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FAMILY and friends travelled from as far as Yorkshire and France for the 70th wedding anniversary of a Mabe couple – who didn't know anything about the celebration.

The surprise platinum wedding anniversary lunch for Alf, 91, and Dot Waddingham, 93, who met in 1942, was held at the Royal Duchy Hotel in Falmouth on Friday.

Guests included their five children and most of their 16 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

"The day was wonderful and we were overwhelmed by everything that happened," said Mrs Waddingham. "We were just expecting to go out to lunch with a few friends and family."

The day included a journey from their home in Mabe to the hotel in a chauffeur-driven Rolls- Royce and a presentation to Dot, by her youngest daughter Annette Bell, of a bouquet replicating the one she carried on her wedding day.

Mrs Bell said: "It was fantastic to see so many of their family and friends coming from all parts of the UK and France to help mum and dad celebrate this wonderful occasion.

"It was really moving when I presented mum with the replica bouquet."

The hotel rolled out the red carpet to welcome the couple, and after what they described as a superb lunch they were chauffeured back to their home in Mabe for a champagne reception where Dot and Alf were presented with a card sent from Buckingham Palace with a message of congratulations from the Queen.

After the day out, Alf said: "The family say that we've got to start planning for our 80th anniversary."

The couple met at the Hammersmith Palais in London; Alf was serving in the Royal Navy as an Able Seaman and Dot, who was born in Mawnan Smith, was working for the post office as well as serving as a volunteer in the Auxiliary Fire Service.

A courtship began despite Alf spending long periods at sea. Alf was a quartermaster aboard the LSI (Landing Ship Infantry) HMS PrinsCORR Albert, a former passenger steamer converted to carry eight landing craft and 250 troops.

They decided to marry in 1944, but the wedding was postponed due to D-Day. Alf's leave was refused because he was serving aboard his ship, which carried hundreds of troops to Sword Beach as part of the Normandy landings.

However, they married during Alf's leave on July 18, 1944, and moved back to Dot's native Cornwall in 1980, where they both became stalwarts of the Mawnan Smith Bowling Club.

Alf and Dot's surprise platinum party

A CLASS providing an adventurous and wet way to practise yoga has been launched.

Shine yoga instructor Jennifer Austin, 30, has started Cornwall's first stand-up paddleboard yoga (sup yoga) class on Stithians Lake after seeing videos of people in America practising it.

Participants carry out yoga moves while afloat on a stand-up paddleboard in a wet suit and lifejacket.

Miss Austin said: "I love the water and we live right by the beach and any chance I get I'm in the water, surfing, swimming and paddleboarding.

"Sup yoga is starting to get quite big in America and I'd seen some photographs of people doing it and just really wanted to try it, so I started to practise yoga on my board in the water."

After being spotted doing the downward dog yoga position in the Newquay area, several people asked Miss Austin if she would teach them the techniques.

She said: "There seemed to be a really strong interest in it and interest in yoga has grown massively over the past couple of years and people are always looking for something new to try: plus it's an intense workout for every muscle in the body.

"The board is constantly moving and you're having to work to stay balanced. It's a really good core workout and really helps you to focus. A big element of yoga is to be focused and relax and let go of anything outside your yoga practice. You have to concentrate or you end up in the water."

Despite her elegance on the board now, she admits not having always been so adept.

"When you start you learn to fall over a lot and sometimes it's not always when you're doing the most difficult poses; you're doing the most simple things and a little ripple will just come and catch your board at the wrong angle," she said. "When I started practising headstands on the board it was just like, 'Over and in, over and in'."

Sup yoga classes take place at 9.30am on Wednesday and Sunday at Stithians Lake for an hour and a quarter, costing £25 including wetsuit and paddle board hire.

For more information visit shineyogauk.com or e-mail jen@shineyogauk.com

Stand up paddle board yoga arrives in Stithians

YOUNGSTERS had a brush with the law during a school trip to a police station.

A group of 20 children from Goonhavern Pre-school were shown around the Newquay station by PC Rob Hardwick, who spoke about his work and day-to-day activities.

The children were shown the custody centre and got to sit in a police car to get the full experience of what it's like to be a bobby on the beat.

They were also lucky enough to meet police dogs Max and Jack, who performed a demonstration for the youngsters before enjoying a good petting session.

"This was a great opportunity for the children to be introduced to station procedures and meet the local police officers," said PC Hardwick afterwards.

"While in the station the children were shown all the offices and different departments and spoke to local officers and members of CID.

