THREE surfers have died after being pulled from the sea and airlifted to hospital in Truro following a major incident at Mawgan Porth, near Newquay, this afternoon.

The trio were among a group seven people, including four children, on boards in the water. The four young people, whose ages are unknown, were located safely on shore, but two adults were given CPR at the scene and all three adults were then airlifted to hospital.

Police have now reported that all three adults have died.

A statement from Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Three people were taken unconscious from the sea and taken to Treliske for treatment in a serious condition. Sadly all three people were later pronounced deceased in hospital. They are two men and one woman.

"The victims have not yet been identified and police are currently tracing their next of kin. The remaining four people are accounted for and are safe."

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said it received multiple 999 calls from people at Mawgan Porth beach from around 1.15pm this afternoon.

It said in a statement: "The group who got into difficulty consisted of seven people with boards in the water; four people were all located safe and well on shore but three adults were recovered from the water.

"Two of those recovered from the water were given CPR at the scene. The three casualties were transferred to hospital by the rescue helicopter from RNAS Culdrose and both the Devon and Cornwall Air Ambulances."

Falmouth Coastguard was called at 1.15pm and scrambled the air ambulances from Devon and Cornwall, along with the Sea King helicopter from RNAS Culdrose to the beach.

The incident also involved lifeboat crews from Newquay and Padstow, coastguard rescue teams, as well as at least six police cars and several ambulances.

A Falmouth Coastguard spokesman said the incident was being wound down just before 4pm.

He said: "There were three surfers taken from the water. All three have been taken to Treliske by a combination of rescue helicopter from Culdrose and two air ambulances."

Martin Leslie, coastguard area commander, who was at the scene, said; "There was a report from members of the public that a number of people were in difficulty - up to five of them.

"From their injuries, it was apparent they had been in the water for some time. We are now pretty confident that all persons have now been recovered and accounted for, although coastguard teams are still on the clifftop overlooking the beach and liaising with the police at this present time."

The Merrymoor Inn at Mawgan Porth overlooks the beach and have been dealing with the emergency services this afternoon.

A pub spokesman said: "The emergency services were here incredibly quickly. It was out of this world. They brought some of them into the pub wrapped in blankets but it is terrible, what has happened."

There were rough seas on the north coast this afternoon and there are not believed to be any lifeguards on duty on the beach at this time of year.

Experienced surfer Darell Miller sad he had gone surfing this morning at nearby Watergate Bay and conditions there were rough.

He added: "I imagine it was a lot worse here because the sea funnels in."

The beach has been closed and coastguards are now combing the area for any personal belongings connected to those involved.

A man has been charged with the murder of a 50-year-old man who is thought to have been shot by a crossbow in St Keverne on the Lizard.

Police launched a murder investigation and were searching remote farm buildings in the St Keverne area following the death of Roy Hanson, from the Helston area, yesterday morning.

Daniel Richard Schofield, 28, from St Keverne has been charged with the murder and will appear at Truro Magistrates' Court tomorrow.

Police said Mr Hanson was thought to have been struck with a bolt from a crossbow. He was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

Tributes have been flooding in for the three surfers who died after being pulled from the sea at Mawgan Porth, near Newquay, this afternoon.

The two men and one woman were among a group of seven surfers in the water today, four of whom were thought to be children and were located safely on the beach.

The three were airlifted to hospital by helicopters from Devon and Cornwall Air Ambulances and the RNAS Culdrose Sea King hospital. They were pronounced dead at Treliske.

These are just a few of the comments posted on Twitter this evening, following the tragic news:

@dommvc: Thoughts go out to the friends and families of those involved in the tragedy at Mawgan Porth

@EssGee_x: Mawgan Porth is one of my favourite places. So sad to hear about the tragic events there today.

