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VIDEO: Cornwall put on level 3 heatwave warning as temperatures soar

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Cornwall has been placed on a 'Level 3 - Heatwave' warning by the Met Office for today and tomorrow. A level 3 heatwave in the South West means there will be a maximum daytime temperature of 30 degrees, and minimum night-time temperature of 15 degrees. There is only one level above Level 3 which is categorised as 'Emergency'. Temperatures in the Duchy are predicted to reach 28 degrees today and tomorrow, with night-time temperatures only dropping to 17 degrees. Sunshine is forecast to remain in Cornwall for at least the next five days. Yesterday the Exeter-based weather agency confirmed that we were in the throes of the longest hot spell since 2006 as temperatures have been over 28 degrees somewhere in the UK for the last eleven days.See a video of one of the hottest places to work in Cornwall during the heatwave - Bodmin and Wenford Railway - where workers say the engine fans are working in temperatures of up to 35 degrees:
The Met Office have issued the following advise during a Level 3 Heatwave warning:During a heatwave• Try to keep your house cool, closing blinds or curtains can help.• At night, keep your sleeping area well ventilated. Night cooling is important as it allows the body to recuperate.• Try to stay cool by taking cool showers or baths and/or sprinkle yourself several times a day with cold water.• Avoid too much exercise, which can cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke, and can even be fatal. Watch for signs of heat stress - an early sign is fatigue.• Drink plenty of fluids, but not alcohol, which dehydrates the body.• Try to eat as you normally would. Not eating properly may exacerbate health-related problems.• If driving, keep your vehicle well ventilated to avoid drowsiness. Take plenty of water with you and have regular rest breaks.• If you have vulnerable neighbours who may be at risk during a heatwave, try to visit them daily.• If you do go out, try and avoid the hottest part of the day (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and seek shade where possible. Avoid being in the sun for long stretches.Before going out in the sun• Check you have appropriate sun cream for your particular type of skin.During sunny weather• The UV index (the strength of the sun) can be high at many times of the year - it doesn't have to be hot. The UV index can be strong through cloud even when the sun isn't directly shining.• If you go out, wear lightweight, light-coloured clothing, high factor sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.• Avoid being in the sun for long stretches.• Reapply an appropriate factor sun cream at regular intervals during the day. Do not leave children or animals in parked cars. Even on cool days, strong sunshine can make car interiors very hot.

VIDEO: Cornwall put on level 3 heatwave warning as temperatures soar


Penzance builder Raibeart Browne found guilty of attempted murder

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A JEALOUS builder from Penzance who attempted to murder his ex-wife's new lover has been told he may face an indeterminate sentence in jail. Raibeart Browne, 69, could be facing the rest of his life in prison after being found guilty yesterday of trying to kill Robert Norrington in a frenzied knife attack on the doorstep of their Mount Hawke home on December 30 after hunting down his former wife Sally Gale. The jury of six men and six women also found Browne, of Alexandra Road, guilty of three further charges having an offensive weapon of breaching two restraining orders barring him from contacting Mr Norrington or Ms Gale Browne was remanded in custody following the conviction and is due to be sentenced next month after the preparation of a psychiactric report to determine the level of danger he might pose in the future. Judge Christopher Harvey Clark QC said: "I shall have to consider very carefully the issue of danger and whether or not an indeterminate sentence should be passed in this case." The pensioner, who denied pouncing on musician Mr Norrington as he answered his front door, had previously told the court he acted in self defence. Browne is due to be sentenced in August.

Penzance builder Raibeart Browne found guilty of attempted murder

Lanner benefit cheat Roger Chesterfield sentenced

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A LANNER benefit cheat who netted over £7,000 in false claims has been sentenced. Roger Chesterfield, aged 54, of Strawberry Fields, has been given a 12-month community order of 100 hours unpaid work after pleading guilty to four counts of benefit fraud, two counts of failing to promptly report to Cornwall Council that his partner's earnings had increased and two counts of failing to promptly report to Cornwall Council that he had commenced paid employment. The case was heard at Truro Magistrates Court on Friday last week where he was also ordered to pay £150 towards the council's investigation and legal costs. The overpaid benefits have been repaid in full by Chesterfield to Cornwall Council.

