Conman 'with blood on his hands' jailed
Chief ReporterThe Westcountry conman who sold fake bomb detectors to Iraq was jailed for ten years yesterday after a judge said he had blood on hands.James McCormick, 57, is thought to have made £50...
View ArticleA triple helping of comedy roles from Phill Jupitus
Comedian Phill Jupitus took Edinburgh Fringe Festival by storm last year with his show You're Probably Wondering Why I've Asked You Here... In it, Phill plays the part of three extraordinary (but...
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Understanding the futility of war with stage adaptation of epic popular novel
Sebastian Faulks' epic story of love and war, Birdsong, was in the top 20 of the country's favourite books in the BBC's 2003 Big Read survey.It weaves together the experiences of young Englishman...
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Smooth talker made millions from cruel lie that cost lives
Somerset businessman Jim McCormick enjoyed a life of luxury with the millions he earned selling his fake bomb detectors.He bought a £3.5 million house in the famous Circus in Bath which he kept as a...
View ArticlePrime Minister's praise for trust's restoration volunteers
Volunteers who restored an abandoned Grade II-listed manor house and grounds to its former glory have been officially recognised by the Prime Minster.The Lupton Trust, made up of local unemployed...
View ArticleGraduate 'was already dead before car fire'
A university graduate allegedly murdered by her boyfriend, his ex-lover and her uncle was already dead when her car was set alight, a court has heard.The body of Catherine Wells-Burr, 23, was...
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UKIP hope for change to political landscape
A new-look political map of the Westcountry will emerge today as the results of local elections will reveal whether the UK Independence Party's surging poll rating will translate into electoral...
View ArticleStep this way for a feast of fun and culture by the sea
Next week the beautiful harbour town of Fowey opens the doors to its annual spring celebration of words and music.Previously known as the Daphne du Maurier Festival, it may have changed its name this...
View Article3,000 singers spread musical joy across Cornwall
With 3,000 singers in 60 choirs performing at some 40 venues, there will be few places in Cornwall untouched by choral music this weekend.The sixth biennial Cornwall International Male Voice Choral...
View ArticleDriver bailed after car careers into river
A major search and rescue effort was launched after a car drove into the River Fowey in Cornwall. Witnesses raised the alarm at about 9.30pm on Wednesday after a Peugeot careered into the water from...
View ArticleFire crews tackle gas threat bin blaze
A bin fire which threatened the gas supply of a house in Mid-Devon, and later spread to a cavity wall, was tackled by firefighters in the early hours of yesterday. The alarm was raised at 2.30am with...
View ArticleWoman treated after fire in bedroom
An elderly woman had to be treated for the effects of smoke inhalation following a fire in the bedroom of a house in Cullompton, Mid-Devon, yesterday morning. Three fire engines responded at 8.30am...
View ArticleFire spreads to house from courtyard
A fire which spread from a courtyard into a house via an external vent was tackled by fire crews from North Cornwall. Firefighters from Launceston were went to the blaze in the Broad Park area of the...
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Searching for superlatives to sum up a first class show that's a joy to behold
REVIEWPrincess Theatre, Torquay, until tomorrowFantastic, fabulous, phenomenal... they're superlatives that we over-use day in and day out in conversation. But I'm not sure how else I could describe...
View ArticleBaddies take centre stage in Robert's tribute to Dickens
Everyone loves a fictional villain and few have brought them more vividly to life than Charles Dickens.So strong and prolific are the Victorian author's nasty characters that they are the full focus...
View ArticleGoss to follow guillemots' lead for North Sea kayak challenge
The tenacity of a humble seabird chick has inspired the latest record attempt by sailing adventurer Pete Goss.The veteran sailor, along with his friend Andy Warrender, are hoping to cross the North Sea...
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Charm of West's coast celebrated in new book
From stunning coastlines and beautiful beaches to award-winning fish markets and iconic hotels.The Westcountry has long been admired for the attractiveness of its coastline and it has now been captured...
View ArticleBungalow blaze probed
More than 20 firefighters were called to tackle a bungalow fire in Coverack, West Cornwall, in the early hours of yesterday.A fire crew from St Keverne was initially sent to the blaze in Polcoverack...
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PM promises to 'work really hard' to win back voters
David Cameron last night pledged to "work really hard" to win back voters who abandoned the Conservatives for UKIP as Nigel Farage's party made a series of stunning gains in the council elections.The...
View ArticleLabour steal Tory seat on PM's doorstep
David Cameron suffered an embarrassing blow after the Conservatives lost a county council seat in his Oxfordshire constituency to Labour.Labour officials said they were absolutely delighted with the...
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