Latest news with #BBCSomerset
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Man in his 90s dies in crash
A man in his 90s has died after being involved in a single-vehicle crash. Police were called to reports of a white Fiat Panda leaving the carriageway in Closworth, near Yeovil in Somerset, on Wednesday at around 10:35 BST. The driver was taken to hospital, where he later died. There were no passengers in the car, Avon and Somerset Police said. The force asked anyone with dashcam footage showing the vehicle before the collision, which was being driven along Sutton Hill towards the A37 junction, to get in touch. Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Avon and Somerset Police
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Yahoo
Police officer who faked working from home banned
A police officer who held down keys on his laptop to make it look like he was working when he was not has been barred from policing. PC Liam Reakes, who was based in Yeovil, was found to have committed gross misconduct at an Avon and Somerset Police panel hearing earlier. The panel heard how, between June and September 2024, he weighed down his laptop's Z key at "regular intervals" for "considerable periods" of time, causing the loss of more than 100 hours' of police time. He would have been sacked had he not already resigned from the force, and has now been banned from working in law enforcement again. Mr Reakes was caught after an internal audit of keystrokes in September 2024 flagged his total as much higher than others doing similar jobs. He did not attend the hearing, but admitted opening a blank Word document and holding down the Z key for long periods of time, denying this was to give a false impression he was working from home. More news stories for Somerset Listen to the latest news for Somerset Head of the force's professional standards department Det Supt Larisa Hunt said: "PC Reakes was the subject of an action plan and was allocated a tutor due to concerns over his performance prior to the keyboard audit being carried out. "The use of any device or system to replicate keyboard activity is wholly wrong and deceptive and the public will be rightly outraged at this behaviour. "Not only has he let down those he made a commitment to serve and protect but he's also let down his colleagues, who are continuing to deal with significant pressure and workloads." Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Detective who pretended to work from home sacked Police officer avoids jail for stalking conviction Former officer barred from policing for misconduct Avon and Somerset Police
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Former nurse, 100, 'inundated' with birthday cards
A former midwife has received hundreds of cards from around the world in celebration of her 100th birthday. Bertha Preston spent time working in New Zealand, Australia and Kenya, before settling down in a nursing career at Royal United Hospital (RUH) in Bath, Somerset. With no surviving family or close friends nearby, staff at the Bloomfield Care Centre in Paulton issued a "heartfelt request" to the public to send in their warm wishes. Key worker Jane Rogers described Ms Preston as a "very strong lady", who "chose her career over marriage" and showed an unwavering dedication to her profession. Ms Preston said "her spirit remains strong and her presence continues to inspire those around her". "She's been a huge part of my life," said Ms Rogers, who has cared for Ms Preston since 2009. "All of the residents here are very special to everyone who works here, but she's a darling lady. "Because of her vulnerability and the fact she has no known family, we've all become her family, and that's how we like it." Ms Preston's "quiet strength and compassion" was born out of becoming an orphan at the age of eight, after losing her mother to tuberculosis. Her nursing journey took her around the world, most notably to Africa, where she treated patients for trachoma and helped deliver hundreds of babies. One woman wrote to Ms Preston from Kenya to ask if she had worked at the hospital during her birth in the early 1960s. "I was delighted to read of your enthusiasm for the country, and of your hard work and devotion over many years as a nurse," Sarah wrote. "You are clearly a credit to your profession." Activities assistant Christina Coles said the home had been "inundated" with letters since posting the appeal online, including a card from King Charles III and Queen Camilla. "The amount that's come through the post has been amazing," she said. "We've had such a good response, it's really been overwhelming. "It's lovely that people have made so much effort in the community to come forward for a lady who has worked so hard. "100 years is an amazing achievement for anyone. Bertha has got an incredible story and it's nice to share that with people," she added. Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. D-Day veteran's 'unforgettable' 100th birthday World War Two decoder celebrates 100th birthday Vera celebrates 100th birthday with 450 cards Bloomfield Care Centre
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
In pictures: Steam, sheep and strawberries at show
The Royal Bath and West Show has returned for another year, with tens of thousands of punters due to descend on the showground for the three-day event. The show is the largest agricultural event in the West of England, having been founded in 1777 and based at The Bath and West Showground in Shepton Mallet since 1965. It celebrates farming and offers animal exhibits, food stalls, celebrity talks, vintage fairgrounds, live music, and more. Gates opened at 09:00 BST, with punters flooding in to experience the best the west has to offer. In season strawberries: Amongst the attractions are stalls selling strawberries. UK strawberry growers have reported a "stonking start" to the season thanks to a "glorious" spring. Say cheese: People can also get their hands on Somerset cheese at this year's show, where chefs such as Andy Clark, Lisa Cadd and George Egg will also be turning up to host live cooking demonstrations. In the ring: The show offers a range of activities and attractions for people of all ages. In the main ring, spectators can see parades of livestock as well as show jumping and scurry racing. Livestock on display: The show has got off to a busy start, with people flocking to see some of the West's most prized livestock on display. Young farmers: The next generation of farmers have already had chance to show off their skills on day one of the Bath and West Show. Duly rewarded: Recipients of the Prince of Wales Award stand proud having been presented with their awards. The award recognises community organisations and initiatives in the southwest. Three wheels better than two: Among the sites and sounds of the day, a solitary tricyclist provides musical entertainment, performing on a mobile piano for nearby punters. There is more planned across the weekend, including a chance for fans of Clarkson's Farm can meet one if its stars, Kaleb Cooper, on Friday when he takes part in a Q&A and book signing. Other workshops focused on wool, butchery and farming will also be held. Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. What's on at the Royal Bath and West Show? The history of the Royal Bath & West Show Royal Bath and West Show
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Two people seriously injured in motorbike crash
Two people have sustained serious injuries in a crash involving a pedestrian and a motorcycle. Avon and Somerset Police said it was called to the scene of a collision on the B3151 between Meare and Glastonbury in Somerset at 09:58 BST. The road is closed in both directions and police have asked drivers to seek an alternative route. Emergency services remain at the scene, with those injured being taken to hospital. Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Avon and Somerset Police
