POLICE are appealing for information about a theft that took place in Redruth earlier this month.

The shoplifting incident took place at the town's Tesco store on Tolgus Hill, on Saturday October 4.

The police are interested in speaking to the man pictured who was seen in the store at around 5:50pm.

If anybody can help identify the man then please phone 101 quoting crime reference number CR/111966/14.

Despite lurid headlines warning of the 'worst winter for 100 years', forecasters seem divided over the prospects for the coming months.

Papers including the Daily Express have suggested heavy snow, freezing gales and sub-zero temperatures will start to affect the UK from next week - and could last for up to five months.

They have quoted James Madden from Exacta Weather, whose long-term forecast has predicted temperatures of -27C for parts of the country.

He told the paper: "Over the coming weeks and into November, it is likely to turn progressively colder, even very cold at times, in particular, in parts of the north as northern blocking becomes a somewhat more prominent feature.

"This is likely to bring some significant snow across higher ground within this period.

"This may also bring the first snow event of the season to some much lower levels of the country, in particular, in some parts to the north and east of the country, but these wintry weather events may also not necessarily be restricted to just these parts, and some much lower levels of the country could also experience their first taste of wintry weather for the season in terms of overnight snow or developing wintry showers."

However, other forecasters do not seem so sure, especially the Met Office, who predict temperatures will be near or above average for the next month.

The national forecasting agency's 30-day outlook states: "The autumnal, changeable conditions are likely to continue for many through the end of October and the beginning of November.

"During this period, southern or southeastern areas could see more in the way of dry, settled spells, with sunshine at times making it feel mild, but also the risk of mist and fog developing overnight.

"However, the southwesterly flow is likely to bring spells of wet and windy weather which should affect mostly northern and western areas, but perhaps reaching other areas as well at times. Daytime temperatures likely to be near or above the seasonal average."

Netweather is also forecasting average temperatures for the next month ahead.

It is hoped that approval will be granted for plans for a new roundabout at Union Corner in Falmouth next month after a positive meeting about the various issues.

The matter was deferred on Thursday by Cornwall Council's strategic planning committee who had some concerns regarding design and impact on residents.

But a meeting took place yesterday with councillors from Falmouth and Budock, residents and Falmouth School to look at those concerns.

And Cornwall Council has said today that meeting was positive and the application will go back to the committee on November 20.

The scheme has been given £1.6 million Department of Transport funding for the project, but only if the work is completed byJuly next year.

There was concern the deferral could put paid to the whole project, and possibly to Falmouth School's plans to take over the former Budock Hospital site to improve its sports fields and create facilities for the community.

Part of the roundabout plan included a road through the school site from Union Corner to Trescobeas Road.

A spokesman for Cornwall Council said: "Officers and Members from Cornwall Council met with local residents and representatives from both Budock Parish Council, and Falmouth School to try and resolve the key areas of concern.

"A positive agreement has been reached on all outstanding issues and it is now intended that revised proposals addressing the specific concerns highlighted by the Committee are submitted for consideration at their next meeting."

THERE will be fire in the skies over Cornwall and Plymouth over the next week for Bonfire Night to mark Guy Fawkes' historic plot.

Here we round up some of the events to help you choose where to go if you fancy watching the whizzes and bangs of explosives overhead.

TREMORVAH Playing Fields Group, in association with Truro City Council, is holding its annual bonfire and fireworks display on Wednesday, November 5, from 5pm to 7pm. The event will raise money for Cornwall Air Ambulance and Penhaligon's Friends.

Gates open at 5pm with the fire lit at 5.45pm and fireworks set off at 6.45pm. Hot food and refreshments will be on sale and there will be stalls selling snacks, glow-sticks and sparklers. Admission for adults £3, children over 4 £1 and under-4 are free.

Any child bringing along a guy will have free entry – judging will be at 5.30pm by Truro's Mayor. Tremorvah Playing Fields are on Bodmin Road, opposite Archbishop Benson School, Truro.

TRURO Fireworks Display – Wednesday, November 5 at Truro City Football Club. The bonfire will be lit followed by a dazzling display at 7.30pm. Entry is £5 for adults, children £3 and under 3s are free. A family ticket for two adults and two children is £16. Free parking is available and disabled access.

