Sailors from HMS Raleigh will be among the crowd cheering on Plymouth Argyle this Saturday as the club hosts its annual Armed Forces Day for the fifth year.
A group of 34 new recruits will be among more than 200 Royal Navy personnel and their families who have been invited to watch the npower League Two match against Fleetwood Town. They will also be joined by families of those currently deployed on operations.
HMS Raleigh instructor petty officer Louise Faull said: "The recruits are really looking forward to the match and joining the Green Army. It's been a long and arduous nine weeks for them so far and this will be their first opportunity to have some real down-time outside of the training environment. They are all hoping for an Argyle win."
The recruits from Raleigh joined the Royal Navy in January and are currently undergoing their 10 week initial naval training course. They are due to complete training on Friday March 22 when they will be reunited with their families for their passing-out-parade.
Senior Royal Navy Officers and other local dignitaries will attend the match, along with cadet units and a contingent from HMS Heroes, a support group for the children of Servicemen and women.
Members of the armed forces will play a prominent role in event proceedings.
In the build-up to the match there will be performances by the HMS Drake Volunteer Band in collaboration with additional musicians from across the South West, and the HMS Heroes Military Kids Choir.
There will also be a parade of standards and a guard of honour formed by local cadet units and the match ball will be delivered by a serving member of the Armed Forces.
Prior to the game a collection will be made to help support Naval families through the Naval Area Community Office.
And weather and pitch permitting the sea cadets from Training Ship (TS) Golden Hind and TS Manadon will compete in a Field Gun competition at half-time.
Army and Royal Navy careers staff will be on hand to talk to members of the public considering a Service career.

Liskeard's cow lady will be doing her bit to raise funds for Red Nose Day by dressing as Ermintrude, the pink cow form the children's TV show Magic Roundabout.
Nicky Harwood who co-owns Jelly Pebbles arts and gift shop in Liskeard, acquired her title as cow lady for designing and painting colourful cows.This year to help raise funds for Comic Relief, which helps people in need across the UK and Africa, she decided to take her love for the animal a step further and dress as one for the entire day on Friday March 15.
Mrs Harwood said: "Since joining Liskeard and Looe Ladies Circle last year I seem to have caught the fundraising bug and wanted to do something funny for money. I hate fancy dress so am really nervous about the day but hope that people will give generously for the cause."
She will be completing all of her usual daily activities in the costume including walking her dogs, walking to work, and helping out at the Jelly Pebbles Red Nose Day Coffee Morning.
She said: "We are holding a coffee morning in my studio at Jelly Pebbles , Windsor Place, Liskeard and it would be great to see people there."The coffee morning will take place between 10am and 12pm.

A Westcountry Conservative MP has urged David Cameron to rid the party of its "posh, male and white" image within the next two months.

Sarah Wollaston, MP for Totnes, called on the Prime Minister to promote more women and reshuffle his "inner circle" before May's local election – arguing the upper echelons of the party need to be more representative of modern Britain.

The intervention came as reports suggest that Theresa May, the Home Secretary, and ex-Defence Secretary Liam Fox are positioning themselves to succeed Mr Cameron.

Yet despite a series of poor opinion polls and election results, Dr Wollaston insisted she was a "Cameron loyalist" and the Prime Minister remains the "best person for the job".

Another Westcountry Tory MP has called for the Government to be "far more radical" and "if necessary ditch the Lib Dems" in the face of the alleged leadership threat.

Richard Drax, MP for South Dorset, writes on his blog that the Lib Dems are wrong to be promoting "more government expenditure and higher taxes" – arguing the "only answer is to drastically cut government expenditure, cut taxes and create an environment which encourages people to work and in which entrepreneurs and businesses can thrive".

"There is a way forward, Prime Minister; for the future of our country, please take it," he went on.

Meanwhile, the Lib Dems plan to exploit the threat to the Tories posed by the UK Independence Party (UKIP) by pouring resources into winning South West seats.

Following the success of UKIP at splitting the Tory vote in the Eastleigh by-election, Lib Dem strategists have put Camborne and Redruth in Cornwall at the top of the list.