Lanner benefit cheat Roger Chesterfield sentenced

Penair School teaching and leadership criticised in Ofsted report

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The leadership and teaching standards at a Truro secondary school have been criticised in its latest Ofsted inspection. Penair School was given the status of Requires Improvement in its first inspection since it became an academy in April 2011. Previously Penair School had enjoyed Outstanding status. The school has hit back against the report and said it is complaining about the "seriously flawed" process. The Ofsted report, released this morning, criticised the standard of teaching but also said students were well behaved and GCSE attainment was still above average. The report comes in the final week of the reign of headteacher Barbara Vann who is resigning after 16 years at Penair. The Ofsted report said: "Teaching requires improvement because expectations of students' progress are not high enough. Teaching over time has not resulted in achievement which is consistently good enough in all subjects. "In lessons where progress is not rapid enough, it is because little consideration of the students' prior knowledge or skills is taken into account in the planning of the lesson." The report said the work set was not challenging enough for the students. It said: "Teachers sometimes limit the chance for students to work independently by talking too much and not inviting students to contribute more and explore their full understanding of a topic." The report also criticised those in charge of Penair. It said: "Leadership and management require improvement as leaders measure success mainly in terms of attainment and not students' progress, which means that they do not evaluate effectively enough how well different groups of students are doing." The report noted students' behaviour as "good" and a strength of the school. It said: "The majority of students are respectful and courteous towards other students, staff and visitors to the school." Attendance is still rising at Penair and the proportion achieving five or more A* to C GCSE grades, including English and mathematics, is "just above average". The report complimented the school on "outstanding achievement in mathematics and at least good progress being secured in science." The Ofsted classifications have four levels of grading with Outstanding as grade one and Inadequate as grade four. Requires Improvement is grade three and is explained as: "A school that requires improvement is not yet a good school, but it is not inadequate." The school issued a statement which said: "Penair School, which has been in the top 3 attaining schools of the 31 state schools in Cornwall for six out of the last eight years, is deeply concerned by its recent Ofsted inspection which it believes is seriously flawed. "Detailed complaints about the process and judgements have been made to Ofsted and local MP Sarah Newton has been informed." According to the school the first day of the two-day inspection fell on sports day which meant the inspectors did not meet any students or observe any lessons on that day. Sophie Hosking, chairman of the governors, said: "We are a great school and our reputation and achievements speak for themselves. "The whole school community is disappointed in the judgement from Ofsted. We think the facts do not support the verdict." Dr Vann said: "Parents and students will know that this report does not match the reality. We are an open school community and have visitors every day of the week. "If parents or members of the local community would like to come and visit and see for themselves what a fantastic school we have, we would be delighted to show them round."

Penair School teaching and leadership criticised in Ofsted report

Olympic swimming medallist Cassandra Patten visits Fowey Community College

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AN OLYMPIAN visited her former school to coach and inspire pupils this morning. Fowey Community College welcomed swimming medallist Cassandra Patten, who attended as a pupil from Year 7 to Year 9. The 26-year-old scooped bronze in 10 km Open Water swimming in the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and is also the winner of two world silver medals. Due to a shoulder injury, she was unable to compete in the London 2012 Olympics. She is now working towards becoming a sports model with a rigorous training regime and clean eating. Making the most of the weather, Ms Patten began the day coaching Year 8 students in basketball and developing their teamwork skills. Students also had the opportunity to see her Olympic medal. She then met with Year 8 student, Jay Down, who swims competitively with a club at Bodmin, where Ms Patten began her Olympic and World career. The two of them discussed the potential for swimming at a national and international level. Next up were a series of question and answer sessions with Year 10 GCSE PE students. They were keen to know how she used to deal with the cold water in her outdoor swims. The Olympian's tip was to use earplugs as it stops cold water going into the inner ear and bringing the core body temperature down. She also had a strong message for the students based on her achievements. "I love pushing myself really hard, being the best I can and pushing barriers," she told them. "Being successful has nothing to do with geography and where you are from. "Anyone can achieve what they want in life, but everyone will have to work hard for it. You will also fail sometimes, but that is part of it."