ST ERME Community Centre annual family fireworks display will be on Saturday, November 1, from 6.30pm.

Adults £4, children £1. There will be hot dogs and burgers, homemade soup and a licensed bar on the cricket field opposite Rowes Honda, Trispen, near Truro. Free parking.

WENDRON Cricket Club's Family Firework Party is on Wednesday, November 5.

FALMOUTH Fireworks Display is on Wednesday, November 5.

CHACEWATER Fireworks Display takes place on Wednesday, November 5 at the Chacewater Millennium Green, Gates open from 6.30pm for a barbecue, bonfire will be lit at 6.45pm and display starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £3 for adults and £2 for children.

PORTHLEVEN School Bonfire Night Fireworks is on Friday, November 7.

PROBUS Young Farmers Charity Fireworks Display takes place this Saturday at the Probus Gardens. Gates open at 6.30pm and fireworks 7.30pm. Tickets are £4 for adults, under-16s £3 and under-5s free.

MITHIAN, St Agnes Fireworks Display takes place on Wednesday, November 5 at the Miners Arms, Mithian. Bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm and the fireworks display will start at 7pm. Entry is by donation and parking will be provided nearby.

HEARTLANDS' third annual bonfire night celebration, fireworks, bonfire, concessions and entertainment for all the family takes place at Pool on Wednesday, November 5, from 5.30pm to 9.30pm.

TREGONY Fireworks Display is on Saturday, November 8 at Tregony Sports Club. Gates open at 7pm, Guy Fawkes competition at 7.30pm and fireworks start at 8pm. Tickets are £4 for adults and £2 for children.

PENZANCE Fireworks Spectacular takes place on Wednesday, November 5. There will be family entertainment at the Magpies Football Ground, Alexandra Place, Penzance.

Back by popular demand, the Samba Celtica Band will provide an exciting pre-fireworks atmosphere inside the football ground where spectators can also enjoy a hog roast, popcorn and refreshments whilst the excitement of the crowd and anticipation of the display builds.

Gates open 6.30pm, fireworks start at 7.30pm. Adults £5, children £2.

Proceeds from the event help Rotary support community causes.

CARBIS Bay Holidays are delighted to be the main sponsor for the Carbis Bay Bonfire and Fireworks Party once again. Together with other local businesses they look forward to welcoming you to Carbis Bay Beach to see the fireworks, enjoy the barbecue and join in the fun.

Start with the lighting of the bonfire at 6pm on Wednesday, there will be a barbecue, mulled wine, hot potatoes, teas and coffees, doughnuts, candlyfloss and sweets.

£1 entry per person (suggested donation).

There's a free shuttle bus from the Porthrepta Road car park (council pay and display car parking charge applies).

BODMIN is looking forward to another colourful firework display on Wednesday, November 5 when £8,000 worth of pyrotechnics are let off in Priory Park.

The annual spectacular will celebrate war films, with theme tunes played during the evening, with gates open at 6pm. Advanced tickets are £3 adults and £2 for children from Bricknells, Stan May Stores, Morrisons, Bunts Newsagents, Martin and Budge, Sproulls Solicitors and Bodmin Football Club or £5 and £3 on the night.

PLYMOUTH is preparing to host a bonfire night and fireworks display for the whole family to enjoy. Taking place on The Hoe on Wednesday, November 5, visitors can enjoy fairground rides, food and drink from 4pm.

Entertainment, courtesy of Heart FM, will take place from 6pm on the grass area of The Hoe in front of the Royal Citadel. Performances from Alice Sposito, Street Factory, Alice Gullick and The Sound will entertain the crowds while the bonfire is lit at 7.30pm.

POLPERRO is yet again hosting its annual and very popular fireworks display which will take place this Saturday (weather permitting). The magnificent display will take place against the stunning backdrop of Peak Rock at 7.30pm sharp. Entry is free but donations are gratefully received as the cost of the fireworks is self funded by the village. In addition there will be a bonfire on the beach and a Children's Guy Fawkes competition which will be judged at 7pm by the fish market. Visitors can also enjoy a barbecue which will take place alongside the fish market in the harbour in aid of the Rowing Club.