In a series of tweets, Dr Wollaston, a backbencher elected in 2010, wrote: "Inner circle still look far too posh, male & white & Cameron is running out of time to fix it.

"I consider myself a Cameron loyalist; he is the best person for the job but should listen to critical friends.

"I am a Cameron loyalist but he needs to change his inner circle which just seems to be telling him what he wants to hear."

Writing for the Telegraph. co.uk website, she continued: "If David Cameron wants to occupy the 'common ground' he needs to look at how his inner circle of ministers and advisers look from the outside."

On becoming leader of the Conservative Party in 2005, Mr Cameron set about the task of "de-toxifying" the Conservative image. The modernisation agenda included introducing the A-list of would-be Conservative MPs, which aimed to broaden the number of minority group and women candidates.

In a message warmly greeted by many on the Tory right, senior backbencher Dr Fox issued a call for a public spending freeze of between three and five years, and challenged Mr Cameron's decision to protect the budgets of the NHS, schools and overseas aid. Home Secretary Mrs May fuelled speculation that she harbours future leadership ambitions after giving a detailed speech on Saturday that roved across a number of government briefs.

Mr Cameron is facing pressure to implement more right-leaning policies to ward off the UKIP threat, though others have cautioned it would spell disaster if the party ceded the centre ground.

The Lib Dems are targeting about 25 Tory-held marginal seats in the wake of the UKIP victory, it was reported yesterday. As previously reported in the Western Morning News, Lib Dem president Tim Farron has said three Tory seats in Cornwall are winnable, and Newton Abbot in Devon is high on the list.

The Government is also facing divisions over Business Secretary Vince Cable leading calls for more borrowing to kick-start the economy.

Writing in today's WMN, Mr Eustice, Conservative MP for Camborne and Redruth, says abandoning deficit reduction "would make things worse not better".

Plymouth Argyle moved off the bottom of the npower League Two table following a 0-0 against Bradford City at Home Park.

The Pilgrims held the play-off-chasing visitors during a tense opening half.

On-loan Crystal Palace winger Jason Banton went close for the home side, working his way into the box before forcing Matt Duke into a save, but neither side could force a definitive opening.

Banton was just as threatening in the second half and hit the post as the game approached the hour mark.

Accrington Stanley's defeat at home to Fleetwood Town means the Pilgrims move off the bottom of the table on goal difference. They remain a point behind Torquay United, who are just outside the relegation zone.

Plymouth Argyle (starting line-up): Cole; Blanchard, Wotton, Branston, Bhasera; Gurrieri, Cox, Hourihane, Bryan; Banton; Reid. Substitutes: Cowan-Hall, Young, Chadwick, Chenoweth, Richards, Murray, Harvey.

Sutton Utd 0 Truro City 1

City bounced back from their 4-0 mauling at Bromley on Saturday, with a superb  victory at a freezing Sutton on Tuesday evening, thanks to a late goal from the recalled Martin Watts.

Watts netted his fourth goal of the season seven minutes from time with a trademark 25-yard free-kick which proved enough to give City only their third away league win of the season.

Watts had come back into the side in place of Ben Williams, in one of three changes from the team that lost at Bromley, with fit again skipper Jake Ash replacing the injured Joe Broad in midfield and Luke Payne replacing Paul Hider in goal after recovering from illness.

Although City's hopes of staying in Blue Square South look bleak – they are 16 points from safety with just nine games left – it was a morale boosting success after Saturday's poor performance at Bromley.

And manager Lee Hodges was delighted with his team's display.

He said: "It was a tough day at the office on Saturday but everyone played their part tonight and a bit of magic from Martin won it for us."

City are next in action at home to Eastleigh on Saturday (3pm).

City: Payne; Hodges, Gerring, Kendall, Watts, Cooke, Ash (capt), Martin (Williams 89), Afful, Watkins, Hayles. Subs (not used); Hall, Wright, Hider.