Olympic swimming medallist Cassandra Patten visits Fowey Community College

VIDEO: Newquay pupils' sausage taste test

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YOUNGSTERS at a Newquay school will tuck into custom-designed school dinners from September – and have been helping pick the perfect ingredients. Pupils from St Columb Minor Academy sampled a host of local sausages last Friday, with the assistance of MP Stephen Gilbert. The eco-friendly school has vowed to create the tastiest and most nutritious meals, made from locally sourced ingredients. Gill Harper, school business manager, said: "The school is very pleased to be supporting local businesses in this new venture and the children are really enthusiastic about the new menus!" Mr Gilbert spoke to children about green issues and answered some searching questions about the future of the environment.
He said: "It was great to be invited by the school council to help them judge a selection of locally sourced sausages for the school canteen – it's a tough job, but someone has to do it! The result is that the school is using local suppliers, knows where the product is from and is helping to keep more money in the local economy – a win, win, win."

VIDEO: Newquay pupils' sausage taste test

Geevor stalwart inspires fellow employees to invest in future

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A GEEVOR Tin Mine stalwart has inspired others to invest in their futures and improve the tourist attraction.

Pat Comber, who has worked at the mine for 18 years, underwent a training course to gain a Level 2 business and management qualification that has improved her job prospects and given her a foundation to do more at the mine.

Five of the centre's employees are now studying through the Workplace Learning Project – funded by the European Social Fund – to gain skills that will allow them to do the same.

Pat said: "I wanted to do this so people could see I'd done something to improve myself.

"I'm in my fifties and, realistically, have at least another 13 years or so of working life, so I want to have anything that will help me get another job if I ever need to.

"I also wanted to do it as soon as it became clear that if I took on a course others would also be able to take up training."

The project is led by Cornwall College and Mark Williams, who directs the scheme, praised the stalwart's aspirations.

"Pat's experience is an excellent example of the spirit and foresight that Cornish workers employed in developing Geevor as a mine and latterly as an attraction and museum," he said.

"Taking the initiative in this way, recognising the potential opportunities for herself and her colleagues from the achievement of recognised qualifications is to be applauded."

Today, staff at the attraction say they are looking forward to taking Geevor further and marketing manager Sarah Nicholas said her colleagues' training efforts had helped to increase visitor numbers.

"All of this help has contributed to boosting visitor numbers, sustaining the site and marketing Geevor to a wider audience," she said. "Pat has inspired several other members of staff. A well-trained workforce will benefit Geevor."

Geevor stalwart inspires fellow employees to invest in future

Mum's warning after finding needles on Marazion beach

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A HEAMOOR mum was left horrified after finding a used hypodermic needle at a well-known local beach.

Making the most of the hot weather, Claire Emmett-Wright visited a stretch of sand at Marazion with her partner and two young children last week when she came across the worrying find.

After spotting the needle, she moved her family along the beach where she saw a number of needle lids and began warning other beachgoers of the dangers.

"I want families that go down there and use that area to really be aware," said Mrs Emmett-Wright, from Heamoor.

"If they don't know about this then their children could get pricked by a needle and that could be fatal."

The 32-year-old visited the picturesque beach with partner Nichola and children Charlie, aged 19 months, and Olivia, eight months.

Parking at Folly Field, they settled down in nearby sand dunes for a day in the sun.

But they had only just arrived when Mrs Emmett-Wright saw a needle.

"I picked it up and put it in a bin because I was worried about anyone else coming along and sitting on it," she said.

"We moved along to another area that wasn't that bad but I just spent the rest of the day keeping a very close eye on my children."

The mum of two said she had been visiting that stretch of beach since she was a child and believed cleanliness had dropped over the years.

"This has completely put me off going to that area of the beach," she said.

The stretch of sand visited by the Penwith family is under the control of the St Aubyn Estate which manages the beach from St Michael's Mount to Red River on behalf of the National Trust. It also owns the section of beach above the mean high water mark from approximately Red River to Station House.

"We take our responsibilities for the beach very seriously and this includes keeping it clean at peak usage periods," said Andrew Davey, head of land and property at St Aubyn Estates.

