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Penzance will once again celebrate the mid-winter solstice with its popular Montol celebrations on Saturday. Guising and torchlit processions will take pride of place in a 19th-century celebration which was revived six years ago as the Guisers meet up at St John's Hall for the spectacular 6pm River of Fire Procession to Lescudjack Hillfort. Members of the community, bands and any other revellers will be asked to follow the Lord of Misrule up to the Hillfort where the guisers will take centre stage as a beacon is lit. Then it will be back to St John's Hall for two hours of entertainment which will include the sounds of Flats and Sharps, the increasingly popular bluegrass band, the Penzance Guize Dancers performing a hilarious Mummer's play, an extravagant raffle and music for community dancing provided by Cornish band, Bagas Crowd. The Turkey Rhubarb Guise Band will then prepare and lead us to the 10pm Torchlit Procession from Chapel Street to the Barbican Beacon lighting. Put on your mask, pick up a lantern and join in the fun! A spokesman for Montol said: "The evening's events are unticketed and free so please be generous with your donations when you see a Montol Festival bucket. "Refreshments are available to keep you stoked up, both at the Hillfort and at St John's Hall, before and after the Rivers of Fire."

Guisers gear up for Penzance Montol celebration

Passengers using one of Cornwall's major bus companies could see the cost of their tickets rise by more than a £1 in the new year, following a major overhaul of its pricing structure. The cheapest single fare offered by First will rise from 90p to £2 from January 5, amid a raft of changes the operator says will simplify its ticketing system. However, although some fares will increase, others will be reduced, as the current wide range of available tickets for regular travellers is streamlined. Other positive changes include a commitment to keeping child tickets half the price of adult tickets and removing charges for dogs. Return fares will now be one and a half times the amount of the standard single fare and valid for up to five days from the date the ticket is purchased. First said the price increase will only affect a small number of travellers. Alex Carter, director of First South West, said: "The way the current fares and tickets are structured makes it difficult for some of our customers to select the right tickets they need for their journeys. "These changes will make it much simpler for them to understand which ticket they need to buy. On top of that, we will be introducing a new range of tickets for customers who travel regularly with us." Under the new tariff, a 90p ticket would be worth £2, and a £3 ticket would jump to £4. But other ticket prices would fall. For instance, the most expensive current single fare £6.95 will be worth just £5. Elsewhere, multi-use tickets will now be worth £25.00 for a week and £50.00 for a family. First said the price changes were the first to be introduced in Cornwall for several years. Mr Carter said "Because of Cornwall's peak holiday times, we are making the tickets attractive and easy enough to appeal to visitors to the region as well as local people." First and Cornwall's other major bus operator, Western Greyhound, were forced to reduce services in some parts of the county in November, following a funding cut from Cornwall Council. First Group is one of Britain's largest bus operators. It carries around 17 million passengers each year from Plymouth to Penzance. For more information visit www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/devon_cornwall or pick up a leaflet from Truro or Penzance bus depot.

Some bus prices in Cornwall to increase by more than a £1

Eight people have been towed to safety in Fowey after breaking down off the Devon coast yesterday. The 90 metre cargo vessel Ark Low Ruler was carrying scrap metal broke down at Bolt Head at about 1.45pm yesterday. But the ferocious wind forced the cargo ship close to the shoreline, prompting a rescue mission this morning. David Lucas, Brixham Coastguard watch officer, said: "The bad weather and strong winds put the vessel at risk and caused it to come close to the shoreline." Union Boxer towed the Ark Low Ruler to Fowey where it will be repaired. All eight people aboard are said to be fine.