"In the neighbourhood office they were provided with the opportunity to try on police hats and vests and then they attended custody and sat in the cells and were introduced to the custody officers and staff.

"After this they were able to sit in police vehicles and initiate the blue lights and sirens," he said.

"The children had a brilliant time and it was great to see them enjoying themselves and interacting with the local officers."

Inspector Dave Meredith said: "I'm delighted to see local children engaging with their local police station and police teams.

"This was a great opportunity for children from Goonhavern Pre-school to gain an insight into station procedures and meet officers from the numerous teams and departments that operate from Newquay police station."

You're nicked! Pupils from Goonhavern pre-school visit police station

OCEAN temperatures off Cornwall have a soared to a seven-year high - making our seas as hot as California. Plymouth experts say the water has reached an incredible 20.4C (68.7F) off Start Bay, Devon, and 20.1C (68.2F) off Perranporth, Cornwall. That's even warmer than readings taken from famed hotspot Santa Monica beach in Los Angeles, where its currently lagging behind at 19.4C (66.9F). Temperatures off the British coast are also rising by almost 4C a month - twice as fast as normal. Scientists at the Plymouth Marine Laboratories say strong sunlight and light winds are responsible for the surge. Dr Tim Smyth said: "We were looking at an average year until June but over the last six weeks temperatures have risen quickly. "It is not surprising because there has been a lot of sunlight and calm weather but also crucially mild nights, so less heat is lost." Emerald Siggery of the Channel Coastal Observatory added: "We had a mild winter so sea temperatures have not had a chance to drop so much. "It's a combination of conditions." Tourism bosses hope the temperatures will persuade holiday makers to choose traditional British seaside resorts over trips abroad. Malcolm Bell of Visit Cornwall said: "We estimate that 10-15% of people leave their holiday decisions until the last moment and this might bring them our way. "With temperatures about 25C (77F) and the sea at 20C (68F), it is close to perfect for Brits who don't like the heat of the Mediterranean." Surfer Rebecca Pepperell, 33, tweeted her appreciation of the rising temperatures. She said: "I was in California last October and the temperatures were comparable. "I wasn't wearing a wetsuit and you don't expect to be able to do that in your own backyard. "Everyone is enjoying it while they can."

Sea temperature off Cornwall rockets to more than 20C - hotter than California

AN AMATEUR photographer has captured a snap of what he believes is the legendary Beast of Bodmin. Henry Warren, 19, was taking pictures in fields near his home in Gwinear, west Cornwall, when a huge cat like creature leapt out in front of him. The student managed to rattle off several frames before the animal disappeared into undergrowth. The sighting took place around 45 miles from remote Bodmin Moor, where the famous beast is said to roam. It has been reported to the Plymouth-based British Big Cat Society. Britain's most famous big cat was first spotted in 1983 and there have been over 60 recorded sightings since. It was declared a phantom in 1995 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food but Henry thinks they're wrong. He said: "I was taking pictures of our new house when I saw something run across the field and in front of my lens. "It was absolutely massive and was hoping up and down like a large cat. There's no way it could have been fox, a dog or anything else like that. "It ran around 60 metres in just a few seconds and was leaping in the air with its front two legs first. "I did some research after and thought it may be linked to the Beast of Bodmin - it certainly looks like a big cat." The British Big Cat Society (BBCS) says there is real evidence that pumas, panthers, lynxes and other big cats are breeding in Britain. A spokesman said: "Photographs, pawprints and fur samples have long-shown that big cats live in parts of Britain. "Recent figures provide real evidence that big cat sightings are on the increase which is very exciting. "The reason for this might stem from more people reporting what they've seen, or because the animals are breeding - which is a very real possibility."

Is this the Beast of Bodmin? Student snaps 'big cat' in Cornwall

THE Commonwealth Games are in full swing in Glasgow with competitors from far and wide taking part in a variety of sports.

Our home nations are represented with England, Wales and Scotland having individual teams while even the likes of the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey have their own teams.

Cornwall's own Jemma Simpson will be lining up on the start line in the 1,500m on Monday representing England - but should she be representing Cornwall? Has the time now come for Cornwall to have its own individual team taking part in these games?

In 2004 Campaign Kernow made an application for Cornwall to be included in its own right in the Commonwealth Games but its bid failed.

Despite this setback campaigners continued with their battle, even suggesting that they might take their fight to the courts.

Now, with the Cornish recognised as a national minority under The Council of Europe's Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities there is surely more weight to a claim that Cornwall should be able to enter its own team into the Commonwealth Games.