@SurfGirlMag: Such sad news, 3 surfers died at Mawgan Porth this afternoon. 4 children survived. Thoughts go out to the families 

@CornwallCFO: Such awful news about the tragic surfing incident at Mawgan Porth. Our thoughts are with all those affected 

@Noddy_Holder: Terrible news from Mawgan Porth today, a choppy powerful looking swell here and not to be messed with. If you're unsure don't paddle out

@NewquayInsp: Condolences from all Emergency Services go out to family & friends of 3 surfers who tragically died after incident at Mawgan Porth today.

@MacmillanKernow: Thoughts with everyone involved in the tragic incident at Mawgan Porth today

@CornwallDiving: Be careful out there, sad to hear about surfers in difficulty at Mawgan Porth Newquay this afternoon.

@EduardoBeasley:Three surfers dead after sea rescue. A sad reminder that the rip at Mawgan Porth can be really dangerous

@FeedTheSpud: May those who sadly lost their lives today at Mawgan Porth Rest in Peace.

@StAgnesLifeboat: Our thoughts are with the families and all of those involved in the incident at Mawgan Porth today.

On the Cornish Guardian's Facebook page, tributes came in from across Cornwall and beyond.

Kate Merrett: So Tragic RIP to the 3 who Sadly lost their lives out there today my thoughts are with their Family and friends And A great effort as always by the Emergency Services who tried to save them.xxx

Carol Wright: So sad x

Carole Dawson: Tragic news, so sad...

Joy McNeill: Omg so awful, poor children and sad news for the families

NAtalie Bridge: R.i.p to the three victims thinking of their families at this very sad time x

Laura Catchpole: So tragic, RIP. Poor children x

Nicky Stone: Very sad day.

Sarah Shepperd: So sad..thoughts are with the families.

Tina Balne: So sad. A tragic accident. Thoughts going out to all their families and friends x

Matt Sutherland: how dreadful. It's a pretty dangerous beach; very rippy.

ED Palmer looks set to rejoin Truro City from Weymouth as City boss Steve Tully looks to strengthen his squad to consolidate the White Tigers'  place in the play-off positions.

Palmer (22), turned down an approach to play for City in the summer in favour of accepting non-contract terms at Weymouth.

But,  despite no official confirmation from the club, it now looks as if the former Torquay United defender is to return to Treyew Road, where he had a loan spell before under Lee Hodges.

Palmer has found first team chances difficult to come by after a three match ban for being sent off last month and Weymouth boss Jason Matthews told the Dorset Echo: "I would have liked to have kept Ed in the squad but he is set to join Truro.

"Obviously he feels that at 22 he needs to be playing, he has done well, but since bringing in Calvin (Brooks) we have conceded very few goals.

"We wish him all the best, he has been frustrated at a lack of first team opportunities since coming back from suspension."

City moved up to fifth in the Southern League premier division table with a 1-0 home win over Cambridge City and will be looking to make it three wins in a row  for the first time this season on Tuesday when they travel to play Hungerford Town.

It is not known whether Palmer will be involved in the squad for that game as of yet.

In a tweet today Palmer said: "Thanks to everyone at Weymouth, was a hard decision to leave but time to move on. Great bunch of lads there & wish them all the very best."

City won 2-1 at home to Hungerford back in August with both goals from Ben Watson, who made his debut for Bideford in their 2-1 home win over Hitchin on Saturday after being  placed on the transfer list by City.

 London Cornish  25  Effingham & Leatherhead 6

Following last Saturday's late heartbreak high upon the hills of the North Downs, London Cornish returned to the REMPF aiming not to crash down to earth with a second successive defeat. Any fears were abated as the Exiles fortress remained intact, with patience being the key to a 25-6  London Two South West victory over visitors Effingham and Leatherhead, writes Mark Digby.

 Early pressure from the Exiles  soon boree fruit when after just four minutes, when thew visitors  conceded a penalty for Luke Spells to  confidently pop over.

The  Eagles' Brian Collins levelled the scores with Spells making it 6-3 with his second successful penalty attempt.

 Cornish continued to dominate both possession and territory, only to a be repelled by stubborn defence, as they failed to penetrate the opposition 22 and  it was 6-3 at the interval.

