Rob England
BBC News Online

There's been a big fall in the number of parents being fined for taking children out of school during term-time across parts of the region. 

More than 2,500 penalty notices were issued in Devon and Dorset last academic year, but that dropped to just over 100 in the autumn term.

Local authorities have said they are waiting for the outcome of a case against the Isle of Wight Council by a parent.  

Ministers are considering changing the law on term-time absences, depending on the outcome of the case. Judgement is expected during the first part of 2017.

Devon County Council said they had "suspended" the issuing of any penalty notices for "unauthorised holidays" until the court ruling. But would continue to take action over "persistent absence".   

Plymouth City Council said: "Fixed penalty notices will not be issued but warn that any high levels of absence may result in prosecution."   

Chris Ellis
BBC News Online

A large fire on an industrial estate in Torquay is believed to be out, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has said.

Fire crews have been tackling a fire on the Barton Industrial Estate since just before 07:00.

The service said it would be scaling down its operation from five engines to one. 

A single unit has been damaged in the fire. However, nearby properties have not been damaged, the service said.

Devon Live

A warning has been issued about a 'ringing the changes' money scam which police say is on the rise in Devon, external .

Sian Davies
BBC News Online

Industrial units close to a fire in Torquay have been evacuated after black smoke was seen coming from one of the buildings.

A passer-by called the fire service after seeing the blaze at Barton Industrial Estate, on Barton Road, just before 07:00.

Three fire appliances from Torquay and two from Paignton are at the scene.

Crews have three main jets, one hose reel jet and a thermal imaging camera.

BBC Weather

It looks like a reasonably dry start today, but cloud will thicken and rain and drizzle will arrive during the morning, bringing low cloud, as well as mist and fog over the moors.

The rain will persist for much of the day, becoming heavier in the evening. 

Maximum temperature: 9C (48F). 

In Devon:

And in Cornwall:

BBC News Travel

• In Torquay, Barton Road is closed due to a large building fire at Woodland Road on the industrial estate. Police are asking drivers to avoid the area
• In Barnstaple at the A39 Roundswell Roundabout we have reports of a broken-down lorry blocking one lane. There's heavy traffic on surrounding roads 
• On the A380 Ideford Dip northbound heading towards Ashcombe there's slow-moving traffic in the roadworks area 
• There's slow traffic on the A388 approaching the Carkeel Roundabout through the roadworks 

Sian Davies
BBC News Online

There are five fire engines at the scene of a fire in Torquay.

The blaze on the first floor of an industrial unit near Barton Road was reported at 06:58, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said.

Image source, Google

People are advised to avoid the area - especially Barton Road where the fire engines are parked. 

Police are assisting with traffic control.

BBC Radio Cornwall

Councillors on the Isles of Scilly are expected to agree a budget today to save £600,000.

Chief Finance Officer Andy Brown says it's the only way to keep the council solvent though he's warning its financial position will still be precarious. 

Some on the islands believe it would be better to be taken over by Cornwall Council, but businessman John May thinks devolving some services should be tried first.

"There must be some services the council would want to devolve to someone else, such as the the fire, the water, those types of services are very challenging for a small authority," he said.

Image source, .

Rob England
BBC News Online

Good morning and welcome to BBC Local Live in Devon and Cornwall. 

We'll be bringing you all the day's news, weather, travel and sport.

If you have a story, feel free to email us.