RILLA MILL, near Callington, has a grand firework display on Saturday, November 8, at Parsons Meadow. Gates open at 6.30pm, with the display at 7.15pm. There will be hot refreshments. Entry adults £4, children £1. Under 5s go free.

WADEBRIDGE Firework Display is this Saturday.

ST DENNIS Firework Display is also this Saturday.

PORTH Fireworks Display is on Wednesday, November 5.

BUGLE School Firework Display is on Wednesday, November 5.

TYWARDREATH School Firework Display is on Wednesday, November 5.

LOOE Firework Display is on Saturday, November 8.

A FACTORY which employs more than 50 people to make hosiery products may close next year.

RB plc in Barncoose, Redruth, is undertaking a period of consultation before it makes the final decision on whether to stop production of flight socks, prescription hosiery and bandages.

If accepted, the company will close in the second half of 2015.

RB plc has said it will try to help its 52 permanent employees find work or take early retirement.

A company spokesman said: "The proposal has not been taken lightly and there will now follow a period of consultation with employees before a final decision is made.

"Should the proposal go ahead the company will seek to mitigate the consequences of closure through a programme of early retirement, voluntary redundancy and working with other RB sites and other relevant local agencies to source alternative employment opportunities for affected employees both inside and outside the business."

The company blame a decline production volume as the cause for the potential closure.

A Waltz party is being held in Penryn as part of a national campaign backed by Strictly Come Dancing stars Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace and violinist Andre Rieu.

Sarah Simons decided to organise the event after finding out about the Week of the Waltz on Facebook.

A total of 150 parties will take place as part of the event.

Each registered event has received decorations, Venetian masks, Andre Rieu masks, food ideas and a 'how to waltz' DVD with instructions from the stars.

The Penryn event will be on November 9 at the Highway Community Centre from 7.30pm.

Ms Simons, who coordinates the foodbank at the centre, said: "Two years ago I got into Andre Reiu music when my Mum asked me to go to see a live link up of one of his concerts at the cinema, and I was surprised how much I liked his music!

"When my party pack arrived it had a DVD in it of Vincent and Flavia teaching people how to waltz, which was fantastic as I'm also a Strictly fan and have been to some of their shows."

And speaking of the reason she decided to organise the event, she said: "I have a big heart for bringing the community together and thought it could be fun for a lot of people , waltzing to Andres music, (after instruction from Vincent and Falvia's dvd which we will project on the wall) and sharing Italian food."

There is no entry fee, but contributions of food are invited and people can bring their own drink.

A LIBERAL Democrat parliamentary candidate has stepped up her campaign to clamp down on second home tax dodgers.

Julia Goldsworthy, who is hoping to take the Camborne, Redruth and Hayle seat, met with local government minister Stephen Williams to discuss her concerns.

She appealed to Mr Williams during his visit to Cornwall to close a tax loophole that allows second home owners to class their properties as holiday let's, thereby avoiding paying both council tax and business rates.

"I am pleased ministers are listening and I now hope that they take action in the autumn statement.

"Cornwall is losing out on a serious sum of money because of this loophole and this is money that could be spent on vital local public services," she said.

Earlier this month Mrs Goldsworthy wrote to Danny Alexander, the chief secretary, asking him to take action.

The Welsh assembly has already clamped down on a similar loophole exploited by second home owners in Wales.

Mr Williams, the Liberal Democrat local government minister, said: "As we continue to build a stronger economy and a fairer society, it is vital that everyone pays their fair share. Any tax loopholes should be looked into and I will pass on the details of Julia's campaign to my colleagues in the Treasury."

Truro City face a near 700 mile round trip in the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy after being drawn away to Essex side Witham Town in today's draw.

City, who beat Egham Town 3-0 on Saturday in the first qualifying round, would have been hoping for  a home draw, but  instead must hit the road to play the Ryman Premier Division side who are currently 19th in their league.

 For the game City will be without  Jake Ash, Ed Palmer and Barry Hayles who are all suspended.

On Saturday, Witham  won 2-1 at  Southern League Division One Central side Royston Town in their first round qualifying tie.

 In the FA Vase second round,  Bodmin Town have been drawn home to St Blazey  and St Austell will travel to Hampshire side Folland Sports on November 22. Plymouth Parkway are away  to Verwood Town

CHILDREN returning to a Lizard school after half term were amazed to see the whole grounds covered in snow.