In the early exchanges of the second half Effingham and Leatherhead  began to push Cornish back a and a second Collins penalty levelled the scores at 6-6.

Successive changes by the Exiles  from the bench were made with Rich Fisher replacing Harry Somers, and Phil Dale making his comeback after injury, to swap places with Joe Skinnard at Fly Half. The alterations appeared to be what was required, as Cornish found renewed impetus following the re-start.

Patience was finally rewarded, as it would prove to be pretty much one way traffic for the final 25 minutes. 

 On the hour, a penalty was awarded that Phil Dale opted to kick towards the corner. Mark Osei-Tutu attempted to peel off the back off the Cornish pack following the line out, but was thwarted yet again.

However, Cornish regrouped and formed another rolling maul which, from twenty metres, could not be stopped. Chris Anstey touched the ball down for a try which Spells was unable to convert.

 With ten minutes to go, Anstey crossed the line again in a similar move to the first try, this time a huge shove from the Black and Gold from ten metres. Spells rediscovered his kicking compass to add the extras and make it 18-6.

However, Cornish were not finished, and on the stroke of full time, Osei-Tutu would add the cherry on the cake with a fine 20  metre dash, following more forward pressure to dive under the posts, and score his seventh try of the season. Spells again converted to make a final score of 25-6 to the Exiles as they  solidified second place in London Two South West.

London Cornish Director of Rugby, Dickon Moon gave his thoughts after the game;

"It was a very similar performance to recent weeks, but what I was really pleased about, was that we defended a lot better today. We had to stop giving away kickable penalties, and I was very pleased that we kept Effingham and Leatherhead down to a few long pots at goal. 

"They are a tricky side, and will definitely be top four/five this year, and have improved and recruited very well, so we can be really pleased with 25-6, as last week's defeat shook everyone, which Warlingham deserved (the win). Onward and upwards with 25 points from a possible 30 in the first six games, which we've got to be happy with.

"Some lessons learnt from last week, as maybe we could have taken a few more shots at goal, but Warlingham defended superbly. It was the right result, and it gave us a good shake up. What was good for us, was that we had Phil Dale back today following his operation in the summer. 

"We'll have more depth at nine and ten, plus we have other players to come back in the forthcoming weeks. Given our position, and that historically we improve as the season goes on, this is very encouraging.

"Farnham (away next week) had a great season last year, and gave Totton a tough game last week. We will look at selection, as I anticipate another tough day at the office, but we will certainly give them something to think about, and look forward to visiting their new ground."

Cornwall runner Emma Stepto delivered yet another outstanding performance to smash her personal best in the Frankfurt marathon on Sunday, writes Kevin Fahey.

The incredible 44-year-old Cornwall AC athlete from Treskillard, near Camborne, carved 2mins 22secs off her previous best set two years ago with a superb time of 2hrs 32mins 40secs.

The run gave Stepto seventh place overall and the honour of finishing first European behind six Africans. It also lifted Stepto to third in the 2014 UK Rankings behind Susan Partridge (2:32.18) and Louise Damen (2:32.21) , who it should be remembered are 10 and 12 years younger.

But age has never defined Stepto and has certainly never limited her ambitions so little wonder that she was thrilled with her latest success coming just a few weeks after lifting her first British title at the Cardiff half marathon.

"I am over the moon with today and cannot believe I have achieved what I thought I could do," said Stepto.

"I hope I have made Alan (Alan Rowling, her coach) and everyone proud of my performance. Initially I went off at my own pace and felt comfortable.

"At about 18 miles I decided to push on and hoped I had not gone too fast. I felt good and strong until 22 miles and then the usual thing happened and it was then a case of digging in.

"When I reached the stadium there were lots of flashing lights and it very noisy and so I couldn't see much. I couldn't quite see the clock so when I crossed the line so I wasn't even sure if it was a PB."

Stepto had privately hoped to get under 2hrs 33mins but the marathon is such a difficult event to master especially for a relative novice like her who only started racing seriously six years ago.