Crowd: 360

THE organisers of Beach Break Live have unveiled plans to evolve the antiquated UK festival model by creating the country's first music holiday ... in Newquay featuring headliner Jake Bugg.

After three years at Pembrey Country Park in South Wales, Beach Break Live will return to its spiritual home, Cornwall, to create the very first music holiday and change the face of festival experiences in the UK.

The organisers have assembled a great line-up of artists, including Jake Bugg, AlunaGeorge pictured, Devlin, Foreign Beggars, High Contrast, David Rodigan, Danny Byrd, Lucy Rose, Lulu James, Dub Pistols, Skream & Sgt Poles, Eats Everything, Jackmaster, DJ Format and Scratch Perverts. Eighteen-year-old chart sensation Bugg said: "I'm looking forward to playing the first ever main stage on Fistral Beach, it's a great location and a great festival."

From June 20 to 24 Beach Break Live will take over the streets, bars, clubs and beaches of Newquay to transform the entire town into the ultimate festival carnival mash-up.

With tickets starting at just £40, Beach Break Live promises to be the most exhilarating experience at the most affordable price available anywhere in the world.

Taking over Newquay to become the first UK music holiday, Beach Break Live has announced a plethora of entertainment including a main stage on Fistral Beach for the first time, secret sets in greasy spoons, feverish DJs in classic clubs, hidden rooftop raves, beach discos, boat parties and more.

Glamping, camping and caravans will all be available for those wanting to retain some of the elements of a traditional festival while Beach Breakers are encouraged to use local businesses, accommodation and facilities wherever possible during their stay in Newquay.

Revellers will be transported to a seaside heaven with pool parties, street art, circus, comedy, exclusive after parties, pasty parties, harbourside cinema, theatre, extreme sports, laser shows and much more.

Ian Forshew, Beach Break Live founder, said: "The festival world is changing; we need and want to bring our ticket holders more than just musicians on a stage. Imagine Rio carnival surfing the perfect turquoise wave of Cornwall."

Beach Break Live is set to bring significant income into Newquay and is working closely with the local council, Newquay BID and all Newquay businesses, clubs, pubs and community to ensure the event is beneficial to everyone involved.

See www.beachbreaklive.com

"The figures out this week are a stark reminder of the scale of the challenge we face from bovine TB, and why we must do everything we can to bring this terrible disease under control.

Last year 28,284 cattle had to be slaughtered in England as a result of TB. More than 20,000 were from farms in the South West, including 2,014 in Somerset and 1,192 in Dorset. No area of the country knows as well as this community the devastation this disease can cause.

Since the 1980s, new cases of TB in cattle herds have increased dramatically and what was once a disease isolated to a few small pockets is now rife throughout South West England and threatening to make further inroads eastwards across England.

Not every farm has suffered from bovine TB. But every cattle farmer in the South West who has managed to avoid it to date will tell you that they live in constant dread that one day they will get the terrible news their herd has tested positive for bovine TB. For farmers who have invested in their herd and spent time raising the animals, such news has a devastating effect. It means that some animals they've spent sometimes years rearing are slaughtered. It means that their ability to manage the rest of their herd, bring in new animals and sell on others is severely restricted. This process may be repeated again and again – each time with another anxious wait for the test results – until we can be sure the herd is free from disease. It is a huge drain for the farmer and his family, both financially and emotionally.

We have strict measures in place to reduce this spread – we have increased TB testing of herds in high risk areas, put tighter controls on the movement of cattle and are asking farmers to improve biosecurity – but we know this isn't enough on its own. We're spending £15.5m on the development of vaccines against TB. At the moment it's illegal to vaccinate cattle against TB as you can't tell whether the cow has been vaccinated against the disease, or is infected with it. We're in talks with the European Commission to change this, but it's a long process and we have been told we won't be able to vaccinate cattle for another 10 years.

We fund a badger vaccination project near Stroud that protected nearly 1,000 badgers last year against the disease. To vaccinate badgers you need to catch, trap and inject every badger every year. This means it's not a practical solution for dealing with the disease across the whole country in the short term. We're also funding research into oral badger vaccinations. If we had workable vaccines available now we would use them, but it's clear they cannot yet provide the solution we hope they one day will.