"We normally judge when to start cleaning the beach based on tides and currents and the amount of litter in evidence, as this does vary with conditions.

"It is unrealistic to clean the beach all year round, so we focus instead on peak usage periods.

"This year we will be starting our summer cleaning programme next week.

"In addition to this our car park staff are equipped with cleaning equipment, so that they can react instantly if they ever receive reports from members of the public using the beach during the daytime.

"We are confident we are doing all we reasonably can to keep the beach safe and clean but we are also dependent on the public using the beach in a responsible manner."

Mum's warning after finding needles on Marazion beach


Cornwall's superfast broadband roll out on track compared to national scheme

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THE firm responsible for rolling out Cornwall's superfast broadband is reassuring local customers that it has nothing to do with a national scheme that is running nearly two years late.

Nigel Ashcroft, Superfast Cornwall programme director for Cornish Development Company, said Cornwall was on track to achieve its 95 per cent coverage target making broadband available in rural areas by next year.

The programme has already seen more than 70 per cent of rural premises able to access broadband.

This is in contrast to a national roll-out of the technology, led by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), which says it will make broadband speeds of 24Mbps available to 90 per cent of rural premises by the end of 2016, compared with an earlier target of May 2015.

The DCMS expects to raise the figure to 95 per cent during 2017.

According to a report by the National Audit Office, by June this year just 26 of the 44 contracts to provide superfast broadband to rural areas had been signed, and it was forecast that just nine projects would be completed by the target date.

The Superfast Cornwall project has seen more than 27,000 Cornish homes and businesses already sign up to fibre broadband.

Mr Ashcroft added: "While there's quite a bit of negative publicity around the national roll-out of rural broadband, it's important to clarify, Cornwall's position in relation to the national roll-out."

He added: "Superfast Cornwall, a £132 million partnership between the European Union, BT and Cornwall Council, is using a separate funding scheme to make fibre optic broadband available to 95 per cent of premises in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly."

Cornwall's superfast broadband roll out on track compared to national scheme

Man found not guilty of attack on Saltash grandfather

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A MAN has been found not guilty of beating the father of his former partner on the doorstep of the man's Saltash home. Marc Nicholson, 33, of Plymouth, was accused of causing Phillip Connolly actual bodily harm in an argument that erupted after Nicholson called Mr Connolly's daughter a slag. A jury heard that Nicholson had an 11 year relationship with Michelle Connolly, which had broken down in 2011, and that the couple had two young daughters together. In his trial, which started on Thursday at Truro Crown Court, Nicholson denied the charge. Both men claimed that the other had them in a headlock and that they were punched during the fight on June 30, last year at Tamar Street in Saltash. Jury members were shown pictures of the injuries suffered by both of the men, as well as shots of the blood spatter on a chair which had been nearby when the fight broke out. A jury returned the verdict of not guilty in respect of the charge against Nicholson, of Channel Park Avenue, Efford, on Friday afternoon.

Man found not guilty of attack on Saltash grandfather

Court round up July 19

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A MAN has admitted stealing £360 worth of DVDs and cosmetics from stores in Redruth and Camborne. On Friday at Truro Crown Court, Neil Woodside, 28, of New Connections, Camborne, pleaded guilty to three separate thefts, which took place from Tesco in Camborne and Boots in Redruth and Camborne on dates between April 29 and May 17, this year. Judge John Neligan deferred sentencing to August 16, for the preparation of reports. A 30-YEAR-OLD man has been sent to hospital on a court order under the Mental Health Act after admitting to attempted burglary at a house in Camborne on August 31 last year. Gary Thornton, 30, of no fixed abode, appeared at Truro Crown Court on Friday and was told by Judge John Neligan that he would be released depending on the advice of his responsible clinician. TWO men admitted robbing a man of his Nokia mobile phone in Camborne at Truro Crown Court, on Friday. Sean O'Shea, 24, of Wheal Plenty Cottage, Redruth, and Alex Burgoyne, 19, of HM Young Offenders institute Portland, also pleaded guilty to dodging a taxi fare of £15 on the same day on April 20. Both are due to be sentenced on August 16.