But under Rowling's guidance and with the support of her Cornwall AC team-mates she has prepared well and got her rewards.

"I was also delighted to be able to share that with my dad and Brett (husband)," added Stepto, who was cheered on by both out on the course.

"I would also like to thank everyone in Cornwall and the south west who has supported me. They have been brilliant in believing in me and giving me the encouragement to go for it."

The new PB completes a phenomenal year for Stepto. In addition to winning her first national title she has set new best times at the marathon, half marathon, 20 miles, 10 miles and 5 miles. Maybe it will prove to be the best year of her athletics career but then again Stepto has sprung so any surprises that one wouldn't discount even more success in the future.

THREE surfers who died after being pulled from the sea at Mawgan Porth, near Newquay, today were believed to have been caught in a rip current, a coastguard said tonight.

Police have confirmed a man and woman in their forties and from Cornwall, as well as a man in his fifties from outside the area were killed in the tragedy this afternoon.

Four other children were in the water with the trio, but were located safely on the beach by emergency services, who raced to the scene after receiving numerous 999 calls just after 1.15pm today.

Officers are still tracing the families of those involved and say no formal identification will take place tonight.

Swell on the north coast today was around 6-10ft and a coastguard at the scene said up to five of the surfers had apparently got into difficulty and appeared to have been in the water for some time when the alarm was raised.

Three helicopters from Devon and Cornwall Air Ambulances and RNAS Culdrose attended the incident, along with three RNLI lifeboats from Newquay and Padstow, police, off duty lifeguards and paramedics.

The rescue effort was co-ordinated by Falmouth Coastguard and the three adults were airlifted to hospital in Truro, where they were pronounced dead.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said in a statement: "The group who got into difficulty consisted of seven people with boards in the water; four people were all located safe and well on shore but three adults were recovered from the water.

"Two of those recovered from the water were given CPR at the scene. The three casualties were transferred to hospital by the rescue helicopter from RNAS Culdrose and both the Devon and Cornwall Air Ambulances."

Martin Leslie, coastguard area commander, who was at the scene, said; "There was a report from members of the public that a number of people were in difficulty - up to five of them.

"From their injuries, it was apparent they had been in the water for some time. We are now pretty confident that all persons have now been recovered and accounted for, although coastguard teams are still on the clifftop overlooking the beach and liaising with the police at this present time."

One coastguard later told Sky News: "It is believed they were caught in a rip current."

A spokeswoman for the RNLI said the all weather lifeboats from Newquay and Padstow, as well as the inshore lifeboat from Newquay were called to the incident.

"We also had some off duty RNLI lifeguards attend at the request of the coastguard, helping to clear the beach so that the coastguard and RNLI teams could do their job.

"We don't know if they were novice or experienced surfers but the waves were around 6-10ft which is not what we would call novice conditions, but we don't know their capabilities."

There were no lifeguards on duty at the beach this afternoon as Mawgan Porth is patrolled only during the busy summer months.

Experienced surfer Darell Miller sad he had gone surfing this morning at nearby Watergate Bay and conditions there were rough.

He added: "I imagine it was a lot worse here because the sea funnels in."

The Merrymoor Inn at Mawgan Porth overlooks the beach and have been dealing with the emergency services this afternoon.

A pub spokesman said: "The emergency services were here incredibly quickly. It was out of this world. They brought some of them into the pub wrapped in blankets but it is terrible, what has happened."

The beach was closed all afternoon while coastguards combed the area for any personal belongings connected to those involved.

FED-UP commuters and elected officials are demanding improvements to one of the main arterial routes out of Falmouth.

The call comes as drivers on a stretch of the A39 between Treluswell and Devoran are regularly falling victim to tailbacks, flooding and accidents, which can lead to lengthy diversions through nearby villages.

Locals who are regularly delayed for hours have said enough is enough, and want Cornwall Council to take action.

The council acknowledged it was one of the busiest roads in Cornwall, but said its geography caused "significant challenges".