Size is no issue with the smallest nation to enter the games this year being South Pacific island of Niue which, with a population of 1,190, is equivalent to a small Cornish parish. The island has 26 competitors in Glasgow competing in weightlifting, athletics, shooting and lawn bowls.

And ability should be no barrier as 19 countries have never won a Commonwealth Games medal, including Eastern Caribbean island Montserrat.

Incredibly any potential entrants for a Cornwall team would not even have to have ever been here according to the BBC Sport website Michael Reive, a member of the Falkland Islands' lawn bowls team, has never set foot on the islands he represents!

So, what do you think? Should Cornwall have its own team at the Commonwealth Games? Would you feel pride to see the Cornish flag being carried proudly into the next opening ceremony in Australia in 2018?

Let us know below.

Should Cornwall have its own team at the Commonwealth Games?

THE BIGGEST annual influx of tourists for years could be under way in Cornwall, partly thanks to a tough new schools crackdown on term-time absence. There are already reports of slow traffic on the A30 westbound at Temple this morning, as this weekend marks the start of the summer operation, Destination West. The school holidays are crucial to the success of the Cornish tourism industry with more than a million visitors set to spend £1 billion over the next six weeks – around a quarter of the annual amount spent. Industry bosses say the tough line taken by former Education Secretary Michael Gove on parents taking children out of class has hit the normally booming June market hard, with bed spaces down between 19% and 45%. Key figures are planning to lobby the Government to reverse the unpopular edict and businesses hope the high season will be squeezed into July and August, thereby making up for the shortfall. Malcolm Bell, head of Visit Cornwall, said this year could mark the start of a new phenomenon – "the Gove effect". "In the past a lot of parents will have nabbed a few days here and there and taken the kids out of school as teachers turned a blind eye to absences," he added. "But because of the school changes we have not had that, and the summer may well be compacted into the next four or five weeks. "We will have the normal ramp up this weekend, and people should be prepared for a lot more visitors, but it may be more pronounced this year and might take people a bit by surprise." In Cornwall, the last week of July and the whole of August makes up 22% of all tourism for the year with 950,000 visitors spending £400 million pounds in the region. Tourism in the region took a knock in 2012, when prolonged heavy rain made it the second wettest summer on record. Businesses clawed back some of the losses last year during the heat wave, but bookings were down after storms damaged rail link at Dawlish in February. Now a new survey shows bed occupancy in June was down 19% and tourist chiefs are convinced the education reforms are to blame. Richard Smith, general manager at Flambards amusement park, near Helston, said they had seen a noticeable reduction in the numbers of older school children in June and July, though figures had begun to climb this week. "It has not been drastic but the profile of people coming has been younger kids this year with teenagers not around at the moment," he added. "Easter was busy but in June when we would expect it to pick up things were fairly static. People have been saying it is getting stricter to take children out of school and with it being more expensive it is just not something they are prepared to do." Locals can expect stiff competition for their favourite beaches throughout the next six weeks with roads, car parks and shops also feeling busier than normal. Temperatures into the mid-20s this week and long-range forecasts of more good weather to come have raised hopes of a record-breaking season. The numbers searching the internet for "Cornwall Holidays" have shot up 79%, a holiday form says.

A30 at Temple jammed as biggest influx of tourists for years could be under way

A spirited effort from Cornwall's Ben Barker failed to prevent Plymouth from suffering a 58-34 defeat in their Premier League match against Somerset at the Oak Tree Arena on Friday evening. Truro-born Barker, from St Dennis, dropped only three points – to Brady Kurtz (twice) and Olly Allen – as he finished with 14 points, including a four-point second place on a tactical ride. But the remaining six members of the Skills Group Devils team managed only 20 points between them. The only other race winner was Kyle Newman, who had a couple of first places in his seven points. Dan Halsey, a National League guest covering for Josef Franc, who had a previous commitment in the Czech Republic, failed to score from his three outings. Reserve Sam Simota was unable to repeat his recent impressive form. He scored three (paid four) in his first couple of outings but failed to add to that in his remaining three rides. The two teams meet again at Plymouth's St Boniface Arena on Saturday evening (7.15pm) with Franc set to return to the Devils line-up. Somerset: Nick Morris 11 (5 rides), Charles Wright 5+3 (4), Brady Kurtz 11+1 (5), Pontus Aspgren 8 (4), Olly Allen 10+1 (4). Reserves: Todd Kurtz 6+1 (4), Paul Starke 7+1 (4). Plymouth: Ben Barker 14 (5), Dan Halsey 0 (3), Rasmus Jensen 4 (4), Kyle Newman 7 (5), James Wright 5 (4). Reserves: Sam Simota 3+1 (5), James Shanes 1 (4).

