Airport site arson 'spread towards homes'
Police take no further action after slavery farm raid
Outside contractor to enforce litter fines in Exeter
Kayaker rescues badger after it is found in the sea
Appeal for witnesses after fatal crash involving two tractors
Rangers to offer behind-the-scenes national park tours
Updates for Wednesday 25 July 2018
People who drop litter or fail to pick up after their dog are to be targeted in Exeter, as part of a new 12-month trial.
The city council's contracted enforcement company 3GS to issue fines and is encouraging people to tip them off about any litter or dog fouling 'hot spots'.
The project will be paid for through fines and won't come out of council budgets.
Cornish Stuff
Plans for a new heliport in Penzance to bring back helicopter services from the town to the Isles of Scilly have been recommended for approval to Cornwall Council's strategic planning committee, external.
The planning application is set to go before the highest planning committee in the county next Thursday, 2 August.
Fifteen-seater helicopters would fly to the airport at St Mary’s and heliport at Tresco.
In explaining their recommendation of approval, planning officers state: “The proposed development is a significant year-round, permanent strategic link that will support and enhance links between the mainland and the Isles of Scilly
A new way of getting to know Dartmoor and Exmoor is being launched next month.
For a trial period visitors will be able to pay to spend the day with a ranger and discover parts of the moors that are off the beaten track.
The six-hour-long experience will go behind the scenes and the rangers will share their knowledge of wildlife, history and local folklore.
Dave Gurnett, who will lead some of the tours, has been a ranger on Exmoor for nearly 29 years.
Lauren Haly
BBC News Online
A two-storey building, shed and garden have been damaged in a deliberate blaze, fire crews have said.
Firefighters were called to Meadowfield Court, Paignton at 01:45 after multiple calls from the public.
No-one was injured.
It'll be a dry and warm day with spells of sunshine.
Cloud will build inland at times, but by evening it'll become largely clear. Winds will be variable and mainly light, but generally from the west or northwest.
Max temperature 20 to 24C (68 to 75F).
Doctors in South Devon have been experimenting with pioneering virtual reality (VR) technology.
Torbay and South Devon NHS trust has been leading the way in using VR to help both staff and patients through physiotherapy, training sessions and even to plan operations.
Mark Williams, junior surgeon, says he was blown away by the technology...
Bringing you the news, sport, travel and weather for Devon and Cornwall
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Kevin Thomas
BBC Weather Forecaster
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We'll have a full forecast for Devon and Cornwall later.
A kayaker has rescued a baby badger after he found it in the sea off St Agnes, north Cornwall.
He pulled it aboard and brought it ashore.
The animal has been checked over by local vets and is said to be "doing well".
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Picture: Amber Gardner, St Clements Vets
Andrew Segal
BBC Local Live
Firefighters dealing with a suspected arson attack on the site of Plymouth City Airport say they were concerned about it "spreading into undergrowth and towards nearby properties".
The 6,000 sq m of grassland and one small derelict building were believed to have been set alight deliberately on Tuesday evening, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said, external.
The cause of the fire was believed to be deliberate and the information was passed to the police.
The airport closed in December 2011 after the operators said it was no longer viable.
The teenager "completely lost his temper" and attacked the Staffordshire bull terrier, a court hears.
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Richard Whitehouse
Local Democracy Reporting Service
Image source, LDRSThe old service between Penzance and the islands was discontinued in 2012
Plans for a new heliport in Penzance to bring back helicopter services from the town to the Isles of Scilly have been recommended for approval.
The planning application is set to go before Cornwall Council's strategic planning committee next Thursday, 2 August and planning officers have recommended that it be given consent.
It is not the first time the plans have gone before the committee - in February 2017 the planning committee granted planning permission but that decision was subject to a legal challenge by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company (ISSC) the following month.
In September 2017 the council and the applicants agreed to a quashing order for the application, because certain parties had not been consulted.
Council planning officers say all the concerns have since been addressed and they consider the application should be granted planning permission.
The council reports that there has been "significant levels of public interest" in the application with more than 3,600 comments received. The council states that 94% are in support of the plans. A petition with 11,662 signatures in support of the planning application has also been submitted to the council.
A researcher is working to develop cheaper robotic pets for use in care homes.
Read MoreLauren Haly
BBC News Online
Police are appealing for witnesses after a fatal crash in Honiton.
Two tractors were involved and a man died at the scene.
Emergency services were called at 09:35 on Tuesday.
The road remained closed for several hours while a forensic examination took place.
The gold medallist and her husband, Steve Backshall, revealed the news on social media.
Read MoreLauren Haly
BBC News Online
A large area of grassland on the site of Plymouth City Airport has been set on fire in a suspected arson attack.
Fire crews were called to the site at 19:00 on Tuesday following multiple calls.
The 6,000 sq m of grassland and one small derelict building were believed to have been set alight deliberately, said Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.
Image source, Phil MorganFive fire crews from across the city attended and used jets and beaters to extinguish the blaze.
The airport closed in December 2011 after the operators said it was no longer viable.