The Community Network group, made up of Falmouth and Penryn Town Councils and surrounding parish councils, said the matter was a "top priority" and is putting pressure on Cornwall Council.

Candy Atherton, a Falmouth town and Cornwall councillor, said: "There seems to be a shrugging of shoulders (at County Hall) and the attitude of, 'It's always been like that', but that is not good enough.

"Anyone who regularly travels this route knows the problems. It's become a serious issue for people getting to work, university or the hospital.

"The diversions can take hours and everyone has experienced it."

Nicola Congdon from Falmouth, who commutes to college along the route, said: "I get stuck in queues most days and probably spend a couple of hours every week sitting in them.

"Something definitely needs to be done and there is going to be a lot more queuing with extra housing planned. That road is not very safe as it is."

Ms Atherton said there needed to be a "major long-term plan" in place, whether that meant structural work to the road or a better diversion route.

She urged anyone who had specific problems with the road to speak out to strengthen the case.

Cornwall councillor Neil Hatton said: "We will keep pushing it to get it resolved. It doesn't take much to close it; it's a lousy detour and (that road) is slow at the best of times."

He said he hoped the route was considered as important as the A30, which has received funding from Cornwall Council and the Department for Transport for upgrading.

Councillor Bert Biscoe, Cornwall Council Cabinet member for transport, said: "The geography of the area makes it very difficult to identify a potential solution."

LIFESAVING equipment is going to be made available to everyone in Falmouth.

Automated external defibrillators (AED) have been bought by the Beacon Resource Centre and Specsavers, and there are hopes Falmouth Business Park will also buy one.

Specsavers hopes to get permission to put its machine up on the Prince of Wales Pier where everyone has access to it in an emergency.

It will be in a secure case and a 999 operator will give out the access code when needed.

Nick Turuelo, manager of the store, said: "We have been raising money and saving up for eight months to get one for the town.

"Many times, particularly in the summer, the town is closed to traffic and we thought (having a defibrillator available) may save a life."

The company raised £1,250 and has purchased the machine through the Cornish charity Coast Medic.

Money raised at Beacon fun days, as well as a donation from the Penwerris Tenants' Association and from the three Cornwall Council ward members – Grenville Chappel, John Body and Gerald ChinQuee – covered the cost of the machine at the Beacon Resource Centre.

Mr Chappel, who helps run the centre, said: "We wanted to get a defibrillator to take to fun days, on trips, whenever we have a crowd. It's an amazing piece of equipment."

It will be available to anyone, but he is also looking into the possibility of having it installed outside the building for easier access.

According to the charity Community Heartbeat Trust, a publicly accessible defibrillator could increase the chances of survival significantly.

Following a cardiac arrest the chance of survival decreases by 23 per cent per minute and therefore it is vital that medical treatment starts as soon as possible.

These defibrillators deliver an electrical current through the chest to shock the heart.

Firefighters from Falmouth have delivered training to staff at Specsavers in the use of the equipment as well as giving them confidence to help in such an emergency.

Firefighter Martyn Addinall said: "The prompt action of someone trained in life support techniques can be vital.

"We covered all areas of the accredited course developed by the British Heart Foundation, including how to perform CPR and how to put a casualty in the recovery position."

The brigade's Phoenix Project is already delivering the course to various groups across Cornwall.

The AED is designed for people with no medical background. When applied to the victim, messages will guide the user through the process and will only allow it to shock a 'shockable' heart rhythm.

COMPANY directors who fail to keep proper records will be prosecuted, warned a government investigator after a man from near Perranporth and two others who ran a lap- dancing club "with a woeful disregard for accounting" appeared in court.

Ross Connock, 52, Matthew Sharp, 48, and Richard Taylor, 53, who owned Divas Gentlemen's Club on Newquay's Gover Lane and the adjoining Red Square bar, appeared at Exeter Crown Court on Wednesday to be sentenced for the way they ran the venues.

The three had previously pleaded guilty to having failed to keep proper accounting records between January 2008 and January 2010.