Cargo vessel towed to safety in Fowey

Proceeds from the X Factor winner Sam Bailey's debut single will go towards Children's Hospice South West.(CHSW) The winner has released a cover of Demi Lovato's hit song 'Skyscraper' as her debut single. The mum-of-two stormed to victory beating finalist Nicholas McDonald to the prize. All the profits from the sale of each CD and download will go to to Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity and Together for Short Lives, of which CHSW is a member. CHSW has three hospices across the South West, including its newest Little Harbour at Porthpean, near St Austell. The charity's aim is to provide care and precious memories who children are living with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions. Emma Lloyd, head of fundraising at Little Harbour said: "A share of the proceeds from the winner's single will come to CHSW to help us support the children and families we work with. Your purchase will help us continue our services which are a lifeline to them." Barbara Gelb, chief executive officer of Together for Short Lives, said, "The sales of Sam Bailey's single will make a real difference to the incredible lifeline services, like children's hospices, who support the UK's 49,000 children and young people with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions. "Buying the X Factor winner's single, Skyscraper, will help families to continue benefiting from these incredible services. By doing this you'll be helping families to make the most of every precious moment." Some music retailers will also donate their share of profits to the chosen charities, including Vevo, Spotify, Google Play, Tesco, Sainsbury's, HMV, Morrisons and Asda. The government has also agreed to waive the VAT on sales of this year's winner's single. George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: "Together for Short Lives and the Great Ormond Street Children's Charity provides support to vulnerable children and their families at an important time. I want to make sure these charities really benefit with as much money as possible going to them – that's why I am giving back the tax paid on sales of the winning single." Sam's version of the 'Skyscraper' is expected to become this year's Christmas number one when the official chart is unveiled next Sunday (December 22).

X Factor's Sam Bailey’s debut single to support Children’s Hospice South West

Cornwall's Chris Harris has insisted that he still has "that inner hunger to be world number one" as he paves the way for his Speedway Grand Prix comeback. The Team Great Britain captain, who qualified this year as first reserve for the 2014 World Championship, was rewarded with a place in the SGP series after Polish rider Tomasz Gollob pulled out due to sponsorship issues. Harris achieved a finishing place of sixth in the 2010 SGP standings, but he lost his status as part of the series in the wake of below-par seasons in 2011 and 2012. Now, though, the Coventry Bees rider has set his sights on the top-eight place he requires to retain his role in the series in 2015. The 31-year-old Harris told speedwaygb.com: "I'm always confident. If I didn't feel confident I could achieve the top eight, I wouldn't bother entering the Grand Prix. "It's great to be in there and it's nice to have two Brits [the other is current world champion Tai Woffinden] in the Grand Prix series again. Hopefully I can get back to my best, which is where I was in 2010. "I still have that goal and that inner hunger to be world number one. It's tough and not every rider does achieve that in their career, but I still have that dream and I still want to do it," Harris added. "I'm pleased with how the bikes are performing and the engines. When I've got good equipment underneath me, I can go out and beat the best. I'm doing a lot of practising and testing, and getting things how I like." Harris has not forgotten the hard times which saw him drop out of the series. The Truro-born racer said: "The last couple of years in the Grand Prix weren't good. "I had a lot on my mind. I had a few health problems and my mother lost her partner, which had a big effect on the whole family and myself. "My mind and my hunger weren't there any more," said Harris, who learned his trade in the Westcountry with Exeter Falcons and Trelawny Tigers. "Up until this year, I was ready to walk away from the sport altogether, because I was so down about it. But I went away and thought about it and I realised I enjoy riding my bike. "That's what I want to be doing. I remembered I got into it because I'm good at it. I can ride a speedway bike and I know how good I can be. Not many people say they do a job they enjoy." Harris also admitted that online criticism took his toll. He added: "I used to read what people said about me, which I shouldn't. I did, but I've stopped now because I can't be bothered with it. Everyone has their opinions, but I know I can do a good job. "I fell out of love with the sport and all that comes with it. But I've brushed that to the side and I'll just concentrate on riding my bike and enjoying it. I enjoyed it in 2010 – and I finished sixth in the world."

Chris Harris has the hunger as he prepares for Grand Prix comeback

ST JUST Town Council has expressed concerns that a potential sale of Poltair Hospital in Penzance would see the money raised used outside of west Cornwall. At a meeting on Monday councillors felt pressure should be put on the NHS, which owns the site, to ensure the benefits are seen locally. Neil McFadden, deputy mayor, said he did not want to see money "go upcountry" and that the council should "collectively say something to protect residents". A drop-in session in St Just this week and a discussion at the town council's meeting noted the options concerning the service's future that were put on the table by health authorities – and it was made clear they were not supported by members. Gillian McQueen said it is imperative if a sale goes ahead that money stays in west Penwith and that members should "pressure" the NHS to not look elsewhere. While the mayor, Kevin McFadden, said it was clear many were resigned to the thought Poltair had "had its day" – but also said if that is the case he does not want to see "money leaving the area" and that the options made available "did not make sense". "We want to ensure the future of west Cornwall," he said.