Court round up July 19

Ice cream producers go into overdrive as demand surges

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It is not just the holidaymakers who have been making the most of the good weather, with the Westcountry's ice cream producers working round the clock to record massive sales increases.

Some of the biggest retailers in Devon and Cornwall have already sold up to two and half times the amount of ice cream they sold throughout July last year, to record huge profits and cushion the blow of months of bad weather, including a wash-out Easter.

The demand has been such that staff have been pulling extra shifts to make sure their delivery trucks are stocked and shop shelves are full, with one retailer in North Devon telling how he has been working 18-hour days to make the most of the increase in interest as a result of the sweltering heat.

Roskilly's, which is based between St Keverne and Coverack on the Lizard, have seen sales rise 150% this month. "We have sold about 50,000 litres so far in July," said Silke Roskilly, who works at the farm. "If you compare that to last July we sold 20,000 litres over the same two-week period.

"We are going back to what it used to be like five or six years ago. It is so desperately important this year for Cornwall. Everyone is breathing a great big sigh of relief."

Melanie Marsh, from Callestick Farm near Truro, said sales of their Cornish Dairy Ice Cream were up 71% year-on-year.

She said: "Staff are being drafted in from other areas of the business to do extra runs with the delivery vehicles. Where we would usually be just starting to wind things up for the start of the season as the children start breaking up it is all systems go and sales have leapt suddenly since the sun came out."

Somerset-based Yeo Valley has recorded a 26% increase in sales of the vanilla-flavoured ice cream compared with last year, whereas Langage Farm near Plymouth, has sold 15,000 litres so far in July compared to 6,500 last year.

Bodmin-based Kelly's, which has been selling ice creams at the Royal Cornwall Show for more than half a century, said it was producing record volumes of ice cream due to demand.

Brand manager Nina Lumsden said: "Staff are working an additional 50 hours a week now, including all day Friday, Saturday and Monday. They are maintaining stock and supply but the ice cream is selling as quickly as it is being made."

Neil Hocking, who is a partner in the family-run Hocking's in North Devon, said he is working 18-hour days just to get the ice cream out.

He said: "Last July we sold 6,000 litres, this year we have sold 10,000 litres already.

"We don't usually do much business while the children are at school but this year has been different. I usually work 14-hour days in the summer, but last week I did 18-hour days and I had my first day off yesterday.

"It's good for the whole area to have nice weather, it's nice for visitors.

"Last year when it poured down with rain it all the retailers were concerned."

Ice cream producers go into overdrive as demand surges

Pop star Olly Murs helps young Cornish girl with cerebral palsy

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A TV programme featuring singer Olly Murs helped a Cornish family seek help for their daughter who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at just 18 months old. After watching the pop singer take part in a charity version of Noel Edmonds' popular game show Deal or No Deal, the family decided to find out more about what the Brainwave charity could offer. Helston-based mum Maria Bury said: "Phoebe was born early at 29 weeks and weighing just 1lb 14oz - she was no bigger than a bag of sugar. "At first she appeared to do really well but after four weeks she developed two infections that led to brain damage. "There didn't really seem to be a lot that the health authorities could do for her and it was thanks to a popular TV programme, "Deal or No Deal" which featured Olly Murs trying to win money for his charity Brainwave that we became aware of the charity." Brainwave works with families to deliver individual, home-based therapy and exercises for children with disabilities and 'Development Delay' to help them reach their full potential. This can be anything from walking to feeding themselves. By working with parents, giving them relevant therapy equipment and teaching them correct handling skills, they are empowered to actively participate in their child's development. The family took Phoebe to the Brainwave Centre in Somerset where she had a two-day assessment and the family were given a programme of exercises to carry out with Phoebe at home. Maria said: "It was really good to have two dedicated days during which the team at Brainwave looked at Phoebe as a whole instead of just looking at parts of her. They explained everything to us and they concentrated on what she can do rather than what she can't. We learned more about her condition than ever before." Phoebe has been back to Brainwave twice and is making good progress. "She is coming along really well," said Maria. "She is now able to kneel on all fours plus her standing is improving. Also her communication has come on really well and she is starting to sign." Maria is so impressed with Brainwave that she is running her own fundraising initiative, a Vegas Night on July 27 at the Goldophin Club Helston. Tickets will be available from the Club (Tel: 01326 573282) and Helston Day Nursery at just £10. Brainwave has three centres including the South West Centre in Bridgwater, and two further Centres in Birchwood, Cheshire and in Witham, Essex as well as satellite clinics in Ireland and Scotland so that families can access Brainwave wherever they are based in the UK. Places on the programme are available for children at all three centres. For more information see www.brainwave.org.uk ; email: enquiries@brainwave.org.uk or phone: 01278 429089.

