Donkeys Find Loving Homes After Year-Long Search

By Jill Dando News In a remarkable end to a rescue that began in August 2023, five mares and their five foals have been successfully rehomed. The group were discovered in County Kildare by a landowner, who alerted Donkey Welfare Adviser Deirdre Scally after finding the animals abandoned on his

Alliance Homes launches Communities Together Grants 2025

By Jill Dando News Local housing association Alliance Homes has launched its 2025 Communities Together Grants, offering funding of up to £7,500 to support projects that build stronger, connected communities.   The grants, which range from £50 to £7,500 are open to charities, community groups and organisations across North

Ex-Head Boy Praised by Sir Alan Titchmarsh Wins Silver at World Skills Competition

STORY EXCLUSIVE By Jill Dando News Archie Matthews, 18, former Head Boy at Worle Community School Academy (WCSA) in Weston-super-Mare, has added yet another accolade to his impressive resume. Archie recently won a silver medal at the prestigious World Skills competition, where he competed against seasoned professionals—some nearly twice

How even just 15 minutes in nature can boost your wellbeing

By Jill Dando News The average UK person spends just 7% of their time (or 86 minutes) outdoors during the work week. This is shocking to hear – but with our busy schedules, it’s no wonder many of us can only find a few minutes each day to get outside.

Children say no to cars to make the school run safer

By Jill Dando News The first steps have been taken towards achieving a “School Street” in Derbyshire to reduce traffic and pollution outside a primary school by banning cars and motorbikes at peak times.    William Gilbert Endowed CofE Primary School in Duffield, part of Derbyshire Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT), has

How deep sleep clears a mouse’s mind, literally

By Jill Dando News A good night’s sleep does more than just help you feel rested—it might literally clear your mind. A new study published in the Cell Press journal Cell shows how deep sleep may wash away waste buildup in the brain during waking hours, an essential

Olive the Airedale Terrier reunites with Wells RNLI after her life was saved

By Jill Dando News Olive, the Airedale Terrier who was rescued by Wells RNLI on Sunday 29 December after a life-threatening emergency, visited the station with her family and four-legged companion Nell to express their immense gratitude to the crew who saved her life. Olive had been found unresponsive in

The snow must go on: pupils roll out the red carpet for Spready Mercury

By Jill Dando News Pupils at West Pennard C of E had a visit from their winning named gritter, Spready Mercury. Somerset Council and its highways contractor, Kier, ran a competition with local schools to name 2 new gritters which have just joined the fleet. 6 were short-listed and West

Oscars of the Charity World' Returns to London as Public Voting Opens

By Jill Dando News The Smiley Charity Film Awards, celebrating its seventh year as the world's largest purpose-driven film campaign, will return to The Indigo O2 on March 20, 2025. The event has garnered a record-breaking 520 entries this year. Public voting is now open until January 31,

Fundraiser completes mammoth year-long marathon-a-day challenge for Samaritans

By Jill Dando News James Cooper has completed the remarkable feat of running a marathon every single day of 2024 for the suicide prevention charity Intrepid mental health advocate James Cooper, 37, has completed the remarkable feat of running a marathon every single day of 2024 for the suicide prevention

Kids Go Free At Noah's Ark Zoo Farm This January

By Jill Dando News Did you know that January is often considered the bluest month of the year? Studies show that a significant percentage of people feel low after the festive season, with tight budgets and gloomy weather adding to the blues. That’s why Noah's Ark are

Bristol Shutter Specialists Transform Home Decor

By Business Editor Bristol-based Blinds By Mark is making waves in the window treatment industry with its exceptional Plantation shutters, offering a locally-manufactured alternative to long-lead-time imported products. The company, led by Mark and his dedicated team, has distinguished itself by providing UK-manufactured shutters with a remarkably quick turnaround of