The spectacle at Landewednack Community Primary School was the work of two "fairies" who travel the UK doing random acts of kindness.

According to head teacher Louise Jones, apart from organising the health and safety paperwork and agreeing to the stunt last month, no-one at the school knows anything about it.

"We have been working with a secret provider and they wanted to make this happen at our school," she said.

"They go around the country spreading random acts of kindness and they have never been to Cornwall before.

"They contacted me about a month ago. Apart from that, I don't know who they are or why or how they did it.

"All I know is they provided this amazing magical experience for our children."

Posting on Twitter at 8am this morning after the stunt, the company, known as @thetwofairies, wrote: "Today at this school, little did they know, they expected lessons, they didn't expect snow."

The winter wonderland scene, which was created using real snow dumped on the school grounds overnight, created quite a stir with local residents and parents.

Rona Amiss, known as @organicduck on Twitter, wrote: "Wow, amazing morning at Landewednack School. Snow! Thanks to @thetwofairies. What a lovely idea. We need more random acts of kindness in the world."

Vicky CornishFancies, from @CornishFancies, wrote: "@thetwofairies thank you so much. What a wonderful surprise for my little boy and girl this morning."

Ms Jones said the school had complied with all the health and safety procedures, including a full risk assessment, but added that the whole operation was carried out with as much secrecy as possible.

"To be honest they haven't given us much info," she said. "I am just as dumbfounded as everyone else.

"I'm guessing it was all about bringing the magical experience to us because we are most southerly point in the UK and we hardly ever get snow. Some of our youngest children have never seen snow before."

Later in the day, @thetwofairies tweeted: "Did you see the magic? If you did, let us know. This school down in Cornwall, was treated to snow."

DEVON and Cornwall Police has launched a competition to design its official Christmas e-card – with the chance to name a police dog puppy.

Winners will be able to name one of the latest litter of puppies, and to spend an hour with the seven pups and their mum, Ruby, as well as Devon and Cornwall Police puppy development officer Paul Glennon.

Anyone aged 16 or under can submit a design in one of three age categories.

The winning entries will be selected by members of the Chief Officers Group, and then turned into e-cards which officers and staff at Devon and Cornwall Police can choose from in order to send Christmas or seasonal greetings.

Entrants can get creative with their designs, but each one should be created on an A4-sized piece of card.

If you're handier with a mouse than a paintbrush or pencil, then designs can also be submitted as electronic JPEG image files.

The design should also feature a police puppy reference.

All the force asks is that entrants don't use materials that make a raised collage design such as glitter or pasta shapes as these cannot be scanned to create the official e-card.

Head of corporate communications, Tanya Croft, said: "We're really looking forward to receiving entries to our official Christmas e-card competition as it means Devon and Cornwall Police officers and staff will have not just one but three fabulous pictures to choose from which are unique to us and not chosen from stock designs.

"The winners will be able to ask Paul Glennon any questions they have about how we train police dogs, or about their own dogs.

"The only thing we ask people to bear in mind when picking a name for one of the puppies is that it must be suitable for a working police dog, so we advise staying away from names like Fluffy."

The closing date for entries is November 26, 2014. Full terms, conditions and instructions can be found on the Devon and Cornwall Police website at www.devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk/name-a-puppy

POLICE have issued advice to social media users after a case of cyber bullying in Helston left its victim subject to abuse both online – and in person.

Police investigated a case involving a Facebook user in the Helston area after someone posted a comment on their profile page.

"Although the comment was untrue and the offender was dealt with for the offence, the damage was done and a snowball effect developed with many people believing the original statement," said Sergeant Martin Roberts, from Falmouth and Helston police.

"Individuals believing this lie took it upon themselves to express their thoughts and opinions towards the victim.

"This resulted with the victim being harassed both in person and through different types of social media.

"The victim then retaliated and in the process also became subject to a police investigation."

Devon and Cornwall Police said it was receiving an increasing numbers of calls from people who have been abused or harassed through digital communications such as e-mails, Twitter and Facebook.

Referred to as 'trolling' or cyber-bullying, victims are subjected to attacks from people who "deliberately use highly offensive, indecent, threatening or false language" to upset or offend someone online.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "On some occasions initial conversations which begin amicably turn into an argument and are then followed by threats and abuse.