Pop star Olly Murs helps young Cornish girl with cerebral palsy

VIDEO: Tightrope walking - the new harbour craze in Cornwall

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Forget tombstoning, young daredevils in Cornwall have come up with a new adrenaline sport - harbour tightrope walking. This video, which was added to Youtube on Thursday, shows youths walking along a tightrope of some sort stretched across the entrance to Mousehole harbour. No one knows who is behind the new craze but the video was produced by Abdel Bakrim. Are you behind this video? Were you on the tightrope? If so call us on 01872 247 420.

VIDEO: Tightrope walking - the new harbour craze in Cornwall

UK heatwave: top tips for staying safe

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Level three heatwave warnings have been issued in many parts of the UK, as Britain continues to swelter in soaring temperatures. The warning has today been raised to level three by the Met Office for north-west England – the second-highest warning level. Also in place for the South West and the West Midlands, the warning has been issued because "there is a 90% probability of heatwave conditions between 0900 on Friday and 2100 on Saturday in parts of England". The warning calls for "heatwave action", as the Met Office reminds Brits: "Heatwaves can be dangerous, especially for the very young, very old or those with chronic diseases." Meanwhile warnings for south-east England and London have been reduced to level two. But how can we stay safe in the heat, and how can we get some shuteye when the temperatures are so high? Tips for staying cool The NHS advises: - Shut windows and pull down the shades when it is hotter outside. If it's safe, open them for ventilation when it is cooler - Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool - Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this isn't possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed (metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter) - Avoid unnecessary travel - Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water - Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and fruit juice. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol - Stay out of the sun and don't go out between 11am and 3pm if you're vulnerable to the effects of heat - Stay tuned to the weather forecast on the radio or TV, or at the Met Office website - Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves - Wear loose, cool clothing, and a hat if you go outdoors Tips for sleeping in hot weather Dr Malcolm von Schantz, a molecular neuroscientist at the University of Surrey's Sleep Centre, last year told BBC News Magazine: - Use an electric fan: it will decrease your time awake in bed by lowering the body temperature - Drink plenty before bed: dehydration will wake you up, so make sure you have plenty of water over the course of the evening - Avoid alcohol - Go for thin cotton sheets rather than nylon bedding Avoid, spot and treat: dehydration Dehydration happens when your body loses more fluid than you take in. To avoid dehydration, drink regularly. When it comes to spotting dehydration, look out for: - dizziness or light-headedness - a headache - tiredness - a dry mouth, lips and eyes - concentrated urine (dark yellow) or passing only small amounts of urine infrequently (less than three or four times a day) To treat dehydration, rehydrate the body by drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, diluted squash, diluted fruit juice or semi-skimmed milk. A sweet drink can help to replace lost sugar and a salty snack can help to replace lost salt. Drink a rehydration solution. But if you suspect someone is severely dehydrated, you should seek medical attention immediately. They may need to be admitted to hospital for treatment. In particular, babies, infants and elderly people will need urgent treatment if they become dehydrated. Avoid, spot and treat: heat exhaustion Heat exhaustion can occur when the temperature inside the body rises to anything between the normal 37°C (98.6°F) up to 40°C (104°F). If a person with heat exhaustion is taken quickly to a cool place, is given water to drink and has their excess clothing removed, they should begin to feel better within half an hour. But without treatment, they could develop heatstroke, which is much more serious (see below). To prevent heat exhaustion: - Stay out of the heat - Cool yourself down (with cold showers, cold drinks) - Keep your environment cool (see 'Tips for staying cool') To spot heat exhaustion, look out for: - very hot skin - heavy sweating - dizziness - extreme tiredness - feeling sick or vomiting - urinating less often and much darker urine than usual - a rapid heartbeat - mental confusion If you suspect someone has heat exhaustion: - Get them to rest in a cool place, ideally a room with air conditioning or somewhere in the shade - Get them to drink fluids – water or a rehydration drink, such as a sports drink. But they should stop taking fluid on board once their symptoms have greatly decreased (usually within two to three hours). - Cool their skin with cold water - Loosen clothing and ensure that the person gets plenty of ventilation Dial 999 to request an ambulance if the person doesn't respond to the above treatment within 30 minutes. If you suspect a child under two, an elderly person, someone with kidney, heart or circulation problems or a person with diabetes who use insulin, has heat exhaustion, they should be taken to hospital either way. Avoid, spot and treat: heatstroke Heatstroke, which occurs when the body can no longer cool itself and starts to overheat, is far more serious than heat exhaustion. Parts of the body stop working and if left untreated it can lead to complications such as organ failure and brain damage. Heatstroke can be fatal. To prevent heatstroke, see 'Tips for staying cool'. To spot heatstroke, be on guard against: - high body temperature – a temperature of 40°C (104°F) or above is often a major sign of heatstroke, although it can be diagnosed at lower temperatures and some people can reach these temperatures during physical exercise without developing heat exhaustion or heatstroke - heavy sweating that suddenly stops – a major warning sign the body has become over-heated and dehydrated and so is unable to produce any more sweat a rapid heartbeat or rapid breathing (hyperventilation) - muscle cramps - fits (seizures) - restlessness or anxiety - mental confusion - lack of co-ordination - problems understanding or speaking to others seeing or hearing things that aren't real (hallucinations) - loss of consciousness Heatstroke is a medical emergency - dial 999 immediately to request an ambulance. While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, move the person somewhere cool and give them fluids to drink – ideally water. Cool their skin with water by placing a damp flannel or sheet on them or spraying them gently. Increase ventilation by opening windows or using a fan. Gently massage their skin to encourage circulation. But wait for medical supervision before immersing someone fully in water - it could increase their blood pressure significantly which could be dangerous for those with cardiovascular disease or those at risk of stroke, such as the elderly. And don't give them medication. If the person is unconscious and vomiting, move them into the recovery position by turning them on their side and making sure that their airways are clear. To read more about the level three heatwave alert and how to stay safe, click here.