Brilliant Barker effort not enough to save Devils

CORNWALL COUNCIL is part of a group of local authorities formally asking the government for new powers to tax large supermarkets. A total of 20 local councils in England are backing the -called "Tesco tax" on big retailers, which could raise up to £400m a year if it was imposed on all big out-of-town retailers. The councils want to gain the right to impose a levy on large supermarkets, retain the money raised, and use it to help small businesses and community centres. Derby City Council has made the suggestion under the Sustainable Communities Act, which allows communities and councils to put forward ideas to government to solve local problems. The extra business rates levy of up to 8.5% would affect any large retail outlet with a rateable value of more than £500,000. A similar tax already operates in Northern Ireland and Scotland, but the government has said extra taxes on big supermarkets in England would hit the poorest families. "We ruled out such a bid for higher taxes under the last round of the Sustainable Communities Act proposals," said the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). "There are much better ways to support small shops." Supporters of the move believe the supermarkets can afford it, saying it is just a fraction of the costs that they had to swallow when VAT was raised in 2011. The government will have six months to formally respond. If agreed, the levy would apply not just to the 20 councils seeking change but to all local authorities in England. And if every one of them took it up, it could cost the big supermarkets alone an extra £190m in tax.

Cornwall Council among 20 authorities calling for £400m 'Tesco tax' on supermarket giants to pay for damage to small businesses

CALLS have been made for an increase in signs to tourist attractions in Cornwall after a councillor said they were losing business because visitors can not find them.

Liberal Democrat councillor Mario Fonk (Gulval and Heamoor) presented a motion to a full meeting of Cornwall Council last week making the case for more of the brown signs to highlight visitor attractions.

He said: "Because a lot of public attractions in Cornwall are suffering due to lack of adequate signage, many first time visitors often complain about the lack of signage, quite a few give up resulting in lost trade and the possibility of return trade on another occasion.

"One such business Tremenheere Sculptured Gardens in Ludgvan which is one of the best gardens in Cornwall – if not in the whole of the South West – is suffering because some visitors especially those from outside county find it difficult to find.

"The business employs 16 people in an employment black spot area, the restaurant food purchase up to May of this year was £87,000 – 98% of which was spent with local Cornish producers and suppliers. The proprietors want to expand the business, but they need to resolve the signs issue before they commit time and resources to expand.

"I appreciate that there must be some control regarding the number of signs on our highways, but the present policy is having an adverse affect on many business throughout Cornwall and needs to be urgently reviewed and amended.

"I am not proposing flooding Cornwall with brown signage,I am merely asking the council to review the policy and consult with the private sector."

The motion was referred to the council's scrutiny management committee which will consider it and report back to full council.

Call for more road signs to tourist attractions in Cornwall

THE CAMPAIGN for cleaner seas gathered momentum at Gwithian Beach today as protesters demanded water bosses stop pumping sewage into Cornish bathing spots. Locals assembled next to the Red River at Gwithian where repeated summer pollution has forced the cancellation of a surf contest and left bathers ill with a stomach bug. Around 170 people staged a demonstration, calling on South West Water to stop pumping effluent into the sea via a system of combined sewer overflows (CSOs) which divert waste after heavy rain. Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) co-ordinated the protest yesterday after four CSO discharges since May left business owners and water users furious. But the problem is widespread - around 500 CSOs operate in Cornwall alone, spoiling some of the 146 designated bathing spots in the South West. Following intense showers this week bathers at Bude and Mawgan Porth also warned not to take a dip. As holidaymakers headed west in their droves, buoyed by the highest sea temperatures in seven years, SAS said the level of service from the water company was "unacceptable". Campaigns director Andy Cummins called on the water firm to "dig into in its pocket" to shore up the system in the short term, ahead of a planned £50billion refit. "Red flags are flying, surf competitions are being cancelled and workers are off sick during the summer – it is just not acceptable," he added. "This is not just coming from SAS - people are really angry and the community wants to send a strong message to South West Water that action be taken immediately." Drains overflowed three times at Gwithian and Godrevy in two weeks during June and July, turning the normally pristine sea brown and prompting lifeguards to evacuate bathers. Text warnings are now issued for around 60 bathing spots via the Beach Live system and a new Safer Seas Service launched on Tuesday will provide real time data for 105 locations. South West Water said that despite the discharges, which are permitted, the beach at Godrevy has passed water quality guidelines for 13 years and is expected to satisfy tough new EU rules when they come into effect next year. Spokesman Alison Butts said: "Our investment in bathing waters improvements is guided by the Environment Agency and focussed at areas which are at risk of not meeting standards. "These discharges usually come after heavy rain as the system is not designed to work with that level of surface water – in Bude there was flooding in the town and supermarket. "In extreme weather conditions they prevent water from backing up into people's homes." Campaigners say samples of the Godrevy waters are false because officials take water some 300metres from the river mouth. Environment Agency spokesman Paul Gainey said sampling points were set by Defra as the most reliable and consistent place to take readings. Almost 4,000 people have signed a petition. Local resident and beach user Karin Howey, who runs a holiday cottage rental business at Gwithian, joined the demo. "I felt compelled to act, after South West Water discharged sewage which directly affected my family and business," she added. "Myself and the guests staying at my chalet all had severe stomach bugs after swimming and surfing in the polluted sea. "This is the 21st century and we do not live in a third world country so how can it be acceptable that South West Water allows untreated sewage on to our beaches."