To eradicate this disease, scientific evidence and the experience of other countries tells us that in our part of the country we also need to tackle the disease in the badger population, which we know is a factor in the spread of TB to cattle.

Last month we announced that the final authorisations have been given for pilot badger culls to take place during the summer in West Somerset and West Gloucestershire. A third area, in Dorset, will also be prepared as a reserve option should there any reason why the cull cannot proceed in Gloucestershire or Somerset.

The cull might not be universally popular but it is backed up by science. Evidence has shown that culling, when carried out properly, can play a significant role in helping to reduce the spread of bovine TB. And with the spread of TB expected to cost the economy £1billion over the next ten years if action is not taken, we can't afford to sit back and do nothing.

It's important for us all to recognise that the farmers who have decided to take part in the cull have done so only after serious consideration. They're not taking part because it's the easy thing to do but because they want to tackle a disease that's destroying their livelihoods.

I know there are people who do not want to see the badger cull go ahead and I respect their right to express their opinions in a lawful manner. But the cull is legal and no one has the right to disrupt it. Those carrying out the cull must be allowed to proceed safely and without fear of intimidation.

I also want to make it clear that throughout this whole process public safety has been at the forefront of our minds. All those involved have had to pass a rigorous training course. The Government, contractors, Natural England, and the police have also discussed safety requirements. There is no reason why people will not be able to continue to enjoy the countryside. Nobody wants to kill badgers but we have to tackle the spread of bovine TB. If we don't start to reverse the steep rise in the number of cases by using all the tools at our disposal we'll never get on top of this awful disease."

A new service is being set up to help people cope with the death of a pet.

The Ally community interest company is the brainchild of Ali Samuels, who set it up after working as a nurse and suffering her own bereavements.

It will be run by a team of trained supporters and is looking for others to complete the course and register to help others. Interest is expected from staff or volunteers at community health or social agencies, veterinary practices, animal establishments or individuals who have experience in care-related professions.

DuchyVets in Redruth, Hayle and Penryn, and Mounts Bay Veterinary Practice in Penzance are already piloting the scheme and anticipate referring people who have lost a pet or  animal soon.

Ms Samuels said: "The loss of a beloved pet can be devastating and the consequences of this loss, if not fully acknowledged, may affect one's health and wellbeing. Our aim is to support people at this difficult time and focus on what they need to prepare and adjust to the loss of their pet. This may include home visits and some telephone contact.

"Those who are experiencing the loss of their pet or animal will be offered help by an Ally supporter … who may work or volunteer within a veterinary group or animal establishment, or from within a community agency supporting people who are isolated and vulnerable.

"By providing this much needed service, and creating a unique alliance between these groups and agencies, a stronger partnership will be forged with the primary health care teams. This will hopefully prevent people from 'falling through the net', compromising their physical and mental health.''

Veterinary nurse Sarah Wyatt, director of three Duchy Vets establishments, said: "Our clients and their pets are like members of our family and the loss of a pet effects people deeply.  It is such a difficult time and important for us that we are always here for our clients. We are looking forward to having a trained Ally supporter within our surgery."

A lottery grant awarded last year can provide full funding for the new course, which is accredited by the Open College Network South West Region and starting in May.

For further information visit www.allyforall.com, e-mail info@allyforall.com or ring 01736 333334.