St Just Town Council fears hospital sale would see money leave west Cornwall

A top chef visited Hayle Foodbank on Saturday to hold a festive cooking demonstration. Sanjay Kumar, chef at the Headland Hotel Newquay and founder of social enterprise School of Cornish Sardines (SOCS), was in the town to demonstrate how cheap and easy recipes can be made from ingredients users are given at the food bank. Mr Kumar has been working with volunteers at the Hayle charity and last month produced a booklet of recipes to help clients make the most of their food parcels. On Saturday the chef cooked a festive pan-fried lemon chicken. He said: "It was inspiring to spread the festive spirit of fresh food to both users and volunteers of the foodbank. A healthy mind is a healthy body. My aim is to erase food deserts and health inequalities in diets, by introducing quick, easy and frugal means of cooking that do not cost the earth." Mr Kumar founded SOCS, which is supported by the European Social Fund, after graduating from Cornwall School for Social Entrepreneurs. Over the last month the chef has visited several food banks in Cornwall to hold these demonstrations and give advice on budgeting, shopping and easy frugal cooking tips. Copies of Mr Kumar's recipe booklet can be downloaded from the Truro food bank website or by emailing schoolofcornishsardines@hotmail.com.

Top chef holds cooking demonstration at Hayle Foodbank

A LUNCH group celebrated its 1000th meal last week after it first dished up food over 20 years ago. Pendeen Lunch Club has been running since 1990, cooking up fresh plates and homemade puddings for anyone who fancies a social sit-down meal in the parish. Held at the village's chapel hall and run each week entirely by volunteers, last Thursday's event was the 1000th anniversary - and organisers charged just £2, the cost in 1990. Paulene Beckham, who currently organises the lunches, said it was a lovely day. "Everybody really enjoys it and last week it was great," she said. "It's a way of bringing people together - it's for people who are lonely or people have lost their partners. But everybody is welcome, we have young and old people come along." Mrs Beckham said nearly 50 people went to last week's lunch, which featured a festive menu complete with turkey, Christmas pudding and mince pies - as well as a tea or coffee. She added the group, which has four cooks and other helpers, will continue to run for as long as it can. Lunches are normally £3.50 and are made using local, fresh produce, said Mrs Beckham.

Lunch club celebrates its 1000th meal and charges price of 1990

A special Christmas Food Market will take place in St Ives Guildhall on Saturday (December 21) as part of the town's ever-growing St Ives in December programme. The hall will be packed with local businesses selling a wide range of Cornish produce, from bagels to Brussels sprouts, from chutneys to turkeys, and from ales to olives. Local crafts will also be on sale, offering some unusual high quality Christmas presents. There will also be a varied programme of live entertainment throughout the day, including performances from local musicians and singers. There will also be a children's face painter. The Food Market will run from 10am-4pm and admission is free. Tim Andrewes, who is helping to organise the event, said: "This is going to be a great opportunity for people to stock up on festive food for the holiday period, and also to find some interesting ideas for food- and craft-related gifts."