PICTURES: Surfers stage protest after beach at Godrevy is polluted by sewage

THE FALMOUTH Coastguard Rescue Team was tasked with locating missing youngsters at Gyllnygvase Beach shortly after 4pm this afternoon. Once at the scene the team worked together with RNLI beach lifeguards to gather details of their last know locations. While the team was gathering the information and establishing search teams, the youngsters had returned to their parents. They had been swimming and climbing on the rocks towards Pendennis Point. "They had returned safe and well without harm and words of advice where passed, and the team were ready for service again at 4.40pm," a spokesperson for the rescue team said.

Rescue teams called to locate missing youngsters in Falmouth

WOMEN'S Institute members have their mission to make life more comfortable for breast cancer patients all stitched-up – having completed their 1,000th cushion in four years.

The nimble-fingered five from Carnon Downs WI, which includes star seamstress 83-year-old May Saville, recently hit the milestone.

The cushions can take up to two hours to make and are donated to St Michael's Hospital, Hayle, for women who have undergone breast surgery.

Carnon Downs WI president Heather Withers, 76, was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago and received a heart-shaped cushion, which she said made a huge difference.

Member Maureen Stones said: "That's where this all began. Heather asked if it would be possible to start a little sewing group and make some of the cushions because there seemed to be a need for them.

"I started making them on my own and I could not make enough so we asked if anybody wanted to join me and now we have five ladies who help."

The group are always on the search for pieces of material they can turn into a cushion.

Every cushion the group makes is unique and comes with a label with the words 'especially for you by the Carnon Downs WI Sewing Group'.

On average the group completes between 28 and 30 heart-shaped cushions every month.

May is especially fast at the task.

"She has a great eye for colour and makes really pretty cushions," added Mrs Stones.

Mrs Withers, who has been given the all clear, said: "None of us have any got any duvets or sheets left on the bed."

"The sewing machines are red hot," added Mrs Withers.

Mrs Stones said: "We receive lots of thank you letters and cards and some of them are heart-breaking, some of them say how nice it is that someone cares.

"It gives us a great lift.

"We feel like we are doing something of use in our community."

The sewing sensations have added to their record by completing a further 20 cushions in the last few weeks.

Milestone 1,000th cushion reached by dedicated team

POLICE have issued advice to boat-owners following a spate of maritime crime.

The theft, break-ins and criminal damage occurred in the Helford, Mylor, Flushing and Falmouth areas during the past four weeks.

In the latest incident, at Mylor Yacht Harbour during Sunday night, damage was caused to the entry door on a 32ft Corvette motor yacht.

A Falmouth Boat Watch spokesman said: "It's believed someone attempted an unsuccessful entry with a view to stealing property. This is currently under investigation." The crime reference is CR/091648/14.

Burglars entered Flushing Gig Club during Thursday night by cutting off the padlock.

According to police the would-be thieves searched the building but nothing was taken.

Police are still investigating and the crime reference is CR/90776/14.

On July 12 or 13 damage was caused to the hatch of a sailing boat on a mooring near Kiln Quay, Flushing. Police said someone was thought to have broken in.

A police spokesman said: "Forensics are being examined but there are no further lines of inquiry at this time." The crime reference is CR/089401/14.

