BBC Spotlight

The last Friday before Christmas has become known as 'Black Eye Friday' as it is when many people go out drinking to celebrate clocking off for the holidays.

Last year saw the region's hospitals struggle to cope with increased demand - especially at A&E departments.

Health bosses say measures are in place after last winter and they're confident they're better placed to cope this Christmas.

Kate Shields is the chief executive at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust...

BBC Radio Devon

In Exeter, the A30 Honiton Road is partially blocked Exeter-bound by a three-car crash at junction 29 on the M5. There's slow traffic.

Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online

A dog has died after getting stranded in the sea off Newquay, the RNLI has said.

Volunteers at Newquay RNLI lifeboat station were called to Porth Island at about 16:00 on Thursday after a 999 call was made.

Both of the charity's inshore lifeboats responded due to the conditions and "in case members of the public entered the water to attempt a rescue", the team added.

The dog died while lifeboats were en route to the scene.

Image source, RNLI

Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online

A stash of suspected counterfeit sportswear - destined for online sale - has been seized alongside a quantity of cash during a raid in mid-Cornwall on Thursday.

Officers from the Cornwall Council’s Trading Standards team, working alongside Devon and Cornwall Police, executed the warrant at a private address.

One man was arrested at the scene and inquiries are set to continue.

Councillor Sue James, portfolio holder for Environment and Public Protection, said the sale of counterfeit goods "seriously threatens" legitimate shops and jobs in Cornwall.

"Genuine shops trying to sell genuine items struggle to complete with the knock-off versions being sold at lower prices.

"But the fakes are not the bargain they may appear as they are often poorly made and can be a real disappointment and embarrassment to those being given them at Christmas."

BBC Radio Devon

In Kilmington, the A35 Gammons Hill is blocked in both directions due to a fallen tree between Old Taunton Road and George Lane.

Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online

Some Christmas and birthday cards are bad for your health, according to experts at Devon County Council.

Writing in the British Medical Journal, public health officers Tracey Polak and Virginia Pearson said cards featuring alcohol or harmful drinking reinforce the attitude it's okay and associated with celebration.

They believe illustrations and texts portray alcohol as enjoyable and fun and can range from a glass of champagne with the word "cheers" to those that are more excessive and encourage binge-drinking.

Sir Henry Cole is widely credited with inventing the first Christmas card in the UK in 1843 - with an image depicting a scene showing people drinking.

"As cards with alcohol themes become more prevalent, then a cultural norm develops where drinking in association with celebration becomes the expected," Ms Polak and Ms Pearson wrote.

Image source, Getty Images

University Hospitals Bristol has apologised after a mistake during an operation to treat an undescended testicle.

Millicent Cooke
BBC News Online

Image source, Getty Images

A 36-year-old man has been rescued from a flat in Dartmouth after accidentally setting fire to his late-night snack.

Firefighters were scrambled to the town's High Street at about 02:42 on Friday following reports of flames coming from the second floor.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said the man was checked over by paramedics at the scene.

The flames damaged the "oven and the foodstuffs".

Andrea Ormsby
BBC Spotlight

A Christmas tradition from more than a hundred years ago is being revived in North Devon after a 40-year break.

Since the 1890s, carol singers from the village of Landkey have been performing in neighbouring communities and remote farmsteads.

Often they'll be out all night long, singing "The Landkey Carols" - which were written by a local man.

Have a listen...

Jenna Hawkey
BBC News Online

Image source, Devon and Cornwall Police

Police are looking to identify a woman following reports of an assault on a taxi driver, external in Plymouth.

The incident is reported to have happened between 02:00 and 02:10 on 18 November on North Prospect Road.

The taxi driver had stopped and got out of his car when he was assaulted.

Police would like to speak to the woman (pictured above) in connection with this incident as it’s believed she may have information vital to the investigation, and are asking for anyone who recognises her to get in touch.

Millicent Cooke
BBC News Online

A large tree that shut the B3254 has been cleared, Cornwall Council say.

The road between Launceston and Stratton was blocked for several hours during the early hours of the morning.

Jenna Hawkey
BBC News Online

Firefighters have managed to rescue Christmas presents, external from a burning home in Exeter.

Emergency services were called to a detached property in Fern Park Close off Topsham Road at 14:00 on Thursday.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said that "extensive damage" had been caused to the house by fire, smoke and water.

But the crews managed to save some personal items, including Christmas presents.

The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental.

Millicent Cooke
BBC News Online

Image source, Google

There has been an emergency road closure put in place on the B3254 due to a fallen tree.

Cornwall Council said the "large tree" had fallen across the carriageway at Yeolmbridge on the road between Launceston and Stratton.

The route will be shut for at least two or three hours.

Drivers are being advised to avoid the area and warned that the surrounding local network is likely to be disrupted.

Millicent Cooke
BBC News Online

Officials at Gatwick have re-opened the runway and say they hope to operate a limited number of flights on Friday morning.

The airport was disrupted by repeated sightings of a drone from Wednesday night and throughout Thursday.

It is continuing to advise passengers to check the status of their flight with their airline before travelling to Gatwick.

Image source, PA

This is because departures and arrivals are still subject to delays and cancellations.

Many passengers throughout the South West were affected by the closure.

Police are still attempting to identify the drone's operators and are considering shooting it down if necessary.

BBC Weather

Friday is predicted to be a windy day.

Any early low cloud and local drizzle will soon clear, leaving it mostly dry with spells of sunshine.

However, there is the chance of a shower again towards evening.

Maximum Temperature: 14C (57F)