Late presents and larder fillers - St Ives in December food market on Saturday

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to follow fire and road safety advice following the announcement of more strikes due to take place over the festive period. Due to a continuing row with the government over pensions, members of the Fire Brigade's Union are set to strike on Christmas Eve between 7pm until midnight and from 6.30pm and 12.30am on New Year's Eve. A further strike has also been planned for Saturday January 3 between 6.30am and 8.30am. In addition to the strikes, FBU members have voted to support a campaign called 'action short of a strike,' which will see its members in Cornwall refusing to undertake any voluntary overtime. A spokesperson from Cornwall Council said it is unclear at this time what effect this will have but there is a possibility of localised disruption to services, particularly around staff availability. The FBU said the action short of strike measures will be put into place on Christmas Eve between 7pm and midnight for fire control staff only, and between 7pm on Friday December 27 and Sunday December 29 for all personnel. CFRS Chief Fire Officer Des Tidbury said: "This series of dates for full strike action and for action short of strike action will again impact on how we deliver a fire and rescue service to the people of Cornwall. "During the previous periods of strike action, the conduct of all of our staff, both those taking action and those working, was exemplary throughout and I expect that the same will apply this time." Mr Tidbury said contingency plans put in place during previous strike action have been effective and have kept Cornwall safe. "Once again, we have contingency plans in place to maintain minimum levels of cover during the strike action," he said. "The most important thing to remember is that if you do have a fire, get out of the building, stay out and call 999 – you will get an emergency response. We will continue to respond to emergency calls and will obviously prioritise those where lives are at risk. Public and fire fighter safety remains of paramount importance and we will give the best service to the people of Cornwall within the limitations of the resources available to us." "My message to residents and businesses is to remain vigilant. A part of the work carried out by the fire service includes attending road traffic collisions so I especially want to appeal to people who may be out and about enjoying Christmas festivities to make sure they have a plan on how to get home – have a designated driver who remains sober or perhaps book a taxi." He added: "I'm also asking businesses to take extra care when shutting up shop and to take note of our top tips for keeping businesses safe from fire." Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service issued the following advice for businesses:• Be safety conscious when you carry out all checks at closing time• Make sure your alarm systems are set before you leave• Keep all fire escapes and entrances clear• Switch off electrical appliances at the plug when not in use• Avoid putting flammable waste out on the day• Don't store flammable goods under stairs or in enclosed spaces• Keep smoking areas free of waste and empty ash trays• Keep areas tidy and free from clutter• Make sure your staff know what to do in the event of a fire• Check your fire safety risk assessment CFRS has issued the advice to householders to make preparations and take extra care with these six steps during the strike action:• Make sure you have smoke alarms on at least every level of your home.• Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they're working. Test them regularly.• Stub cigarettes out properly and dispose of them carefully.• Plan your escape route and make sure everyone knows how to get out in a fire.• Take extra care in the kitchen and never leave cooking unattended.• Do not overload electrical sockets. Watch out for faulty and over-heating electrical equipment, and wiring/cables. Mr Tidbury added: "I would urge everyone to take extra care and time to think about fire safety in their home during this period - check smoke alarms; ensure you know what you would do if there is a fire and do not make unnecessary calls to the fire and rescue service. We have some safety advice which specifically relates to Christmas which is available on our website." Further advice and guidance is available for businesses and residents on the Council's website www.cornwall.gov.uk/fire.

Cornwall firefighters to strike on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve

A YOUNG St Ives publisher has won an award for the online magazine he created from nothing after being made redundant and rejected for interviews for numerous jobs. Ian Pogonowski, aged 24, graduated from the University of Exeter's Tremough Campus in Penryn three years ago. Keen to find a career that meant he could stay in Cornwall, he received a number of knock-backs before deciding the best way to get himself noticed was to create his own digital magazine. Now that has paid off with OUTFIT Cornwall being recognised in the 2013 Hub Awards which highlight promising Cornwall businesses. Ian, who launched the magazine – a lifestyle mag for the young, socially and physically active – in July after leaving Falmouth for St Ives, scooped the top title in the Best Use of Digital category. The judges commended Ian for creating a truly inspiring online lifestyle magazine that was launched "to highlight all that is cool about Cornwall". The judges said OUTFIT Cornwall is "an incredibly well executed product that is making a great use of digital for its target 16-25 market." OUTFIT Cornwall launched its 5th issue last week and Ian says it is going from strength to strength. He said: "OUTFIT Cornwall is all about inspiring people to do more and be more in life. I capture the best stories each month and promote this through OUTFIT Cornwall. "I decide to follow my passions for Cornwall, sports, fitness, technology and inspiring people." The content ranges widely with articles about Cornish models, features on surf clothing and technology tests. Ian said: "Sports, fitness, fashion, models and culture all naturally work together. If you have a fit body, you have a fit mind. This leads into your daily life including fashion, education and relationships. OUTFIT covers much more but our premise is the same. Get outside, be fit and live life the best you can"! Operating from St Ives, the magazine is riding the wave of technology by building in videos, photo galleries and other digital technologies to enhance your reading experience. Ian said: "I want to change the way publishing happens. We're in the early era of a digital revolution and I want to be a leading factor in this. "I strongly believe in following what you want. Yes, you come across stumbling blocks, but you have to be like a bear and push through till you catch your fish. "Always learn and develop yourself, don't stagnate. Cornwall is a natural outdoor adventure playground; get out there and enjoy the beauty of Cornwall in its elements all year". Scooping the Hub Award has been a major milestone for Ian in a challenging six months. He said: "Every day has been long, but when you're doing what you love then it's a joy to wake up every morning." One of the things that caught the judges' eye was the feature with kickboxing legend Julie Kitchen, which itself inspired the young publisher. He said: "Julie is an amazing person, such an inspiration! So much so I'm going to start Muay Thai in the New Year." For more information visit www.outfitcornwall.co.uk or search Twitter and Facebook for outfitcornwall.