"There are also incidents where false allegations are made about an individual.

"This message is then viewed by many and then copied and pasted to even more Facebook users.

"Within a short period of time the initial incorrect message has been read and believed, creating further hostility towards the victim."

The spokesman said social media should not be used to "insult, humiliate, harass or abuse" individuals and anyone who experienced this sort of behaviour should, in the first instance, report the matter to Facebook, using the drop down menu on 'message' and then clicking on 'report'.

"If the abuse is really serious, then this must be reported to the police using the 101 telephone number and the incident will then be investigated," he said.

"The offender should expect to be spoken to by the police where they could find themselves being prosecuted for any offences disclosed."

SCHOOLCHILDREN were able to combine learning about history with learning about fire safety while studying the Great Fire of London.

Youngsters in Year 2 at Threemilestone Primary School have been learning about the Great Fire of 1666.

As part of their lessons Mevagissey and Jacobstowe classes have written diaries in the style of Samuel Pepys, who wrote an eyewitness account of the fire, and built houses in the style seen in London at the time.

They also learned about how and where the fire started and used their cardboard constructions to create a model of the capital.

Firefighters were then invited into the school to set fire to "London" and the children watched as it burned and was reduced to ashes.

The firefighters then safely extinguished the flames and took the opportunity to give the children a lesson in fire safety.

A child from Mevagissey class said: "We told the firemen that it happened in 1666 and started in a bakers shop in Pudding Lane.

"They set it alight and we watched our model burn. It was very exciting and a bit smoky!"

A youngster from Jacobstowe class added: "We told the fire brigade the safety rhymes we had learnt in our fire safety talk with our teachers – matches, lighters, never touch, they can hurt you very much; stop, drop, roll and they taught us another one: get out, stay out, call us out."

Mevagissey class teacher Kirsten Maun said: "This was a very exciting way to learn about the Great Fire of London and fire safety all in one go.

"An experience, we hope, the children will never forget."

A MAN who made off with £10 entrusted to him to buy alcohol for his friends was subjected to three separate attacks when one of the group caught up with him.

Paul Gallagher, for the defence, told Truro magistrates that Alex Burgoyne, 21, of no fixed address in Truro, was one of a drinking co-operative of people on benefits who drank together regularly, taking it in turns to buy the drink as each of them received their money.

The court heard that Daniel Gwennap, who was one of them, had gone off with £10 given to him to buy alcohol and had been attacked in three separate incidents by Burgoyne.

Burgoyne pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Gwennap on October 17.

Gail Hawksley, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said Mr Gwennap had been approached near Back Quay in Truro by Burgoyne who said he owed one of them £10, and then kicked Mr Gwennap's legs from under him, causing him to fall down.

He kicked and punched him while he was down. Mr Gwennap ran into a shop, but Burgoyne followed him and punched him again before leaving. He returned for a third time to punch Mr Gwennap again.

Burgoyne, who had previous convictions, admitted breaching a suspended sentence.

Mr Gallagher said the group's arrangement were that whoever got paid benefits that day bought the drink, and under the scheme Burgoyne was given £10 to go and buy alcohol but had disappeared with it. He was sorry for what he did, and realised that he had aggravated the group's trust.

Burgoyne was sent to prison for 20 weeks and told to pay a victim surcharge of £80.

The Wildlife Trust is pushing the Government to set up new protected zones off the Cornish coast for sharks, dolphins and whales.

The Cornish coastline is just one of the 17 locations around the UK identified by the charity as potential safe havens for the creatures.

Conservationists have carried out a study of "hotspots" –including five in the South West – which it claims are crucial feeding and breeding grounds for many species of "megafauna".

The charity is now calling for the creation of protected areas which specifically target these animals in order to fill a "missing link" in the UK's current conservation programme.

Among the hotspots for marine life in Cornwall that the charity say needs to be protected include the Lizard and the Manacles which are important waters for basking sharks and common bottlenose dolphins.

Joan Edwards, the trust's head of living seas based in Plymouth, said: "Many people are surprised to discover that in the waters surrounding our shores you could encounter29 different species of whale, dolphin and porpoise and the world's second largest shark – the basking shark.

