC News Online

- More consultants are being brought in to help deal with cancelled elective surgery, despite a strike by junior doctors being called off.

- The nuclear submarine HMS Vanguard has arrived at the Royal Navy's Devonport Naval Base for a four-year refit.

- Space debris found off the Isles of Scilly was not from a rocket that exploded after take off, but from a successful mission in September last year.

- Roadside drug screening as well as breathalyser tests will be carried out on motorists suspected of being unfit to drive this Christmas.

- Ambulance staff across the South West are to be offered support to deal with traumatic events.

BBC Radio Devon

Plans for a new eight-lane swimming pool in Exeter have been criticised by the city's swimming club., external

Image source, Exeter City Council

The club claims it will not provide proper training or facilities, but Exeter City Council says the multi-million leisure centre help the city to become a "hub of health and wellbeing".

Plymouth Herald

HMS Vanguard, external - the Royal Navy's oldest nuclear submarine - has arrived at Devonport Naval Base in Plymouth, external for a £120m four-year refit, which will include fitting the vessel with a new nuclear core.

James Churchfield
BBC Radio Cornwall

Doctors' leaders in the South West say the decision to call off a strike last night marks a 'step forward' in their long-running dispute with the government.

Last night the British Medical Association agreed to suspend the walk-out after a last-minute breakthrough at talks over reforms to junior doctors' contracts.

Dr Sebastian Wallace is a junior doctor in Cornwall and a BMA representative - he told me: "The government are potentially still intent on bringing this contract forward but at least we're sitting around a table and arguing it out."

Laurence Reed
BBC Radio Cornwall

How do you think MPs should vote in the Commons tomorrow?

The Prime Minister is asking his cabinet to endorse a one-day Commons debate and vote on Wednesday over UK air strikes against so-called Islamic State in Syria.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is granting his MPs a free vote on the matter. But should Britain engage in further military action? Let me know on today's phone-in by calling 01872 222222.

Jonathan Morris, BBC News Online

A chunk of space debris found off the Isles of Scilly was not from a rocket that exploded after take-off.

Image source, Maritime and Coastguard Agency

SpaceX confirmed it was from the first stage of the successful Falcon 9 CRS-4 mission from September last year. 

The section of the spacecraft, measuring about 10m (32ft) by 4m (13ft), was spotted on the sea surface between Bryher and Tresco.

Lynne French, BBC News Online

Roadside drug tests are being introduced across the South West as part of the annual Christmas campaign to stop people driving if they are unfit to do so.

Devon and Cornwall Police, external have described the drug tests as "one of the most significant developments since the breathalyser".  

Exeter Express & Echo

The River Exe in Devon has burst its banks after heavy rain, external, with the cycle and pedestrian path near Exe Bridges submerged forcing cyclists to find another route.