UK heatwave: top tips for staying safe


Election date fixed to replace disability row councillor Collin Brewer

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An election will be held on September 5 to replace the former Cornwall Councillor for Wadebridge East Collin Brewer. Mr Brewer resigned earlier this month after he was found guilty of breaching the Councillors' Code of Conduct, for what Cornwall Council said were "grossly offensive" comments about disabled children following an interview he gave to the Disability News Network. The Wadebridge East division extends beyond the town boundary to include two wards from the neighbouring parishes of Egloshayle (North ward) and St Kew (St Kew Highway ward). The Notice of Election is due to be published on Wednesday July 31 with the list of candidates standing for election published by Tuesday August 13. A representative from Cornwall Council said nomination packs are being prepared and will be available from the Liskeard office from Thursday 25 July. Members of the public have until midnight on Tuesday August 20 to register to vote in the by election.

Election date fixed to replace disability row councillor Collin Brewer

Bech's heroics not enough to save Devils from defeat

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DANISH star Mikkel Bech turned in another top class performance for Plymouth, but was unable to prevent them from losing 47-43 to Workington in their Premier League match at the St Boniface Arena on Friday evening. Bech won three of his five races and dropped only one point to the opposition when he was beaten by Rene Bach in heat nine. Unfortunately, Plymouth provided only three other race winners with guests Leigh Lanham and Jason Bunyan managing one each. Lanham was replacing injured number one Ty Proctor while Bunyan was guesting for Mark Lemon, who was in Prague with the Australian international team. Plymouth co-promoter Ashley Taylor said: "Once again we had another thrilling meeting which went to a last heat decider and we thank Leigh and Jason for filling in at short notice. "It was unfortunate that we were without three of our regular team members and we suffered by scoring only three points from the rider replacement rides for the injured Todd Kurtz." Plymouth: Leigh Lanham 6 (5 rides), rider replacement for Todd Kurtz, Mikkel Bech 13+1 (5), Cory Gathercole 8+2 (5), Jason Bunyan 7 (4). Reserves: Simon Nielsen 2+1 (4), Jake Anderson 7+3 (7). Workington: Richard Lawson 8+2 (5), Kyle Howarth 7+2 (4), Rusty Harrison 5+1 (4), Tero Aarnio 7 (4), Rene Bach 12 (5). Reserves: Ashley Morris 5 (4), Chris Mills 3+1 (4).

