Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online

Plans for 41 new Marine Conservation Zones have been put forward by the government.

Devon and Cornwall are among the regions earmarked for the new sites.

The first Marine Conservation Zone in the UK was Lundy Island in 2017 after 27 were designated in 2013.

The government is asking the public for its views in a consultation that will end on 20 July.

But what exactly are Marine Conservation Zones?

Sophie Pierce
BBC Radio Devon

Plans to knock down a prominent Victorian hotel in Paignton and build a modern replacement are proving controversial.

A developer wishes to demolish the Park Hotel which is right in the middle of the seafront.

The plan is to build a new contemporary hotel in its place but some locals say this is inappropriate in a Victorian town.

However others disagree - saying the town needs to modernise...

You can’t mistake that moustache when you see it or that voice when you hear it.

Here in the arts and crafts tent Fisherman’s Friends frontman Jon Cleave is signing copies of his novel Nasty Pasty.

The infamous shanty singer tells me the sequel, Catching Crabs, is nearly finished.

The suffragette links to post boxes, meeting halls and prisons are added to the heritage list.

Amy Gladwell
BBC News Online

From colourful indulgent cakes to lavish dresses, the wedding marquee is full of decadence.

Lots of “Oohs” and “Aahs” can be heard from ladies checking out the beautiful stands.

While in the tent I overheard a camper van company give an opportune sales pitch to one man who replied: “I’ve already got married four times, thanks."

Del Crookes
BBC News Online

Arsonists are being blamed after three cars were damaged by fire, external in St Austell early this morning.

Two were destroyed in Tregorrick View and another in Brewery Drive.

Police are investigating.

Parts of the Ukraine are still suffering the effects of radiation from the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant explosion in 1986, experts confirm.

Scientists from the University of Exeter and the Ukrainian Institute of Agricultural Radiology sampled cows' milk from farms and home in the Rivne region, about 125 miles (200km) from the former power plant.

Radioactive caesium levels higher than the official safety limit were found at eight of the 14 test areas, with the highest levels five times more than the adult limit and more than 12 times that for children.

Image source, PA

Dr Iryna Labunska from the University of Exeter said people are "routinely exposed" to radioactive material by consuming locally-produced food.

The meltdown at the Soviet plant on 26 April 1986 was the worst nuclear disaster in history.

BBC Spotlight

A group of seamstresses from Cornwall will march their artwork through London this weekend to celebrate 100 years since women won the right to vote.

The group from The Exchange art gallery in Penzance, external have embroidered a banner with images of contemporary female campaigners and figures from history.

Each artist was asked to choose an iconic woman to be immortalised in thread because of their work forwarding the role of women in society.

This Sunday woman and girls from across the UK will march through London, external in honour of the suffragette movement, which used this type of artwork as a form of protest.

BBC Radio Cornwall

The Farming Minister George Eustice says the government's post-Brexit policy on farming will "offer farmers more than the current deal".

The government has been critcised for not providing enough detail about proposals for a greener farming industry after Britain leave the EU.

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee says there needs to be much more clarity on funding and delivery.

However, the MP for Camborne and Redruth thinks farmers will be protected and rewarded...

BBC Spotlight

Sutton Harbour is welcoming skippers from this year's Round the Rock Race , externalas they cross the finish line in Plymouth.

The SoloFASTNET is one of the most demanding ocean races and involves skippers from all over the world tackling a 610 nautical mile course, sailing day and night through the north Atlantic's unpredictable weather.

This year's event kicked off from Cowes on the Isle of Wight on 2 June, with the first skipper crossing the finish line, external early on Thursday morning.

Press Association

Insulin levels in people with Type 1 diabetes stabilise after seven years, according to scientists.

Researchers at the University of Exeter say it's an "exciting find" and a major step forward in understanding the condition which affects about 400,000 people in the UK.

The study of 1,549 people from Exeter and Tayside found insulin levels in Type 1 diabetics fell rapidly by nearly 50% a year for seven years, then they stablised.

This contradicts previous beliefs that insulin declines continually with time, offering hope that by understanding what changes after seven years, new strategies could be developed to preserve the insulin secreting beta-cells in patients.

Prof Andrew Hattersley from the University of Exeter Medical School, who was made a CBE for his work in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes globally, said now scientists know about the "seven year switch", the next question to answer is "why".

The BBC tent has a whole new look at the show this year with lots of interactive activities.

Inside, all ages are having a go at the climbing wall, and you can try rowing, cycling and commentating as well as meeting some presenters.

Outside, passers-by are trying to guess the correct number of beach balls in the station car to win digital radios.

BBC Radio Devon

A committee of MPs says the government risks damaging the farming sector if it goes ahead with its ambitions to both increase farming competitiveness and enhance the environment after Brexit.

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee has been scrutinising the plans, and says there's not enough detail or clarity on funding, delivery and timing.

The MP for Tiverton and Honiton, Neil Parish, is the Chair of the EFRA Select Committee.

He says farmers need more information so they can make plans for the future.

Amy Gladwell
BBC News Online

It is never too early for fun at the fair and this family were there first thing.

Sally Lugg’s daughters Emma and Jasmine won toys on the duck fishing stall.

Strong start to the day, Mum!

There are dozens of game stands and rides to entertain the little ones here. I might even try the helter skelter later...

Plymouth Argyle sign defender Niall Canavan after he was released by fellow League One side Rochdale.

BBC Radio Devon

Six-hundred staff which work for the organic veg box company, Riverford, will own most of the firm later.

The firm, which makes 50,000 deliveries a day, is based in Buckfastleigh, Devon.

The employees will own 74% of the company and will control how it's managed, what they grow and what they sell.

Riverford's founder, Guy Watson, believes transferring ownership to the employees will be good for everyone.

BBC Radio Cornwall

In Falmouth, the A39 Western Terrace is partially blocked around Cambridge Place due to a crash.

BBC Radio Devon

In Upton Pyne, Burridge Road is blocked due to a crash around Upton Pyne Hill.

Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online

Environment Secretary Michael Gove has set out plans to create more than 40 Marine Conservation Zones across the country, external - including in the South West.

It's hoped it will safeguard about 12,000 sq km of marine habitats.

The government is asking the public for its views in a consultation that will end on 20 July.

Steve Hussey from the Devon Wildlife Trust welcomes the news but is urging the public to respond to the government's plans...

Some of the sites earmarked in Devon and Cornwall to become Marine Conservation Zones can be found here.

BBC Radio Cornwall

The Farming Minister and MP for Camborne and Redruth, George Eustice, has been defending the government's policy on farming post-Brexit.

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee says there's not enough detail about proposals for a greener farming industry after we leave the EU, and there needs to be much more clarity on funding and delivery.

But he told BBC Radio Cornwall at the Royal Cornwall Show that a policy combining subsidies for countryside stewardship and modern farming techniques is the way forward.