People
By Jill Dando News A family from Bridgwater is inviting the community to come together this November to remember the life of “kind and caring” 19-year-old Bethany Branson — whose legacy continues to inspire through sport, kindness, and compassion. Bethany tragically lost her life in November 2022 when the car she
Business
By Business Editor Blinds By Mark, a trusted name in blinds and curtain installations across Bristol and beyond, is proudly celebrating two major milestones: over 500 combined five-star reviews across Google and Facebook, and official recognition as a Which? Trusted Trader. The Which? Trusted Trader endorsement is one of the
News
By Community Correspondent More than 150 survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery supported by The Salvation Army and its partners came together last week for a sports and wellbeing event held at the University of Warwick Sports Facilities. Marking Anti-Slavery Day, 18th October, teams travelled from safe houses and
People
By Community Correspondent A Birmingham Airport (BHX) employment initiative for young care experienced adults has resulted in 50% of participants securing paid employment at the regional transport hub. Three out of six of the cohort have now been offered paid positions at the airport following completion of the programme. In
People
By Ellise Hollie Hayward, Jill Dando News Disabilities Correspondent Alfie is a singer-songwriter who has cerebral palsy and a visual impairment. He has two Chihuahuas called Tyson and Dolly, and he’s also a Chelsea fan. Alfie currently performs at various care homes across the Kent area. Alfie’s family
Animals
By Animals Correspondent After decades of declines, one of the UK’s smallest and most threatened seabirds, the Little Tern, has continued to show signs of recovery after a successful 2025 breeding season at colonies across England. Little Terns, which weigh less than a tennis ball and migrate thousands of
Jill Dando News
By Rupert K, 13, Jill Dando News Correspondent The famous town of St Ives, nestled in the heart of Cornwall, has a new title: ‘Most Beautiful Town for Autumn’. The popular holiday destination is best known for its sunny beaches among summer visitors, but the sun can shine just as
Jill Dando News
By Oliver M, 15, Jill Dando News Correspondent Young people from across North Somerset gathered for the first time last week at Weston-super-Mare Town Hall to discuss their future and share the issues and concerns faced by thousands of young people across the region. Each school and group involved was
Schools
By Schools Correspondent Preston Chorley, a Year 7 student at Monkton Wood Academy, has claimed victory at the Weston Beach Race 2025. The event featured around 60 boys and girls from his age group, all competing on 65cc bikes. In a fiercely competitive race, Preston led for most of the
People
By Josh Bell, Charities and Schools Correspondent The Donate For Defib Weston-super-Mare Project made another valuable community connection this week, as members were warmly welcomed by the Royal Sands Community Group for a CPR and Early Defibrillation Awareness presentation. Over coffee, cake, and plenty of smiles, 25 residents took part
Mental Health
By Mental Health Correspondent Brentford FC is installing a collection of benches in West London to encourage its community to open up about mental health. With the first installed in time for World Mental Health Day on Friday 10 October, the benches are being placed in parks local to the
Mental Health
By Mental Health Correspondent Every year, World Mental Health Day (10th October) reminds us how important it is to care for our minds as much as we do our bodies. This year’s theme focuses on promoting awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging everyone to take small, meaningful steps to protect
Animals
By Animals Correspondent Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm in North Somerset has unveiled its biggest and most colourful pumpkin harvest to date – celebrated with a record-breaking jumbo elephant mosaic made from an astonishing 11,000 home grown pumpkins and gourds. The annual pumpkin harvest is a tradition born six years
Jill Dando News
By Oliver Masley, 15, Jill Dando News Correspondent at WCSA Newsroom Worle Community School Academy’s (WCSA), in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, music department never fails to deliver excellence in the arts. Its alumni have gone on to become members of prestigious groups, receive scholarships, and perform in stunning venues such
Animals
By Animals Correspondent A dedicated animal welfare advocate from Wales has been recognised for her outstanding commitment to improving the lives of dogs. Vanessa Waddon, Founder and Director of Hope Rescue in Pontyclun, South Wales, has received a Challenge Coin from animal welfare charity, Naturewatch Foundation, for her work leading
News
By Conservation Correspondent A groundbreaking project has seen 20 giant “oyster reef cubes” deployed off the North East coast of England to help restore the near-extinct European native oyster to UK waters. In a UK-first, marine conservationists from ZSL and Groundwork North East and Cumbria placed the textured, concrete-like blocks