Bech's heroics not enough to save Devils from defeat

Bury boss Blackwell thanks Cornish teams after mini tour

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Bury manager Kevin Blackwell has hailed the club's stay in Cornwall as a big success - and thanked St Blazey and Wadebridge Town for their help in the Shakers' pre-season preparations. Bury stormed to a 15-0 win at St Blazey on Tuesday night and on Thursday they were 7-1 winners at Wadebridge. Not surprisingly, Blackwell was delighted with the two performances ahead of the start of the League Two season next month. He said: "It's been a terrific trip for the club and the players have worked very hard in training which reflected in the two games. "I've been delighted with their attitude and their professionalism shown during this week. "The main aim was to create a strong bond within the squad due to the fact we had so many new faces coming into the club and from what I have seen we have achieved this and moved forward very quickly in a short space of time." He added: "As a club we've made some new friends in Cornwall and I'd like to thank everyone involved at ST Blazey FC and Wadebridge Town FC for the two games and the help they have given us over the week. "We are now on the way back North, and I know the players in particular are looking forward to Tuesday's game with Blackpool, the rest of pre-season and our first game with Chesterfield in just over two weeks' time. "On a personal note I would want to thank the travelling fans, as their support was without doubt top class and the players really appreciated it."

Bury boss Blackwell thanks Cornish teams after mini tour

Truro grandmother says abandoned flats make ideal city homes

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A Truro grandmother is urging council officials to bring five abandoned flats overlooking her city garden back into use. Retired social worker, Vicky Martin, 79, of Tregear Gardens, said the flats - which she compared to containers because of their box shape and steel cladding - come with their own mini-moat and would make ideal homes for people. She said: "The site was completely wild, it was a waste land until 2005 when a developer started to build five flats. "Three couples moved in during December 2008. They were only there for six months and they left. It's now delapidated and the buildings aren't finished." Concerned that the Williams Court flats were being targeted by vandals and vagrants, who she claimed were using a shed on the site to take drugs and drink alcohol, she wrote to the council calling on them to act. "Environmental health inspected the site three years ago but nothing has happened. The council has contacted the owner but the buildings are still empty. It's such a waste." In a statement the authority said its empty property (EP) team had been in talks with the owner/developer for some time regarding the flats. It added: " The barriers faced in returning these properties to use are complicated and difficult to overcome. The EP team have given as much advice as possible to assist the owner in his decision making. "It is our understanding that the owner is exploring all the options open to him to return the properties to use." The council said it was offering the owner financial assistance available under its Empty Property Strategy. Since 2010 when the strategy was introduced 530 empty homes across Cornwall have been brought back into use, including 299 for 2012/13. The total for 2013/14 so far stands at 62. The council has many options to bring properties back into use including empty dwelling management orders (EDMO) under the Housing Act 2004. This gives the council power to let out and manager the building, which is still the property of the owner, and take any costs spent on improving the site from the rents received when the property is let. A compulsory purchase order is another option, but it must first take steps to encourage the owner to bring the property into acceptable use.

Truro grandmother says abandoned flats make ideal city homes

Cornwall heatwave warning downgraded

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The Met Office has downgraded Cornwall's heatwave warning. The Duchy was under the level three warning which calls for health services should take action to protect elderly, ill and very young people. But now the South West has been downgraded to level two. Temperatures are expected to rise again next week and people are being urged to avoid sunburn and prevent fires. The met Office forecasts is will be less hot than recent days today and Sunday, with thresholds unlikely to be met. And temperatures will rise again early next week with a likelihood of level 3 being reached in some parts of the UK.

Cornwall heatwave warning downgraded

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