St Ives man creates award winning online magazine after Falmouth degree

Cornwall Council has announced plans to charge communities and groups holding events which require street closures, such as carnivals and street processions. The council has apologised but said the charges are necessary due to ongoing budget cuts. In a statement it said: "We are very sorry that, in the financial circumstances, it is becoming necessary to charge communities and groups to hold events which involve managing the street by closure, marking out secure areas and ensuring people are safe. "Until now the Council has spent about £175,000 per year providing a free service. The scale of the financial cuts facing the Council means that it can no longer continue to do this and a series of charges will be introduced for the service from January 2014." Following a public consultation earlier this year, many event organisers told the council the charges would affect the quality and sustainability of their events. The council said it will aim to keep the costs as low as possible. "I deeply regret being obliged to introduce charges which may deter many - especially smaller - communities from holding events which are the cement of our communities" said Bert Biscoe, the council's cabinet member for transportation and waste. "The life of communities relies upon people coming together to celebrate, commemorate and to express themselves both individually and together. "The street has always played a huge part in this, at least since the days of the Ordinalia presented by Trade Guilds in the medieval period (when streets were mostly first laid out)." The new charges range from £40 for events which have less than 5,000 people, to £90 for larger events. Promoters of commercial events will be expected to pay the full cost. The council said street parties and Remembrance Day parades will not be subject to any charge. Mr Biscoe added: "These charges will also affect our economy. However, in the current circumstances, we can see no alternative. "I hope that our successors will, in time, see fit to restore freedom of self-expression to communities by removing these charges when it may be prudent to do so." The Council said it will provide local councils with 'Road Closed' signs which they can store and use, which should reduce the costs of deployment in future. 'No waiting cones' will also be available for a small charge.

Cornwall Council to introduce charges for street closures during public events

Emergency services were called to a road traffic collision near Rame in Penryn this evening. At around 5.20pm the Fire Service received reports that a person was trapped inside a vehicle. Firefighters from Falmouth and a rescue tender team from Camborne attended the scene. Upon their arrival they found no one was trapped. They made the scene safe and assisted the police.

Firefighters called to crash on the A394 in Penryn

Police are searching for a woman who is believed to have posed as a social worker to gain entry to a house in Liskeard. Once inside the property, the woman is thought to have stolen a key. Police have released an image of a woman they would like to speak to in connection with the burglary, which took place between 2.30pm and 5.30pm on Friday December 6. A representative from Devon and Cornwall Police said: "A woman gained entry to the property by informing the resident that she was a social worker, but when challenged later quickly left. "The victim later discovered that her back door key had been taken." The suspect is described as white, about 5'7" tall and between 30 to 35-years-old. She is of slim build, wore black jeans, a cream top and a smart black jacket. She also has a distinctive tattoo of a heart on the back of her right hand just above the small finger. Anyone with any information or who recognises the woman pictured should call police on 101 quoting reference BD/13/1578. Liskeard police is reminding people that they should always request formal identification from any visitors to their property.

Police search for woman who posed as a social worker to gain entry to Liskeard home

Emergency services were called to a road traffic collision near Rame in Penryn this evening. Firefighters from Falmouth and a rescue tender from Camborne were called to the scene at around 5.20pm following reports that a person was trapped inside a vehicle. Upon their arrival the crews found no one was trapped. The crew made the scene safe and assisted the police.

Firefighters called to crash on the A394 in Penryn

A POPULAR teacher who died in a crash near Bude earlier this year was not wearing a seat belt as she drove her car to work, an inquest has heard.

Sara Bluett, 46, who was deputy head of the design and technology department at Park Community School in Barnstaple, died in a crash on the A39 two miles out of Kilkhampton on March 22.