Another sailing boat was entered by thieves after they damaged the access hatch between July 5 and 6 on a mooring near Falmouth Harbour.

Police said some non-identifiable items were stolen and forensics were being examined; crime reference is CR/087654/14.

Dinghy

Some oars and a seat were stolen from a dinghy at Church Road Beach, Mylor Bridge, between June 27 and 30. The seat had "T/T Samphire" written on the underside but the oars were unmarked.

The crime reference is CR/090487/14.

To pass on information or report a crime or suspicious activity, call police on the 101 non-emergency number, quoting the relevant crime reference, or contact PCSO Chris Braddon on 01326 213455. The service can also be contacted on Twitter using @FalBoatWatch

Police warn of boating crimes around Helford, Mylor, Flushing and Falmouth

A CORNISH company built an underwater platform bigger than three rugby pitches to refloat the wreck of the doomed Italian cruise ship Costa Concordia, which reached its final resting place yesterday. Falmouth-based marine drilling experts Fugro Seacore were enlisted to shore up the precarious site, and said it was one of the toughest projects in its 38-year history. Thirty-two people lost their lives when the Concordia capsized off the Italian island of Giglio in January 2012, and the ship came to rest on a steeply sloping rocky outcrop in 50 metres of water. The stricken ocean liner still contained tons of rotting food, furniture and passengers' belongings, and recovering the ship - which is twice as heavy as the Titanic - has been described not only as the toughest marine recovery operation in Fugro's history, but also in modern times. The two-year operation came to an end yesterday, when the Concordia entered the port of Genoa for scrapping. Genoa is where the ship was built and launched amid fanfare and celebration nine years ago. To secure the legs of the underwater platform, which weighs more than 15 jumbo jets, Fugro drilled precise holes up to 14 metres into the hard rock under the seabed and inserted foundation piles two metres in diameter. The installation needed to be designed and completed quickly before the liner slid to greater depths or broke up, which would have caused an environmental disaster. Fugro marine services manager Sam Whitaker said: "We have done some tough jobs over the years and this was up there with the toughest. "Nobody has ever attempted anything like this before, so we had to design and build the whole thing from scratch. "Quite aside from anything else, the 45-degree slope and the sheer hardness of the granite seabed made drilling a real challenge. "When it comes to drilling big, precise holes in granite, you can't get better than a Cornish engineer." A 12-strong team from Falmouth, Helston and Penzance worked around the clock to complete the work, capturing waste from the drill to avoid damaging endangered underwater species. Mr Whitaker said: "We were drilling up 600 cubic metres of waste every hour, and everything needed to be completely sealed – and ready to shut down at a moment's notice – to protect the sensitive environment. "It was a big ask. But we were proud to be involved, to lend our Cornish expertise to such an important, international effort, and hopefully to provide some closure to the families affected by this tragedy." Captain Francesco Schettino has denied charges of multiple manslaughter and abandoning ship, which could see him jailed for up to 20 years.

Cornish engineers play heavyweight role as Costa Concordia makes final voyage

Cornish Rebels 52 Plymouth Titans 36

The Keltek-Sponsored Cornish Rebels Rugby League team have secured the South West Premier League Leaders title, as well as booking their place in the League Grand Final with this win over Plymouth Titans at Redruth on Saturday.

Martyn Lawrance continued his fine form at loose forward grabbing two tries in the opening ten minutes, one either side of a try from second-row Matt Ballard. Captain Grant Thirlby stepped up to convert two of those before Plymouth got themselves back into the game. Titans prop Dec Sexton found a gap and fullback Kelly nipped in to close the gap further.

The Cornish managed to score at just the right times throughout, and with the game at 16-12 and Titans gaining momentum, two tries from fullback Matt Shepherd gave the Rebels some welcome breathing space. Shepherd's second try saw him take a quick tap-penalty to himself and leave the Titans defence in his wake with a 70 metre sprint for the try-line (image below) before Sexton replied again for Plymouth for a 26-18 half-time game.

The Rebels started brightly in the second half with Lawrance making an unbelievable run down the touchline but after being brought down six inches from the try-line it was quick thinking Thirlby who sent the ball high and wide across the width of the pitch for Jake Butcher to leap and catch behind the try-line for the move of the day and another Cornish try.