Connock, of Trevean Way, Newquay, also admitted a further charge of false accounting in the same period.

The offences came to light after the company they ran – RMR Newquay Limited – went into liquidation in 2010 and the administrator looked at the accounts.

Following the hearing John Pearson, an investigation officer with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, stated: "There weren't any [accounts]; that was the bottom line."

He said the turnover of the largely cash business was at least £1 million in each year and there had been a failure to keep business accounts but the prosecution could not say whether that was due to dishonesty or incompetence.

At the time the firm went into administration, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) was owed £240,000 in unpaid VAT.

RMR, which stands for Ross, Matthew and Richard, was incorporated in 2003, when Connock and Sharp were registered as the two directors. Taylor registered as the third director in February 2004.

Anna McKenzie, defending Connock, provided medical evidence which indicated he was suffering from a potentially life-threatening condition that had recently been diagnosed and his sentencing was deferred for six months.

Sentencing Taylor, of East Street, Newquay, and Sharp, of Quarry Road, Bolingey, near Perranporth, to four months in prison each, suspended for two years, Judge Carr said: "This is a case of a company which had been run for many years with a woeful disregard of basic accounting.

"Accounts were produced for 2004, 2005 and 2006 but 2007 accounts were only prepared in 2009 and there were no accounts for 2008 or 2009. Both of you were directors and were aware of the responsibility."

Judge Carr said they were alerted to the problems in 2008 but did nothing until 2010.

"This was predominantly a cash business, which brings even greater responsibility on directors to ensure correct accounting," he added.

Judge Carr said money from RMR had been moved into other companies owned by the pair and it was not known how much money had been lost to HMRC and other parties.

Taylor was ordered to pay £6,000 towards the costs of the prosecution and Sharp was ordered to pay £4,000.

Mr Pearson said: "The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills will always thoroughly investigate such allegations of criminality and, where the evidence is found and it is in the public interest, they will prosecute offenders."

MAJOR roadworks are set to cause delays for commuters travelling between Truro and Falmouth over the coming week.

The work will be carried out along the A39 beginning tomorrow and finishing on Friday.

The road will be shut each evening at 7pm until 7am the following morning.

Cornwall Council has said that the work will be carried out just past Treluswell Roundabout in relation to surfacing and gulley emptying operations.

A 44-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman from St Austell were two of the victims of yesterday's surfing tragedy at Mawgan Porth, police have confirmed.

A 52-year-old man from Leeds was the third victim of the incident. Their next of kin have all been informed.

Four teenagers who were also involved in the incident were all boys, two aged 18, one aged 16 and one aged 15. All four were taken to Treliske as a precaution.

The tragedy happened when all seven people were caught in a rip current at around 1.15pm.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said in a statement: "The group who got into difficulty consisted of seven people with boards in the water; four people were all located safe and well on shore but three adults were recovered from the water.

"Two of those recovered from the water were given CPR at the scene. The three casualties were transferred to hospital by the rescue helicopter from RNAS Culdrose and both the Devon and Cornwall Air Ambulances."

Sadly, all three were declared dead a short while later at the hospital.

There were no lifeguards on duty at the beach as Mawgan Porth is patrolled only during the busy summer months.

Experienced surfer Darell Miller sad he had gone surfing this morning at nearby Watergate Bay and conditions there were rough.

He added: "I imagine it was a lot worse here because the sea funnels in."

Edwina Hannford, Cornwall Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, Heritage and Planning, said "This is a tragic incident and our condolences go out to the family and friends of those who lost their lives.

"The Council is committed to providing safe beaches for local residents and visitors and provides support to the RNLI to help provide lifeguard cover on 57 beaches throughout the main holiday season from April to September.

"It isn't possible to provide lifeguard cover on all beaches in Cornwall or, indeed, outside of the main season, but the Council and the RNLI work very hard to advise the public of the risks and provide advice about beach safety.

"At the end of each season a detailed assessment is carried out by the RNLI and the Council to see what level of lifeguard cover should be provided on every beach for the next year.