Miss Bluett, who lived at Widemouth Bay, was driving a Volkswagen Polo towards Bideford when it was in collision with a Ford 4x4 vehicle towing a trailer at 7.15am.

The 4x4, which had gas bottles in the back and was towing a cattle pen trailer, ended up on its side as it crashed into a ditch, the inquest in Truro heard on Wednesday

Miss Bluett died at the scene from multiple injuries while the driver of the 4x4, Stuart Woollen, from Northam, was knocked unconscious and was flown to Plymouth's Derriford Hospital by air ambulance to be treated for serious leg injuries.

Deputy Cornwall Coroner Andrew Cox recorded a verdict that Miss Bluett died as the result of a road traffic collision.

He said Mr Woollen was at the head of four vehicles driving west when the VW Polo came across the road towards him.

Her car hit the 4x4 and then the trailer, and Miss Bluett was thrown across the front seats of her car and out through the passenger door into the road.

"I am not able to come to a conclusion as to why she crossed the carriageway. She may have been momentarily distracted, I do not know," said Mr Cox.

"It appears that Sara was not wearing her seat belt, and if she had been she may have survived," said Mr Cox.

Miss Bluett lived at Lower Widemouth Farm with her partner Guy Watton, who attended the inquest, and her son Jack.

Mr Woollen, 42, a cattle dealer, said he was heading west when he saw a silver car losing control. "The driving was erratic and the car was starting to swerve across the road at me," he said.

"The other car was, for some reason, going into an anti-clockwise spin. It started to come across and the collision was on my side of the road.

"It all happened so fast. I tried to steer towards the hedge but I didn't have time to avoid the car."

The car hit both his 4x4 and the trailer, and he was knocked unconscious.

Police vehicle examiners found that the braking system on the trailer, which had recently been serviced, was faulty but did not contribute to the accident. The speedometers of both vehicles had stuck at around 60mph.

Electrician Jonathan Stephens said he was following the 4x4 when he saw a small car turn onto their side of the road.

"The 4x4 was in its correct lane when a silver vehicle crossed into its carriageway. It was all very quick," he said.

Registered nurse Susan Matthews said she had been in a line of four vehicles heading west when, between Clovelly Cross and Kilkhampton, she heard "an explosive bang" about 40 yards in front of her.

She ran to the Polo, found no-one inside, but then saw a body under the rear wheel of the pickup.

"I checked for a pulse but didn't find one," she said.

Miss Bluett, who was popular with friends, colleagues and pupils, completed a teaching degree at Middlesex University in 1990 and later obtained a master's degree in design and technology education from Sheffield Hallam University.

Before joining the design and technology department at The Park School she had worked in London for ten years, and had also spent a year teaching in Australia.

In 2005 Miss Bluett spent a half-term week exchanging experiences with teachers in Uganda with the charity Education Action.

She raised more than £6,000 for schools in Uganda through events in Bude, including a Bob Marley Night.