Liam Thompson scored again for the visitors but Ben Tharme's conversion was to be his last involvement before leaving the field injured after an impressive display from the Plymouth scrum-half. Dan Thomas then touched down for the Rebels, before another stunning individual Rebels play; This time stand-off Darren Pellow took the ball 40 metres from the scrum and managed to beat the Titans defenders in a straight sprint for the whitewash to a rapturous applause from the crowd.

Despite the heat neither team wanted to give up the hunt for points. The final ten minutes saw a brace of tries from each side. Titans' Tom Worboys and Kelly both found the tryline in between two more from Rebels top-scorer Matt Shepherd who gave another impressive display with and without the ball.

Fullback Matt Shepherd sprints for the line after a quick-taken penalty

Both teams should be commended on their determination and resilience on a red-hot day at the Recreation Ground. The victory means the Rebels will finish the season top of the table and have now guaranteed a place in the South West Premier League Grand Final on August 17 at a venue yet to be confirmed.

Cornish Rebels -

Shephers, Murray, Winston, Butcher, Martin, Carter, Pellow, Joyce, Thirlby, Jacques, Ballard, Pattison, Lawrance. Replacements: Thomas, Molin, Marshall, Wright, James, McAtee, Cook.

Tries- Lawrance (2), Ballard, Shepherd (4), Butcher, Thomas, Pellow. Cons - Thirlby 6/10

Plymouth Titans-

Kelly, McAvoy, Tule, Manoa, Worboys, Ede, Tharme, Sexton, Thompson, Ewers, Nicholls, PJ, Joe C. Replacements: Joe N, Dale Thompson. Tries- Sexton (2) Kelly (2), Thompson, Worboys,. Cons - Tharme 4/4, Tule 2/2.

Half Time Score: 26-18

Full Time Result: 52 - 36

Referee: A. Bickle

Attendance: 160

Cornish Rebels take title and book place in Grand Final

This was the dramatic moment a holidaymaker had to be airlifted off Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth after suffering an allergic reaction to a Weever fish sting.

The 20-year-old woman from Watford was paddling with friends at low tide when she stepped on the animal, which has a row of venomous spines along its back.

After leaving the water she complained to friends of feeling "fuzzy," before suddenly losing consciousness.

Boyfriend Matt Herbert, 21, said: "It took us ten minutes to come out and sit down. She said it hurt a lot but she seemed fine, and then all of a sudden she started saying she felt queasy and fuzzy.

"Next minute she was slumped over and completely white. It was pretty scary."

The group alerted RNLI lifeguards, who immediately called for coastguard assistance.

The packed beach was temporarily closed while a Royal Navy Sea King rescue helicopter landed and the girl was stretchered on board.

She was taken to the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske.

Steve Richards, of Falmouth Coastguard Rescue Team, said said the woman had suffered a rare and potentially serious allergic reaction to the sting.

"From point of being stung to feeling unwell was about ten minutes," he said, "but because of the symptoms and the signs she was showing it was deemed that a helicopter was the best course of action for her immediate evacuation to Treliske."

He added: "It was a good job all round, with good co-operation from Falmouth RNLI."

Minutes after the helicopter left the beach, another member of the public complained to lifeguards of being stung by a Weever fish.

Although the animals are common on the beaches of Cornwall, allergic reactions to their stings are rare.

The fish bury themselves in the sand at low tide, leaving venomous spines on their dorsal fins and gills exposed.

People stepping on the spines often compare the feeling to stepping on a sharp rock or stone. Significant pain begins 2 to 3 minutes after being stung.

Although extremely unpleasant, stings are not generally dangerous and the pain will ease considerably within a few hours - even if untreated,

People who suffer with breathing difficulties, major irritation or an obvious allergic reaction after being stung should either call for ambulance assistance or get help from a lifeguard.

VIDEO: Woman airlifted to hospital from Falmouth beach after allergic reaction to Weever fish sting

A DYSLEXIC councillor says plans to introduce dual language road signs in Cornwall could be dangerous for people who have difficulty reading.

Conservative councillor Tom French (St Austell Bay) asked Bert Biscoe, Cabinet member for transport, whether the issue had been taken into consideration in discussions around dual language signage.

When Cornish was designated a national minority there were calls for dual language road signs to be introduced to promote the Cornish language.

Dual language road signs are already used in Wales and it was felt that something similar could be introduced in Cornwall.

A previous question to Cornwall Council regarding the cost of the signs suggested that they would only be introduced when the current road signs needed to be replaced.

Street signs across Cornwall are already being introduced in dual language when they need to be replaced or repaired.