"This involves looking at the number of people who used the beach, the type of activities taking place on the beach, and the topography of the local area.

"It also considers whether lifeguard cover should be provided on that beach for the extended season. This year the Council has worked with the RNLI and other partners to provide lifeguard cover on nine popular beaches during the October half term holiday.

"Outside of the main season there are signs on the beaches offering advice.

"We would like to thank all the emergency services who were involved in this tragic incident and will be working with the RNLI to support their review of lifeguard cover on beaches in Cornwall."

FOOTBALLER Ed Timmons is recovering at home after collapsing during Illogan RBL's Carlsberg South West Peninsula League game against Bude Town on Saturday. The defender, who recently joined Illogan from Falmouth Town, was on the substitutes' bench when he suffered a seizure, 55 minutes into the division one west fixture. He was treated on the scene by the club's physio Steve Green and defender Josh Hoon, who is a paramedic, before being taken away by ambulance to Treliske Hospital. But following tests on Saturday evening, Timmons was later discharged and is now at home recovering. Illogan manager Mikey Pascoe said: "Ed was just stood next to the dugout kicking the ball about with Scoffy's (goalkeeper Brian Scoffin) son and then he just keeled over. "We thought he was just messing around at first, but then we realised he was suffering a fit, which must have lasted for about five minutes. "Thankfully Steve Green was there to treat him, Josh Hoon is a paramedic and then somebody, with a 4x4, had a paramedics' kit in their boot so he was well looked after until the ambulance arrived." He added: "Ed has no previous history of something like this, but we think it could be down to sugar levels. "He had been working for Plymouth Argyle in the morning (he is Argyle's Cornwall Football Development Officer) and had not had chance to eat. He was really looking forward to making his debut for us. "I'm just pleased he's on the mend now, he even said he'd be at training on Wednesday but he'd need a lift as he's not allowed to drive for a month!" Saturday's game at Oxland Parc was abandoned after the Timmons incident with the score 0-0.

The tragedy at Mawgan Porth has highlighted the dangers posed by rip currents along the coastline, which have been made worse by the effects of last winter's storms.

Rips are strong currents running out to sea that can easily take swimmers out beyond their depth.

In 2009 35% of the environmental causes of incidents the RNLI lifeguards dealt with were as a result of rips.

A rip is formed by water along the shoreline finding an exit back to sea, normally through a channel between sandbars, under piers or by rocks, which creates a strong current.

This is usually as a result of large sets of waves approaching the beach and building up water, which then finds it own level, thus causing a drag back out to sea.

The larger the surf the more intense the rip current, also the deeper the channel, the stronger the current.

A rip current typically flows at 0.5 meters per second (1–2 feet per second), but can reach 2.5 meters per second (8 feet per second), which is faster than any human swimmer.

The main danger comes from panicked swimmers who often try to counter the current by swimming straight back to shore, causing severe fatigue.

This video, produced by the University of New South Wales, offers advice on what to do if you get caught in a rip.

A two week firearms amnesty is to be held across Cornwall in a bid by police to get illegal and unwanted weapons off the streets.

It will run from 8am on Monday, November 3rd, and will end on Monday, November 17th.

People can hand in guns and ammunition at police stations in Bodmin, Camborne, St Austell and Truro without fear of prosecution for possession during the fortnight.

Officers hope items handed in will include guns which can still be fired, antique weapons, replica weapons, air weapons, BB guns, stun guns and ammunition.

They believe many people may be holding guns without realising they are illegal, including trophies of war which have been inherited from a relative, or guns thought to be harmless antiques.

The law on who can possess antique guns has recently changed, and for this reason some people who possess them may not now do so legally. The laws around antique firearms have been tightened which means that someone who has served or received a criminal sentence can no longer possess an antique gun.

The sentencing guidelines for possession for sale or transfer of an unauthorised firearm or ammunition have also been raised. This offence now carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Operations Chief Inspector Dan Evans said: "If you are in any way uncertain about the legality of a weapon or ammunition that you possess, if there's even a shadow of doubt, we would urge you to hand it in.

