Jenna Hawkey
BBC News Online

Image source, PA

Guards and train drivers will go on strike on the final Saturday before Christmas, rail union RMT has confirmed., external

RMT members on South Western Railway (SWR), which runs services between London Waterloo and Exeter St David's, have been told not to come to work on 22 December.

The move is a result of the long-running dispute over guards on trains.

Previously, SWR said it had "repeatedly guaranteed to roster a train guard on every single service we run".

It added: "Our plans mean more guards, not fewer. It's time for the RMT union to commit to resolving their dispute which only causes misery for customers."

The RMT has been involved in a two-year dispute with several rail firms over the issue of guards.

Rail passengers travelling over the festive period are set to be hit by the latest RMT Union strike in its long-running battle with South Western Railway.

Workers are set to walk out on Saturday 22 December in a long-running dispute over the role of train guards.

Jenna Hawkey
BBC News Online

Image source, Devon Cave Rescue Organisation

Hopes are fading for a missing puppy believed to be lost in a network of caves, rescuers say.

The search is continuing for Pudding, a four-month-old puppy, who went missing in Kitley Woods in Yealmpton, Devon, on 2 December.

The miniature dachshund is a therapy puppy at Plymouth and District Funeral Services in Plymstock.

Image source, Devon Cave Rescue Organisation

Her owners have been searching for her day and night, and a plea for help on Facebook has been shared more than 7,000 times.

A team of 13 volunteers for the Devon Cave Rescue Organisation has joined the search.

Rescuers are warning people not to trespass into the caves, as they are dangerous and it could put lives at risk. There is also a risk of disturbing the bats that live there, which is illegal.

Image source, Devon Cave Rescue Organisation

Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online

Power cuts are affecting properties in South Brent and Paignton, Western Power Distribution has said.

• In the TQ10 area of South Brent, 53 homes are without power. It's due to be restored by 11:00.
• In the TQ3 area of Paignton, there are 22 homes without power. It's due to be restored by 13:30.

Image source, Western Power Distribution

BBC Radio Devon

• On the M5 southbound between Cullompton and Exeter, traffic is starting to build due to an accident
• On the A35 at Abbey Gate near Axminster, the road is partially blocked due to a fallen tree near the A358

BBC Radio Cornwall

• In Bodmin, the A389 at Priory Road is partially blocked in both directions because of an accident involving two vehicles near Turf Street
• Alverton Road in Penzance is blocked in both directions due to a fallen tree near The Little Shop

Jenny Walrond
Health Correspondent, BBC Spotlight

Doctors are trying to contact 1,800 people in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset who have been diagnosed with hepatitis C but may not have had treatment.

New treatments which cure most people, without significant side-effects, are now widely available on the NHS but consultants in the South West say they are running out of patients to treat.

It is hoped the virus can be completely eliminated in England within the next six years.

Professor Matthew Cramp, a consultant gastroenterologist at Derriford Hospital, says many people may not know they have the condition...

Only about one in every three or four people will have any symptoms during the first six months of a hepatitis C infection. This stage is known as acute hepatitis C.

If symptoms do develop, they usually occur a few weeks after infection. Symptoms may include:

• a high temperature of 38C (100.4F) or above
• tiredness
• loss of appetite
• tummy pains
• feeling and being sick

NHS: Hepatitis C symptoms, external

BBC Weather

Early rain should clear, leaving much of the day with bright spells but also a few showers.

It will be blustery too with strong winds.

Maximum temperature: 13C (55F).

BBC Radio Devon

Derriford Hospital in Plymouth is getting £29.7m towards the extension of its emergency department.

There is also £8m for Devon Partnership NHS Trust for a new 16-bed mental health ward in Torbay.

The funding has been announced by Health Secretary Matt Hancock as part of a £168m boost for the South West.

A total of 75 schemes across the country will get a share of the newly allocated capital funding.

BBC Spotlight

The new chairman of Plymouth Argyle says he is overwhelmed by the amount there is to do.

Simon Hallett and his wife Jane are making their first trip to Home Park from their home in America since he took over from James Brent at the beginning of November.

He says he will not be throwing money at Derek Adams so he can get the side out of their current predicament but has faith in him and thinks he is "wonderful".

Ed Oldfield
Local Democracy Reporting Service

The price of some of Plymouth's most prized ice cream van pitches are going up from next year.

The most expensive two slots are on Hoe Road, which will cost £11,265 for 12 months from April.

Next most expensive is a site on Hoe Road/Grand Parade at £5,675, followed by two on Madeira Road at £4,566, Pier Street at £1,357 and Cliff Road at £1,104.

Image source, Getty Images

The cost of ice cream trading consents for next year from Plymouth City Council are going up by 1.5% - the same as for other street traders.

Jenna Hawkey
BBC News Online

A 52-year-old man broke his leg in two places and had to undergo five hours of surgery after a bicycle crashed into him, police said.

It happened at about 17:00 on Tuesday on the pathway at the Exe Bridges roundabout - by the opening to the pedestrian underpass.

Officers would like to identify the cyclist who is described as a white man, wearing black cycling gear and a black and orange helmet.

Anyone with information should contact Devon and Cornwall Police via 101.

Image source, Google