Popular teacher Sara Bluett was not wearing seatbelt at time of fatal accident

This time last year the Walters family were huddled around a hospital bed watching their youngest daughter and sister battle for her life. Now 12 months on, the Porthtowan family are going above and beyond with all things festive as they plan an extra special Christmas in celebration of her "miracle" recovery. Juan Walters said: "We're going to make 2013 the best Christmas, we really have gone over the top!" Caja Walters was admitted to Truro's Royal Cornwall Hospital on December 8 and, after being diagnosed with appendicitis, swiftly underwent an operation to remove her appendix. But instead of getting better, the 18 year-old became increasingly unwell. "I just remember thinking that I was going to die. I have never felt so much pain and I remember turning to mum and saying 'don't let me die'," Caja said. Doctors were forced to put the teenager in to a coma after it was discovered that the majority of her stomach had been ingested by her lungs, leaving her with a seven per cent breathing capacity. In addition, it was found that she was suffering from pneumonia and peritonitis. Mr Walters said: "There were so many thoughts and worries. I knew she was in the best place but it was so difficult because it was our daughter and all we could do was stand back and pray." At one point the family weren't sure that Caja would make it. Kirsty Walters, one of Caja's two older sisters, said: "It was such an emotional time as it was so close to Christmas. We started to make some really terrible decisions and plans about what we would do." Yet incredibly the strong teenager woke up six days later, and after a short stay in hospital was sent home the day of her sister Holly's 21st birthday. "It was so, so emotional, we were so gracious and so thankful. We kept saying it was our miracle, and even the doctors said they didn't know how she pulled through it." Kirsty added. It took several months for Caja to recover, but the determined teen has used her shock illness as inspiration to live life to the full. Caja said: "I remember thinking that I had got a second chance for a reason and I knew I had to change my life for myself." Since her operation she has learnt to drive and returned to Truro College to undertake a medical secretary course. The experience has left a lasting impacted on the rest of the Walters family, who have all become avid charity supporters. Over the past 12 months they have raised more than £500 for two charities, The Friends of Royal Cornwall Hospital and Royal Cornwall Hospital Charitable Fund, both of which provided invaluable support while Caja was sick. The family have also gifted the Royal Cornwall Hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with a decoration for the ward's Christmas tree. Mr Walters said: "We had an angel decoration made for Caja when we weren't sure if she was coming home, and now we have given an identical one to the ICU so it can watch over the patients in there." Donations can still be made to the Royal Cornwall Hospital Charitable Fund via Kirsty Walker's online Just Giving page.

Porthtowan family look forward to the Christmas they thought they’d never have

THE MAYOR of St Just has questioned the affordable housing application process after new properties recently built in the town were not filled, despite there being over 200 people on the waiting list. At a town council meeting on Monday Kevin McFadden described the way residents had to "bid" for homes as "ludicrous" and said those who are not computer literate were at a disadvantage. He said now, following the homes being made available for an allotted time frame and not all filled, there was a danger they would be opened up to prospective candidates outside of the St Just parish. "They are thinking of going outside - they should be able to fill the houses two or three times over," he said. "The houses are for local people - there is a big need in St Just and Pendeen. We all know someone who wants a house. The system is totally wrong." Cllr McFadden blamed the complicated application process as the reason the properties, which are owned by Sanctuary Housing, were not filled. "It's too complicated," he said. "I cannot believe that they cannot find people to go in all the homes. "It [bidding online] doesn't work for the ordinary person - it should be all done locally." Earlier this year Cornwall Council reported a planning approval allows Sanctuary Housing to sell up to 10 of the affordable homes on shared ownership terms, while the majority will be made available for rent. A s106 planning agreement confirms that eligible applicants need a local connection to the parish of St Just, where there were then 223 qualifying local applicants. In a statement, a spokeswoman said at the time that "it would seem unlikely that offers of accommodation would ever need to be extended beyond St Just". At this week's meeting other councillors also voiced concerns about the situation, and it was said a letter would be sent to relevant parties outlining concerns.

St Just mayor worries for affordable homes after some go unfilled

DEVELOPERS behind plans to build a £110 million retail park and Marks and Spencer store at Coyte Farm have failed to win the backing of the town council for the second time.

At a full town council meeting held on Monday, during which the developers Metric Property and Mercian Developments, reiterated promises of new jobs and top retailers coming to the town, councillors narrowly voted in favour of opposing the scheme by nine votes to eight with two abstentions.

The vote came after Together St Austell, formed by the St Austell Bay Chamber of Commerce and Business Improvement District Team, presented rival plans to build a shopping centre closer to the town centre.

Frank Boulton, ward member for Bethel, told members of the council, as well as an audience of around 100 members of the public, Coyte Farm would be a "total waste of money".

He said: "Unfortunately with regard to Coyte Farm there appears to be more questions than answers and I don't think this evening the answers have been given. I am totally against Coyte Farm. I believe St Austell needs to move on."

Councillors also questioned the size of the development in relation to the town's population.

"I have been doing some research and Coyte Farm does seem exceptionally large for the town in terms of the sub population," said town councillor Nicky Oxenham, who represents Bethel.

Other concerns related to the location of the site and impact it would have on the town centre, a view echoed by several members of the public during an open session.

"It could arguably be said that Coyte Farm is close enough to harm but not close enough to help St Austell," said Poltair town councillor Brian Palmer.

"I just wonder how many [jobs] will be a net increase and how many would actually be a migration from the town centre," he added.