Mr French said at the council meeting: "Along with many others, I have dyslexia which means I do assimilate written words more slowly than some, I therefore ask if reading difficulty has been looked at when considering making road signs in both Cornish and English. If as a consequence of trying to read road signs one hesitates or gets confused it could surely lead to accidents?"

Mr Biscoe responded saying: "Any proposal to change the language and format of signing on the public highway network would need to be given careful consideration and the appropriate approval from the Department for Transport.

"The legibility and safety implications of any proposed change would be taken into consideration as part of the approval process."

Dyslexic councillor claims dual language road signs in Cornwall could cause accidents

A CAT owner has been left distraught after two of her pets died from antifreeze poisoning less than 48 hours apart.

Mandy Curran, who is recovering from open heart surgery, lost her beloved cats Mr Bumble, aged 18 months, and two-year-old Molly after her neighbours found them limp and shaking in their gardens on Trelowarren Street, in Camborne.

The pets were born to Mrs Curran's oldest cat, Mum, and the 55 year-old said: "I had a neighbour call me on Friday at tea time saying one of my cats was in his garden looking lifeless. He [Mr Bumble] was still alive but very floppy and he couldn't lift his head up.

"We rushed him to Lamorna Vets, in Camborne, and a couple of hours later he died.

"Then on Saturday afternoon another neighbour called me over and said my other cat didn't look in a good way.

"I went round and she [Molly] didn't look right – she wasn't here and she was shaking. She was so bad I stayed up all night with her. I stayed up all night with her but she was just shaking uncontrollably and throwing up."

Molly had to be destroyed on Sunday as the vet said she was suffering the effects of poisoning from antifreeze – the cause given for Mr Bumble's death less than 48 hours earlier.

Mrs Curran said: "They were the friendliest cats you could ever meet, probably too friendly.

"Everyone around here has said they are going to miss them. Molly was very quiet and Mr Bumble was more of a joker cat.

"They doted on each other, they went everywhere together and they have ended up van to be cremated together. I am so sad."

She did not know if the attack was deliberate but believed at least three other cats on Trelowarren Street have died within the past week.

She said: "If I found the person who did this to them I would force-feed them antifreeze. They were my babies, why do this to a defenceless animal?

"It has got to be someone around here as they don't go far.

"I just want other people warned. I don't want anyone to go through this and I want this person caught."

The police are warning cat owners to be vigilant as they believe this might be a deliberate attack.

Poison warning as two cats killed in Camborne less than 24 hours apart

CORNWALL Council has refused to name the 14 organisations which have had their funding axed with little warning – despite their details being in the public domain.

There was shock when Cornwall Council terminated the contracts of 14 organisations which had been providing services under the wellbeing, intervention and prevention service.

The council said it had cancelled the contracts after the providers did not deliver the outcomes or reach the targets which had been set for their services.

Some of the groups affected said they were never told they were not meeting targets and that the council had implied that the quality of their services was being brought into question. The council has denied this, even after releasing a statement saying some performed "poorly".

Organisations affected by the canceling of contracts include Cornwall Blind Association, Headway Cornwall, Enable Cornwall, Cornwall Stroke Support and the British Red Cross Home from Hospital Service.

The West Briton has repeatedly asked for the identity of all 14 providers affected but the council has refused, stating confidentiality as its reason for withholding the information. However, the West Briton has found that the organisations are named among other recipients in the council's monthly disclosure of payments made which are over £500.

Despite highlighting this to the council, it said that its legal officers said it would not be right to release the information.

The council has said that Cabinet member for health and care services Jim McKenna had met the providers affected and pledged to improve communications and help deal with any challenges they face as a result of the cuts.

In a statement, the council said: "It was a constructive meeting where the council's perspective was explained and the concerns of the affected providers were outlined. This was not an issue around the quality of the services which were being provided. The decision was taken because the contract has not delivered the outcomes that either the providers or the council had hoped. It is now planned for all involved to meet on a regular basis to improve communications and to work together to deal with some of the challenges they are facing."

Cornwall Blind Association chairman of trustees Lance Kennedy said: "I am grateful for the intervention of the portfolio holder who was not part of the decision-making process, but now has to deal with the aftermath.

"However, it does not deflect from the fact that the charities were accused of failing to meet standards, thus damaging their reputations and possibly their ability to apply for grant funding to replace the preventative services Cornwall Council has cancelled."

Truro-based Cornwall Blind Association has said that the service affected by the cuts will be put on hold but said that it was looking at how it could continue to operate without the council funding.

'No names' as council axes funds to 14 groups