CAMBORNE care home worker has been found guilty of ill-treating vulnerable patients today.
Fiona Salmon, aged 40, of Fore Street, was on trial for ill-treating or neglecting seven residents suffering from insufficient mental capacity at Cornwallis Care Services' nursing home based in St Ives.
She was said to have used physical and verbal violence on them between June 1, 2011, and January 25, 2012.
Following her three-day trial at Truro Crown Court, which started on Monday, the jury of nine women and three men found Salmon guilty on all seven counts.
Judge John Neligan told Salmon to expect a custodial sentence.
Talking after the trial, Alan Gillan, the son of one of the victims, said: "I am pleased that it was a clear-cut verdict.
"At least I know that my mother recovered from that (ill-treatment) but for those whose loved ones died, they do not know what state they were in when this abuse took place.
"I am also happy about the changes made at the care home and therefore I am happy to leave my mother there."
Over the three-day trial the court heard how Salmon sat on a vulnerable patient's legs and sprayed deodorant in the face of a frail elderly resident.
Prosecutor Philip Lee, for the CPS, said other offences varied from pinching, slapping and rough handling, to calling elderly residents names such as a "dirty b***h" and telling them their breath stank of dog mess.
Salmon, who denies all seven charges, gave evidence at court yesterday.
She broke down in tears in the witness box as she told the jury: "I did not shout at the residents."
Salmon did however admit some responsibility for some of the incidents but claimed them all being accidents.
She was accused of spraying deodorant in the face of a frail female resident and also spraying deodorant on the bold head of a male patient.
She said: "One morning about 7.30am after washing a patient we (Salmon and another health care assistant) were laughing about something and I must have accidentally sprayed deodorant on his bold head and not under his arm.
"But I did not do it on purpose, I was distracted and I accept it was an accident. I was not paying attention to what I was doing and when I got home I realised I had done wrong."
Salmon also admitted being a 'stockier' person and having more strength than her fellow care assistants.
She insisted apologising to patients if she, for example, moved them too quickly.
But Salmon decisively denied using foul language, telling a patient that her breath stank of dog mess and making other comments of sexual nature in front of residents. She said: "Those comments are just sick and I never used those words."
She also told the court she liked the residents and got on well with staff.
Salmon said she did not know why she was accused of ill-treating patients and said the claims started shortly after she had been offered day shifts.

COUNCIL chiefs will on Monday decide the fate of two controversial planning applications for supermarkets in St Austell.

Cornwall Council officers have made their recommendations – but we want to know what site you think is best, if any, for St Austell.

Register your vote in our poll on this page.   

Terrace Hill's application for an as yet unknown store on the site of the current Cornwall Council One Stop Shop, on Penwinnick Road, has the backing of council officers.

It would see the existing council offices demolished and a supermarket built on the land, with new office accommodation built alongside.

A Cornwall Council planning officer's report states that Penwinnick Road is the preferred site for a supermarket as it is closer to the town centre, giving more opportunity for linked trips.

Broadley Park Properties, however, has rubbished this claim. It has applied to build a Morrisons supermarket on land at Pentewan Road – but their application has been recommended for refusal by the council.

Cornwall Council's strategic planning committee meets on Monday and you can follow the debate live, here at www.thisiscornwall.co.uk

Police are appealing for witnesses following a disturbance outside a Liskeard pub on Saturday March 2.
At around 9pm officers were called to a disturbance involving two local men outside the White Horse on the parade.
Both men had suffered injuries and were arrested at the scene. 
Police believe the two men were involved in an incident that took place inside the pub before they were asked to leave. Police suspect a third man may have also been involved.
The two suspects, aged 21-years-old and 48-years-old, were arrested and released on police bail until April 19.
Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 101 quoting BD/13/343.

A Calstock pub is having its entire bar area covered in grass in honour of St Patrick's Day.
Senior chef at the Boot Inn Joe O'Reilly said: "I know it sounds a bit whacky but we thought it would be a bit of fun for all of our customers."
As well as having the floor laid to lawn, Celtic harpist Fionnuala Perry will be playing Irish music throughout the celebrations, which take place this Sunday.
She said: "It will certainly be a first for me. I thought they were joking when they asked me if I'd mind playing on a lawn."
HCT Turf Company of Exeter, which supplied the specialist netted lawn, is sponsoring the event.
Vernon Hockley, a partner at the firm, said: "We thought it was hilarious when we were first approached. Who knows, it might actually catch on."
Mr O'Reilly said: "It should be a bit of a laugh for our usual Sunday lunch crowd and we expect a fair few popping in for a subsidised pint of Dublin Guinness."