"The UK has made huge advances in marine conservation in recent years but there is still a significant job to do. Our marine megafauna are still under threat.

"There's an urgent need to create protected areas at sea for our ocean giants and ensure a network of sites to safeguard these species for generations to come."

The trust's Save Our Ocean Giants report warned that larger marine animals were "acutely vulnerable" to pollution, commercial fishing and other human activities.

It added that while the Government had pledged to develop the UK's network of marine protected areas by 2016, at present there is only one site established in Wales specifically for the conservation of these species.

The charity has responded to the lack of provision by launching a campaign to get 17 "megafauna hotspots" where the animals gather to eat, breed and socialise designated as marine protected areas.

The Wildlife Trusts has launched an e-petition today to support its campaign.

More information can be found at www.wildlifetrusts.org/oceangiants

A FORMER marine who was told he would never walk again has raised thousands of pounds for injured war veterans after completing a 4km uphill challenge.

James Fowler, from Constantine, spent six months in a coma after a parachute demonstration went horribly wrong in 1987.

The accident left him partially paralysed and unable to speak.

On October 25, Mr Fowler walked the 4km (2.7-mile), route to the summit of the Rock of Gibraltar in aid of the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund.

The former member of 42 Commando and the Royal Marines' R Company completed the walk in two hours, 20 minutes and raised £3,000 for the charity.

He had the support of his brother-in-law, Steve Potter, and 10 members of 42 Commando and the Royal Marines' M Company, based at Bickleigh Barracks near Plymouth.

Mr Fowler said: "I was so determined to do it. I felt like I had my late father there giving me a push. I feel great."

His mum, Anne Fowler, who cares for him at home in Constantine, said: "I had tears in my eyes when he rounded that corner. I just couldn't believe that he had done it.

"The organisers called him inspiration."

The Rock of Gibraltar run is an annual event which sees marines compete against each other to reach the 1,300ft summit.

This year was a special event as it marked the 350th anniversary of the Royal Marines.

Mr Fowler was badly hurt during a parachute display at Butlin's in Bangor in July 1987,

after his lines got tangled with a colleague's and he crashed into a wall, shattering his arms and knocking him unconscious. He remained in a coma until Christmas.

Six years ago, Mr Fowler started walking, four years ago he taught himself how to tie his shoelaces, and now he is totally self-sufficient.

Mr Fowler has already raised thousands of pounds for the Royal British Legion and the injured veterans' charity Help for Heroes.

Despite the horror of his accident, Mr Fowler has never lost his love of parachuting, doing a number of assisted jumps for charity.

TAKING over Penryn Library could cost the town council £20,000 a year.

That is what members will be told in a report on Monday evening, when they decide which services it wishes to look at taking over from Cornwall Council.

The idea of taking over the library had already been mooted, along with other services, when the impact of Cornwall Council cuts was explained. But now the town council has a breakdown of costs, it must decide which it considers as part of its own budget-setting in December.

If it takes over the library, the council would move its offices to the building, with the saving in rent helping to offset the costs and resulting in the library being open for longer hours.

The council may also ask to take over ownership of Permarin car park, which it currently leases, along with Commercial Road car park.

It would cost around £6,000 for the first year at Commercial Road, but the council may look at opening up pedestrian access from Commercial Road to the town centre to increase its use.

However, its contribution to public toilets may be dropped – with proposals to terminate the lease at both Exchequer Quay and Permarin car park.

CCTV

But it could create a community toilet scheme, with local businesses allowing their toilets to be used for free, in return for free promotion on the council website and in local tourism guides.

With regards to CCTV, the council may save money if it agrees to contract Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service to provide the monitoring.

Cornwall Council has been negotiating with the service and several councils have already shown interest.

The cost would be split, depending on the number of cameras, which means Penryn Council would save £7,830 on previous years.

Members will also be asked to consider taking on the freehold of Glasney Playing Field, College Field, a piece of land at Freemans Wharf and set up a community warden scheme.

Clerk Michelle Davey will tell members the total cost of all the recommendations would mean an increase in the precept of 2.89 per cent – last year it went up 25 per cent.

But she said that as the full budget has not been drafted, there are other elements which will see increases and savings which must be taken into consideration.