"Gun crime in the UK has continued to fall year on year for the last ten years. We are not complacent about gun crime, however, which is why we are conducting the amnesty now, we want as many guns as possible to be handed in and so make our communities safer."

"Weapons and ammunition can be surrendered at the nine police stations mentioned but anyone handing in a firearm during the amnesty is advised to check the opening times of their station. To receive advice on how best to transport the weapon responsibly from home to the police station phone 101 before travelling, or to seek advice if you cannot attend one of the participating amnesty points.

"During the amnesty those surrendering firearms will not face prosecution for illegal possession and they can remain anonymous. However, the history of each live weapon will be checked for evidence of its use in crimes.

"The firearms amnesty is being held in conjunction with the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS).

Head of NABIS, Detective Chief Superintendent Iain O' Brien, said: "Gun amnesties provide an important opportunity for people to hand firearms over to police and prevent them falling into the hands of criminals and endangering the public. We are pleased that Devon and Cornwall Police is running this operation and we hope as many people as possible take this opportunity to surrender their guns."

If you know of people involved in illegal firearms activity call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Every call to Crimestoppers is anonymous and potentially vital to preventing or solving serious crimes; removing an illegally held firearm may just save someone's life.

The locations and opening times of police stations where people can hand in firearms and ammunition as well as more information and FAQs can be found online here.

A PROLIFIC walker has returned to home shores after trekking 1000km across the battlefields of the First World War.

Robin Moore, a former serviceman from Carharrack, embarked on the mammoth journey to raise money for a number of cancer charities.

He began the expedition in Geneva, Switzerland and admitted that he encountered a few sticky situations along the way.

"Looking back this walk is one that I am particularly fond of, but as is usually the case in life, nothing was ever quite simple.

"As I was often sleeping in tents or on floors as opposed to a bed, I was in pain over the last few days. I had bruised heels from where my walking boots had worn away and I also pulled my hamstring on the last day when I fell down a hole crossing a road."

Mr Moore also had to negotiate tricky weather conditions on the continent, especially in Belgium which has seen a large volume of rainfall over the last month, forcing him to carry wet gear along the route.

The trip was planned by Mr Moore to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World and some of the landmarks proved to be particularly moving.

"Many of the First World War sites were very emotional; I walked past rows of headstones as long as several rugby fields and the Menin Gate was also poignant as it remembers all of those who died in the conflict whose bodies were never found."

Mr Moore was also greeted by some stunning scenery along the way, particularly in the Jura Mountains between France and Switzerland, a range that took around a week for him to pass through.

After finishing up in Ypres, Mr Moore has now walked more than 30,000 miles since 1992 and penned 18 books about his challenges.

For more information about Mr Moore's charity work and for information about how to donate, like Robin Moore's Walking for Charity on Facebook.

A MAN has appeared in court charged with murdering a Helston man with a crossbow.

Daniel Richard Schofield, 28, from St Keverne, appeared before Truro Magistrates today following the death of Roy Hanson, from the Helston area, on Saturday morning.

Schofield answered only to confirm his date of birth and name as he was told that his case could not be dealt with at that magistrates court.

He will appear at Truro Crown Court tomorrow at 2pm to apply for bail.

Police launched a murder investigation and were searching remote farm buildings in the St Keverne area on Saturday after Mr Hanson's body was found just after 9am.

Police said Mr Hanson was thought to have been struck with a bolt from a crossbow.

He was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

SCHEDULED resurfacing of Arwenack Street in Falmouth will take place from January 12. It is likely to take two weeks.

CHRISTMAS cards raising money for good causes are available to buy from Truro's City Hall.

The cards are being sold in aid of a range of charities including the RNLI and Barnardos.

Truro's mayor Loic Rich said sending cards at Christmas was a lovely gesture but it was even better to send ones that were helping good causes.

He said: "If you're concerned about Christmas being too consumerist then at least you know that the money's going to help someone who needs it."