The decision to review the council's recommendations regarding the application, which were submitted to Cornwall Council last year, was made in light of the publication of various retail impact assessments and amendments to the original plans and proposed conditions associated with them.

The amendments made by the developers did persuade some councillors to have a change of heart including John Keast, Val Bradford and former chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Tom French.

Town councillor Mr Keast OBE, representing Mount Charles, said he had abstained from the vote last year because he could not make a decision but was now of the opinion the development would enhance the town.

"I cannot see a future for St Austell with no development at all," he said.

Referring to the plans unveiled by Together St Austell, he added: "Maybe there is a better way than what we are being presented with. I rather liked the vision of the bowl being developed and linked with the centre.

"But on the other hand that is not the one that is on offer today.

Speaking from the chair, mayor of St Austell Steve Double, spoke out in favour of supporting the plans and told the room he has no vested interest in the development.

"I believe this is a very huge decision for our town and the future of our town," he said.

"There has been a lot of comment made about my position – most of it complete rubbish.

"I have no interest in this application at all other than doing what I believe is right for St Austell and the people who have elected me."

Mr Double repeated claims made by the developers that the town currently loses £1 million a week to other towns such as Truro and Plymouth and Coyte Farm would bring shoppers back to St Austell.

"That £1 million will stay in St Austell and we want to make sure a part of that £1 million is being spent in the town centre," Mr Double said.

"We will support the traders to make sure they get the most out of this opportunity," he added.

The plans for Coyte Farm consist of a 65-acre development nestled in 98 acres of green land in St Mewan. They include a care home, Sainsbury's superstore and Marks and Spencer.

Speaking at the meeting Simon Hoare, Coyte Farm spokesman, said the development would complement traders in the town centre.

He said: "We don't want to be a rival to the town centre."

"This is a golden opportunity to bring in the likes of Mark and Spencer and other retailers to provide a real choice."

The application is due to go before Cornwall Council's strategic planning committee on January 16.

Coyte Farm developers fail to win over town council

A HIDDEN gem of Georgian history, Penzance's Jewish cemetery, is raising funds to ensure its miraculous state of preservation is maintained.

Dating back 250 years, the site in Leskinnick Road is recognised by English Heritage as the best-preserved Jewish graveyard of the period to be found anywhere in the country outside London.

Almost 50 of its headstones remain in near-perfect condition and it also contains a partially preserved Bet Tohorah or cleansing house, in which the body of the deceased person was ritually washed before burial.

Leslie Lipert, treasurer of Kehillat Kernow, the Jewish community of Cornwall, said: "The cemetery's miraculous survival is due to the far-sightedness of the Jewish congregation who in 1844 bought the freehold to the whole of the present site and in 1845 began to completely enclose the cemetery.

"It's these walls which now need restoration work to ensure this now closed burial ground is preserved."

Mr Lipert has been appointed by the Board of Deputies of British Jews, which owns the cemetery, as its agent to raise funds for the restoration through private and civic donations and grants.

Records indicate there was a Jewish presence in Penzance from the 1740s onward (possibly earlier), many families coming from the Rhineland in Germany or from Holland.

While at its largest the town's Jewish population never exceeded 30 families, they contributed actively to economic, social and religious life in Penzance.

Mr Lipert said though many were poor, most were highly industrious, and actively involved in charitable work in the wider community.

Descendants

There were families with the surnames of Woolf, Hart, Oppenheim, Simmons, Levin and Bischofswerder. Other families represented in the cemetery include Levy, Selig, Jacob, Greenberg (Hillman), Ezekiel, Joseph, Moses, Zalman, Teacher, Barnet, Salzmann and Levine.

"The families who are buried here reveal a remarkable and interesting history, and many descendants of these families, now scattered throughout the UK and abroad, are becoming interested in their Cornish roots," Mr Lipert said

A new group, Friends of Penzance Jewish Cemetery, has now been formed and is actively seeking to contact descendants of those buried at Leskinnick Road.

The cemetery's custodian for the past 17 years has been Keith Pearce, author of The Jews Of Cornwall: A History, to be published by Halsgrove next year. The cemetery is maintained by the Penzance town clerk's office and Penlee House Museum and Gallery.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the restoration can contact Mr Lipert by e-mail at leslielipert@rocketmail.com

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